IPL 2023: GT vs LSG records most runs by openers in single game

Saha, Gill and deKock. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)

Match 51 of the IPL 2023 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) saw the openers of both teams scaling an impressive record. Notably, as many as 293 runs were registered by the top order thereby making it the most runs scored by openers in the history of the top-tier league.

Locking horns at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the defending champions posted a humongous first innings total of 227 runs, courtesy of blazing knocks by Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill. While the seasoned batter got 81 runs off mere 43 balls which included 10 fours and four maximums, Gill on the other hand, cracked an unbeaten 94 off 51 featuring seven sixes and two boundaries.

In reply to the humongous score, Lucknow’s opening duo of Kyle Mayers and Quinton de Kock swiftly hit the ground running to remain steady in the chase. The Caribbean explosive hitter got 48 off 32 balls with seven fours and two sixes to his name before getting dismissed.

Despite the dismissal, de Kock, who donned the LSG outfit for the first time this season, hammered 70 off just 41 balls. However, his innings drew to a conclusion as Afghan spin sensation Rashid Khan spun a web around to Castle de Kock.

Impressively, the combined scores of the openers of both teams amounted to 293 runs, which is the most runs recorded in IPL history. In doing so, they eclipsed the long-standing record held by the openers of the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in 2010.

In that match, Murali Vijay notched up 127 off 56 whereas Matthew Hayden got 34 off 21 for CSK. On the other hand, Michael Lumb of Rajasthan got 37 off 26 whereas Naman Ojha remained unbeaten to score 94 off 55 balls as the openers of both sides collectively aggregated a record 292 runs.

Most runs recorded by openers in IPL history-