LSG vs PBKS Review: Lucknow register their first win courtesy of a fiery uncapped Indian pacer

Lucknow Super Giants clashed with Punjab Kings in Match 11 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on March 30. LSG won the crucial toss and opted to bat first. They started well with Quinton de Kock (54 off 38) and KL Rahul (15 off 9) smashing boundaries. However, Devdutt Padikkal (9 off 6) and Marcus Stoinis (19 off 12) could not stay for long. Thanks to Nicholas Pooran (42 off 21) and Krunal Pandya’s (43 off 22) fearless innings, LSG set PBKS 200 runs on board to chase. Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh scalped three and two wickets respectively while Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh picked one apiece in their expensive spells.

PBKS had a dream start with Shikhar Dhawan (70 off 50) and Jonny Bairstow (42 off 29) amassing 102 runs for the first wicket. However, their middle order collapsed as Jitesh Sharma (6 off 9) and Prabhsimran (19 off 7) Singh failed to capitalize. Liam Livingstone and Shashank Singh (9 off 7) had too much to do with 56 needed off 18 balls as LSG walked away with a coming-from-behind victory by 21 runs. For LSG, young pacer Mayank Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with a three-for.

Top Performers of the Match

Krunal Pandya (43 off 22)

It was Krunal Pandya who made the difference with his quickfire knock at death. Coming into bat at number seven, he just looked to put as many runs on the board. He particularly targeted Harshal Patel as he smashed four boundaries and a six off him. He garnered 20 runs in the 18th over to steer LSG to a formidable total. Pandya went wicketless but conceded only 26 in his three overs. LSG also had Pooran’s brisk 21-ball 42 to thank.

Mayank Yadav (3 for 27)

Mayank Yadav has announced himself to the world with a commendable performance. The pacer showed he can hit 145 clicks regularly and can go on to deliver at 150+ KMPH. With a higher release point and crisp line and length, he restricted PBKS chase alone. He got the wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Parbhsimran Singh, and Jitesh Sharma and pulled back the game into LSG’s favour.

What’s next for both teams?

Lucknow Super Giants will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 15 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium Stadium on April 2 while Punjab Kings take on Gujarat Titans in Match 17 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4.