In the match against Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2023, Australia international Marcus Stoinis wreaked havoc with the bat, smacking 89* runs off just 47 deliveries. On a pitch where most of the LSG batters were struggling to get going, the 33-year-old rose up to the occasion and played a phenomenal innings to help the home team post 177 runs on board in the first innings.
Courtesy of his batting prowess, LSG eventually won the match by five runs and improved their position on the IPL points table.
Meanwhile, talking about Stoinis’ work ethic and recent success, LSG fielding coach Jonty Rhodes lauded the cricketer and mentioned that it’s been enriching for him to watch the cricketer and learn how he prepares before taking on any opponent in different conditions.
“All we see during @IPL match is the end result, but it has been enriching watching and learning from @LucknowIPL @MStoinis as he prepares for every match. Every surface and every opposition provide a different challenge and accordingly structures his practice #legend,” Jonty tweeted on Wednesday.
LSG move to number three on IPL 2023 points table
Courtesy of their five-run win over MI, LSG now moved to number three on the IPL points table while the Rohit Sharma-led side slipped to number four. Notably, with the win, the home team has moved close to the playoffs but it is not guaranteed at the moment.
Next up, the Krunal Pandya-led side will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens and if they manage to win that game, they’ll not only confirm their place in the top four but can also finish in the top two. However, for that, the Krunal Pandya-led side will have to keep an eye on Chennai Super Kings as well.
Mumbai, meanwhile, are under tremendous pressure at the moment. Even if they manage to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match, a lot will depend on the net run rate as both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings can finish on 16 points, just like Mumbai. Thus, the road to playoffs is well and truly alive at the moment.