IPL16 : Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)- Match 26 : Jaipur
A Gripping Contest
It was a slow drama, unfolding at a snail’s pace, very unlike of a T20 game, but it was gripping none the less, akin to a cat and mouse affair. The ones who were in front for most of the match, lost ground dramatically and by the time they realised what had hit them, they had been outmanoeuvred. In the space of a few deliveries, the matched changed its course for good.
LSG post 154 on a tough Pitch
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur was holding an IPL match after s good 4 years. The stadium known for its low scores ( the average first innings score in a T20 match has been 158 runs only ), a slow pitch where the ball holds up and where stroke making could well be a difficult proposition. LSG, asked in to bat, soon found out the challenges in scoring, but a defiant 50 from Kyle Mayers and some good contributions from KL Rahul, Stoinis and Pooran saw LSG post a very gettable ( though fighting ) 154.
A Bright Start for RR, but….
RR has a batting line up which is not only intimidating but can cause a great torment to opposition bowlers. A target of 154, even on the Jaipur track, was easy meat and the start which the RR batters got, the match was looking to be over without a fuss. But the LSG Bowlers were not bowling badly either. They were consistent with their line and length and though RR had not lost many, they still were under a tightening leash.
LSG Stifle Royals
Then the winds of change began to blow. Yashasvi Jaiswal holed out at short third man, Sanju Samson got himself runout for nothing and the all pervasive Jos Buttler mistimed a pull to be caught at deep midwicket. Hetmyer too didn’t last long and perished as soon as he had arrived. RR were 104/4 from 87/0. Their position of strength compromised. For the rest of the batters ( who have not been put to test yet ) , the going was to get tougher and so it happened.
Caught in a Web- RR Succumb
LSG bowlers (Naveen ul Haq in particular) bowled beautifully on the pitch and were extremely difficult to get away. The batters struggled as the asking rate began to climb. Devdutt Padikkal, Ryan Parag and the rest tried hard, but to no avail. The bowling was spot on. LSG had seized the initiative and were not letting it go. Avesh Khan, then bowled an extremely steady last over and ensured a terrific win for my Team Lucknow. Not to forget, some fabulous catching by LSG. Deepak Hooda taking a stunner right at the tip of the boundary to account for Dhruv Jurel in the last over. Marcus Stoinis for his all round performance won the Player of the Match.
An improbable victory for LSG and a very important one at that. Kudos to the bowlers who bowled their heart out and believed in their abilities even when the chips were down.
Keep going Giants !!
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Featured Image : Avesh Khan & winning LSG / Pic courtesy Newstrack