Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul placed a lot of faith in his pace department after they delivered once again and helped his side to a massive 75-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday, May 7. Riding on Quinton de Kock's 50, LSG made 176 but it was the bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, who dominated the proceedings and bundled out KKR for a measly 101 to record a huge win that helped them to the top of the table.
Heaping praise on the bowlers during the post-match presentation, Rahul said: "We started superbly with the ball, put the ball in the right areas, couldn't have asked for more. Trust them a great deal (his pace battery). "Having skill is one thing, but knowing what to do when is important. They've been put under pressure a couple of times but they've stuck to their strengths and been brave with the ball.
He also gave his adulation to the batters, who put up a competitive score despite a middle-order collapse, "Played really well, started well with the bat... Was a tricky wicket. Knew it was going to be slow and sticky. Had to get around 150-160. The way Quinton and Deepak batted, made it look easy. Big hitting from Stoinis and Jason gave the momentum."
Avesh (3/19) and Jason Holder (3/31) took three wickets each to emerge as the best bowlers for LSG. Rahul was also delighted to get rid of Andre Russell, who almost spoilt their party with a 19-ball 45. Rahul said that although it was scary to watch him bat, the bowlers did well to stick to their plans.
"Dre Russ going like that is scary at times. We do have some plans before the game, and what's good to see is they remember those plans under pressure," he said.
"If we go for runs from there then that's acceptable. Still can't think of any game where we've had a complete performance. Still areas to improve. Don't think any team is going to be perfect anyway, we aren't chasing that," said the LSG skipper.
