Match 46 - Points Table - sportstiger

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

In Sunday’s doubleheader, the Lucknow Super Giants defeated the Delhi Capitals in a high scoring game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai by six runs. LSG posted a massive total of 195. Then in the second innings, they put on the screws on the Delhi batting as they restricted DC to 189. Whereas in the second game, Chennai Super Kings dominated Sunrisers Hyderabad as they put up a massive score of 202 and restricted the SRH batting to 189. 

Changes in the points table

After the 43rd and 44th matches of the IPL, Lucknow Super Giants are second on the table with 14 points from 10 games. They also have a net run rate of +0.377. Whereas the Delhi Capitals are sixth on the table with eight points from nine games with a net run rate of +0.587. Whereas the Chennai Super Kings are ninth on the table with six points from nine games with a net run rate of -0.407 while Sunrisers Hyderabad is fourth on the table with 10 points from nine games a net run rate of +0.471.

Today’s Matchup

The Rajasthan Royals will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders for the second time this season. In their previous matchup, Rajasthan pulled off a thrilling 7-run victory. Similarly, both teams enter this game after losing their previous fixture. KKR lost to the Delhi Capitals while RR lost to Mumbai Indians. 

What did the winning captains say?

LSG captain KL Rahul praised his younger teammates in this victory as he said, “Really not thinking about that (playoffs), we've played some good cricket. Happy with the way we are doing the right things, just gives us confidence and we need to come out every game and give it our 100%, that's what we are trying to do. He (Mohsin Khan) has been brilliant, played him in the nets first time a month ago ... didn't want to face him, seriously. He was sharp, he's scary at times in the nets.”

“It's not just the pace, he has a good brain, has a bit of skill as well, has a great slower one and he knows when to use them. Eager to learn, eager to play, obviously he's been around with the teams for the last 2-3 years, he hasn't got a chance, he was very eager to play and he's been a confident guy. Even under pressure, he's bowled some really big overs for us and he's performed for us. Hopefully, he can learn, get better, get confident and keep doing the job for us”, Rahul added.

CSK captain MS Dhoni was elated as they registered their third victory of the season. He said, “I think it was a good score to defend. It's one of those coincidence where we got off to a good start and forced the bowlers to bowl the areas where we wanted to hit. The kind of target we got was a very good one. The phase that really worked for us was where the spinners were bowling after 6 overs. We have had quite a few good batting performances, we have given couple of overs that went for 25-26 runs, and even when you score 200, it really comes down to 175-180 in 19 overs. It's important to try something different as a bowler. I always told my bowlers, you may get hit for 4 sixes in an over, but the 2 balls that you save - ultimately in a high-scoring game - those are the 2 deliveries that will help you win the game.”

“Because a lot of bowlers, after getting 3-4 sixes, they will be like let's get done with it but that one boundary or even instead of sixes if you get hit for 2 fours that will help you in a game. I don't know if they believe in that theory, but it really works. Between me and Jadeja, he knew last season itself that he will be given a chance to captain this year. He knew and got enough time to prepare, what is important is you want him to lead the side and I wanted that transition to happen“, Dhoni said.