The scenes at The Chepauk, yesterday evening, were unprecedented. Chennai Super Kings’ fortress was not only breached but pounded by an enigma called Marcus Stoinis. The gentle Nawabs of Lucknow, for a change had donned a different garb. They were not going away without a win, the Sea of Yellow had to be silenced, a record had to be created and Stoinis had to rise like a Phoenix.
A Brilliant Ruturaj & A Tough Target
KL Rahul did most things right at the start. Won the toss, elected to field and took a stunning catch to dismiss the in-form Ajinkya Rahane. But then the fielding standards suffered a melt down. A few catches dropped and few runs given, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube took control and went on their merry ways, striking brilliantly. Ruturaj, the captain amassed an attractive ton and CSK reached 210, a score never chased before against CSK at Chepauk. At the break, the Sea of Yellow was buzzing in anticipation of an easy CSK win, but the Super Giants from Lucknow were not done yet.
A Bad Start
The beginning of the chase began with a bolt. Quinton de Kock chopping on and LSG had lost their prolific opener in the first over of the game. Many said that the match was over, but then walked in the muscular Marcus Stoinis, and the Heavens turned a corner. They had left the Yellow for the Blue.
Marcus & Controlled Aggression
Once KL Rahul left and poor Padikkal ( the impact sub ) struggled, a premonition struck me. I felt deep within that this might be Stoinis’ day and a fight from him would just be ensuing. Though Lucknow was losing ground by the over, Marcus, kept the team in the hunt with controlled aggression. He did not throw his wicket away, but owned responsibility. The dew was settling in abundance and a chance was lurking in the horizon.
Pooran & Stoinis Instill Belief
Padikkal was relieved of his pain for the good of Lucknow. Pooran and Stoinis then launched the charge on the CSK fortress. The partnership of 70 runs of just 34 balls kept the Lucknowites in the game. The required run rate still began to climb and crossed the 15 runs mark. Hooda, who has been in an indifferent phase of his career lent a credible hand to Stoinis, who stood tall against the mighty CSK, weathering everything they threw at him.
The Tide Turned As Dew Poured
The tide was turning, the dew had bettered the pitch, the ball was coming on well, batting became a touch easy and bowling a tad challenging. It was difficult to field too with Deepak Chahar making two costly fumbles to allow boundaries, much to the dismay of Dhoni. Stoinis continued with his exquisite straight drives, wristy placements from covers to point and powerful heaves over mid wicket.
The Sea Of Yellow Silenced by a Marcus Special
The last over finally arrived and 17 were required. A slippery ball made life tough for Mustafizur. His first two half volleys were dealt with powerfully by Stoinis accounting for a 6 and 4 and then a full toss edged for another boundary. It was a no-ball too and Stoinis hooked the free-hit to backward square leg for a famous victory. The crowd was stunned into silence. Lucknow had beaten Chennai in back to back games. Stoinis in celebration flexed all his muscles possible as his team-mates thronged him in elation. A stupendous knock of 124 runs unconquered of just 63 balls with 13 fours and 6 sixes was Stoinis’ best effort in an IPL match.
Stoinis : The Coming of Age
The fact that Stoinis stayed till the end and ensured Lucknow’s victory speaks about his coming of age as a cricketer. His talent was never under scanner, but his temperament had been shaky at times. With this knock, Marcus Stoinis has resurrected and strengthened the mental side of his game. It’s a great plus for Lucknow as the IPL enters the exciting phase of the competition. These vital two points might just be decisive in the run up for the play-offs.
Let us celebrate our new Hero…Jo Jeeta Wahi ‘Marcus’ .
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