Punjab Kings (PBKS), captained by Shikhar Dhawan, were thrashed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on their home ground of Mohali on Friday, April 18. It was a poor bowling display for the PBKS bowlers, who went on to concede 257 runs, and Dhawan admitted after the match that his side paid the price for giving away too many runs, especially among the pacers.
"We gave too many runs away and we paid the price for it. I feel that the strategy to play with one extra fast bowler backfired whereas KL used an extra spinner," Dhawan told the broadcaster after the match.
"I tried to change something and it didn't work but that's all right. It's good learning for me and we'll come back better and stronger."
In the end, PBKS only managed to score 201 runs as they looked to chase down the second-highest team total in the history of IPL. They suffered a 56-run defeat in the end.
The 257 scored by LSG courtesy of powerful knocks from Kyle Mayers (54), Ayush Badoni (43), Marcus Stoinis (72) and Nicholas Pooran (45) helped the visitors post a massive 257 for 5, the second-highest total in IPL history and the highest this season. Stoinis scored the most with the bat and also took the wicket of Dhawan with the ball as well.
PBKS debutant Gurnoor Brar could have a first-ball wicket but LSG skipper KL Rahul was dropped, after which, his opening partner Kyle Mayers hit a rapid fifty inside powerplay to give LSG a dream start. Kagiso Rabada got the much-needed breakthrough as he removed Mayers for 54.
Stoinis then combined with Ayush Badoni and took the PBKS bowlers to the cleaners. Stoinis went on to hit a career-best IPL score of 72 off just 40 balls. Nicholas Pooran also added to PBKS' miseries as LSG posted 257-5.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Injury scare hits LSG camp: Hero against Punjab Kings, Marcus Stoinis to undergo scans after hurting finger
PBKS vs LSG: Lucknow's batting tsunami rock Dhawan's men as Punjab run out of steam while chasing record total
