Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) thrashed Gujarat Titans (GT) for the first time ever, clinching a convincing 33-run win at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 7. While their bowling attack, led by Krunal Pandya and Yash Thakur, shone brightly in defending their modest total of 163 runs, there was a scare for the team during the Gujarat innings.
Mayank Yadav gives big injury scare to LSG
Their young pace sensation, Mayank Yadav, had to leave the field after bowling just one over due to a side strain. This was a cause for concern as Mayank Yadav had been a key player for LSG in the previous two matches, bagging six wickets for a mere 41 runs. However, there seems to be some positive news. Lucknow all-rounder Krunal Pandya, speaking after the match, offered an update on Mayank's fitness. He mentioned having a brief chat with Mayank and said that he seemed okay, which was quite a relief for LSG. While the extent of the injury and Mayank's availability for the upcoming matches remain unclear, Pandya's words offer a glimmer of hope for the LSG.
Krunal Pandya provides huge injury update on Mayank Yadav
"I don't know what is happening but I did have a brief couple of seconds' chat - he seemed okay, which was quite a relief for us," Krunal said after the match.
Mayank Yadav has been on fire for LSG in the first two matches of the season. He's been a real difference-maker, taking an impressive six wickets for just 41 runs across their games against the Punjab Kings and the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
"A bright prospect, I'd been watching him from last two years. He used to bowl gun in the nets. Last year, unfortunately, missed it (due to injury). But again, whatever conversation I have had, what I see is that he has a good head on his shoulders as well," he added.
LSG continued their winning streak, defeating Gujarat Titans for the first time ever in their fifth attempt. This victory marked their third win of the season. The key to their success was a phenomenal bowling performance by Yash Thakur and Krunal Pandya, who successfully defended a moderate total of 163 runs.
Yash Thakur's superlative fifer
Yash Thakur had a dream outing, bagging his first ever five-wicket haul in the IPL. He finished the match with impressive figures of 5/30 in just 3.5 overs. His spell included crucial wickets, starting with Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill in the powerplay. He then returned in the middle and death overs to dismantle their batting order further, dismissing Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmed.
Complementing Yash's fiery pace attack was Krunal Pandya's economical bowling. He stifled the flow of runs and picked up 3 crucial wickets, conceding only 11 runs in his 4 overs. This disciplined bowling display from both Yash and Krunal put immense pressure on the Gujarat Titans batters, ultimately leading LSG to a convincing victory.
With this win Rahul's LSG surged to third in the IPL 2024's points table with six points in a total of four matches. LSG will next be up against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 12 while GT will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals on April 10.
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