(Image Credit and Copyright: BCCI, IPL)
Mayers and Wood Power Lucknow Super Giants to 50-Run IPL Win Over Delhi Capitals
Kyle Mayers’ Explosive Debut and Mark Wood’s Pace Secure Victory for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023
Kyle Mayers, given a chance due to Quinton de Kock’s absence, smashed a magnificent 73 off 38 balls to set up Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) 50-run win against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL opener in Lucknow on Saturday. His innings, which included seven sixes, powered LSG to 193/6 in 20 overs. In response, DC could only muster 143/9, despite David Warner’s fighting 56 off 48 balls.
Mark Wood Rattles DC with Fiery Five-Wicket Haul
Mark Wood (5/14 in 4 overs) terrorized the DC top-order with his scorching pace. Prithvi Shaw and Mitchell Marsh failed to counter back-to-back in-cutters from Wood, which clocked 147 kmph. Wood’s well-directed short ball at Sarfaraz Khan’s body led to an easy catch at the fine-leg boundary. DC’s score plummeted from 41/0 to 48/3 in a matter of two overs, and they never recovered.
Warner and Rossouw Try to Rebuild, but Bishnoi Strikes
Skipper Warner and Rilee Rossouw (30 off 20 balls) added 40 runs before a freak dismissal from Ravi Bishnoi (2/31 in 4 overs) ended Rossouw’s innings.
Bishnoi and Gowtham Keep the Pressure On
Bishnoi and ‘Impact Substitute’ Krishnappa Gowtham (0/19 in 4 overs) bowled admirably well in dew-laden conditions, further restricting DC’s scoring. Gowtham also showcased his multi-skill abilities by hitting a last-ball six during LSG’s batting innings. DC struggled to maintain momentum throughout the match, conceding 16 sixes to LSG bowlers, highlighting their inconsistency.
Mayers Announces Arrival on IPL Stage
Mayers, the Barbadian left-hander, made DC pay for dropping him on 14 by smashing a 28-ball fifty. Partnering with Deepak Hooda (17, 18b), Mayers added 79 runs in 42 balls to accelerate LSG’s scoring in the middle overs. Although the duo and Marcus Stoinis (12) lost their wickets in quick succession, LSG maintained the momentum.
Pooran and Pandya Maintain the Charge
Nicholas Pooran (36; 21b) and Krunal Pandya (15 not out; 13b) carried LSG’s charge forward, with Ayush Badoni’s quick 18 from 7 balls and a last-ball six from ‘Impact Substitute’ Krishnappa Gowtham resulting in 22 runs from the 20th over bowled by Chetan Sakariya (2/53). LSG scored 66 runs in the last five overs, thanks to Pooran and Badoni’s big-hitting prowess.
LSG Overcome Early Struggles to Dominate
Playing their first home game since joining the IPL last year, LSG initially struggled against DC bowlers on the two-paced Ekana wicket. Openers KL Rahul and Mayers took 16 balls to hit their first boundary, and LSG were reduced to 19/1 in under four overs when left-arm pacer Sakariya dismissed Rahul with a slower delivery. However, Mayers soon took control, punishing debutant Mukesh Kumar and frontline spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav with powerful shots.
In the end, LSG’s strong batting performance and Mark Wood’s devastating pace bowling secured a comfortable 50-run win over Delhi Capitals.
Also See:
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