Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)
The 63rd game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the Krunal Pandya-led Lucknow Super Giants and the five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, May 16.
Through brilliant knocks by Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya, Lucknow managed to post 177 runs on the board after the first innings. During the run chase, Mumbai got off to a good start as Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma looked to be in good rhythm. However, the five-time champions failed to capitalise on their good start and succumbed to defeat.
Here are the Talking Points from the LSG vs MI clash-
Marcus Stoinis’ explosive knock
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis came in with all guns blazing in the first innings. The 33-year-old played an unbeaten 89 runs in 47 deliveries, and his knock was crucial in propelling the hosts to a respectable target for Mumbai to chase.
Ishan Kishan’s class
Indian batter Ishan Kishan was at the top of his game during the run chase as well. Coming in to chase a target of 178 runs, Kishan opened the innings alongside skipper Rohit Sharma and provided the five-time champions with the best of starts. Kishan scored 59 runs in 39 deliveries, and despite his knock being in vain, Kishan exuded confidence throughout his performance.
Mohsin Khan’s crucial final over
Indian pacer Mohsin Khan was crucial in clinching the win for the Krunal Pandya-led side. The 24-year-old was handed the ball in the final over of the match when Mumbai needed 11 runs to win the game. However, Mohsin showed his class and conceded just five runs in the over to take his side to a thrilling win.
Losing skipper Rohit Sharma said-
We just lost the game. We didn’t play well enough to win. There were moments we didn’t win. Unfortunate but we need to keep our heads high. [On fast start] We assessed the pitch well, it wasn’t a pitch like the earlier one. It was good to bat on. But we lost our way in the second half. In hindsight, we gave away too many runs at the back end. The last three overs went for a few. The way we had started, we were in a good position to chase that target. [Stoinis] Played according to his strength. Kept hitting down the ground, which is what you have to do on that pitch. [Qualification] I don’t know how the calculation works. We have to come out and win that game
Winning skipper Krunal Pandya said-
I was having cramps and I felt like I pulled a muscle. Anything for the team, I have been a team player. Really happy. [Mohsin] Mohsin has a really big heart. When you have a big heart you go a long way. He was injured for the last year. He went through a big surgery. But he did well. He has a big heart and the sky is the limit. It has not been easy for us. Though we have played some good cricket, the results haven’t been in our favour. Fans have supported us and good to give them a win.
Player of the Match Marcus Stoinis said-
Great moment. He hasn’t played here from a long time, a big moment for Mohsin, especially bowling the final over after being injured. It was very close, there are a lot of things not going your way. A couple of good overs from the spinners and Mohsin sealed it for us. We have shown that we are a real team, there no real superstars, there are different people stepping up and performing for us. We are missing KL (Rahul), but we have KP (Krunal) leading us, and Andy (Flower) has a really good brain.