Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Lucknow Super Giants have registered their first victory of the 2022 Indian Premier League as they defeated the Chennai Super Kings in a high-scoring chase. KL Rahul’s men didn’t have a great first inning as they conceded 210 runs with crucial contributions from Robin Uthappa and Shivam Dube. But in the second innings, Super Giants came back strong as they had an opening partnership of 99. After a mini-collapse, it was Ervin Lewis’ 23-ball 55 that took Lucknow over the finish line with six wickets.
Changes in the points table
After the seventh match of the 2022 IPL, the Lucknow Super Giants are sixth on the table with two points from two games along with a net run rate of -0.011. Whereas the Chennai Super Kings have zero points as they haven’t won a single game yet. They have a net run rate of -0.528 and are placed eighth on the table. Lucknow will take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad on 4 April, while Chennai will face Punjab Kings on 3 April.
Today’s Matchup
Punjab Kings will go head to head against the two-time IPL champion Kolkata Knight Riders in today’s game. Both teams will play at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Kings defeated the Royal Challengers Bangalore by five wickets in their last match. Similarly, Kolkata lost to RCB in their previous match by three wickets.
What did the captains say?
CSK captain Ravindra Jadeja talked about the mistakes made by his team against Lucknow. He said, “We had a very good start, Robbie and Shivam Dube were playing brilliantly. We had a good start, but in the fielding, we have to take catches then you'll win matches. We should have taken those chances. There was a lot of dew, the ball wasn't sticking to the hand. Next time, we have to practice with the wet ball. We batted brilliantly in the top-six and in the middle-overs. The wicket was very good to bat on. As a bowling unit, we need to execute our plans.”
However, Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul was elated with his team’s performance as they register their first win in the IPL. Rahul also talked about Ayush Badoni’s incredible performance. He said, “He has a big heart and he is a fighter. It shows the character to bounce back with the wet ball. He is someone who wants to grow and learn."
“He spends time with the spin coach. Credit for that should go to Vijay Dahiya and GG. They were the ones who wanted him. His batting has been phenomenal. Can bowl as well. Great find for Indian cricket. You can give yourself a couple of overs”, he added about Badoni.
“If you get a couple of boundaries then it settles the nerves. We got the start we wanted for a big chase. I told him before the first game that he will be batting at three. Doesn't matter. Spinners or fast bowlers he knows one way. His timing has gotten a lot better. Great to see players coming in and winning games. Puts a smile on the captain's face.”
