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Mayank Yadav-inspired Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) celebrated their first win of the IPL 2024 season as they defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 21 runs on home soil at Ekana cricket stadium on March 30. While Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow impressed for Punjab with their batting, the Lucknow bowling attack proved too strong. Debutant pacer Mayank Yadav's raw pace and the swing of left-arm quick Mohsin Khan were instrumental in dismantling the Punjab chase. But it was Mayan Yadav who stood out with his blistering bowling which left PBKS batter clueless.
Mayank Mayhem in Lucknow
Lucknow's 21-year-old pace sensation, Mayank announced himself on the big stage in style. In his very first over, Mayank bowled a scorching 150 kmph delivery, followed by an even faster 155.8 kmph thunderbolt in his second over. This express delivery rattled the dangerous looking Jonny Bairstow for 42 off just 29 balls. He went on the bag the prized wickets of Jitesh Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh which dented PBKS' chase of 200.
Both Mayank and fellow speedster Mohsin Khan played crucial roles in securing Lucknow's victory. Mayank bagged a well-deserved 3 wickets for just 27 runs, while Mohsin chipped in with 2 scalps for 34 runs. Their combined efforts effectively dismantled the Punjab chase, paving the way for a 21-run win for Lucknow. Mayank's dream debut was further sweetened by receiving the Player of the Match award, making it a night he'll never forget.
Mayan Yadav reveals masterplan which broke Punjab's back
Meanwhile in the post match presentation, Mayank revealed his plan which restricted PBKS to 178/5 while chasing a big total of 199/8.
“I've always heard from others there's nervousness in debuts but that goes away after the first ball. Plan was to not be under too much pressure and to bowl at the stumps and use the pace as much as possible. There was the thought to mix up the pace initially but the wicket helped and the skipper told me to bowl gas. The debut wicket was the favourite. Coming off the injury last season was tough, I'd set my goal to debut at a young age but injuries were a setback,” Mayank said after the match.
The batting troika of Quinton De Kock (54 off 38), Nicholas Pooran (42 off 21) and Kruna Pandya (43 off 22) helped LSG post a colossal target of 200 for PBKS to chase. In reply, Punjab's chase started brightly with skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow blazing to a 100-run opening partnership. However, their momentum was halted when Mayank Yadav, the debutant pacer, dismissed Bairstow for 42. Mayank wasn't done there. He continued to wreak havoc on the Punjab batting order, claiming the wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma. Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan joined the party, dismissing Dhawan (70) and then Sam Curran in quick succession, leaving Punjab reeling. Despite some late resistance from Liam Livingstone (28*) and Shashank Singh (9*), Punjab's chase fell short as they were restricted to 178 by the dominant Lucknow bowling attack.
Notably, LSG will next face RCB on April 2 while PBKS will take on GT on April 4 respectively.
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