Sports Desk
30 March
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In an electrifying match held at the Ikana Sports Stadium, Lucknow, the Lucknow Supergiants emerged victorious, defeating the Punjab Kings by 21 runs. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Lucknow posted a formidable total of 199 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, propelled by stellar performances from Quinton De Kock (54), skipper Nicholas Puran (42), and Krunal Pandya (43).
In pursuit of the target, Punjab Kings got off to a solid start with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow forging a partnership of 102 runs for the first wicket. Captain Shikhar Dhawan led from the front, scoring 70 runs off 50 balls, supported by Bairstow’s brisk 42 runs off 29 balls. However, after their dismissals, Punjab struggled to maintain momentum, managing only 178 runs for the loss of 5 wickets by the end of their innings.
Lucknow’s debutant Mayank Yadav shone brightly, making headlines with his exceptional performance. Yadav, who took 3 crucial wickets, also claimed the record for bowling the fastest ball of the season, clocking in at an impressive 156 km per hour. His stellar display earned him the prestigious title of Player of the Match.
The victory marks Lucknow Supergiants’ first win of the season, while Punjab Kings faced their second defeat in three matches. The thrilling encounter showcased the competitive spirit and skillful performances of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in the Indian Premier League.