The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a dominant start to their IPL 2023 campaign as they defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets in their opening match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. A brilliant all-round performance from the LSG saw them clinch a comprehensive victory over the SRH, who were left to rue a disappointing performance.
Pooran’s Power Show Helps LSG Chase Down 163
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the LSG restricted the SRH to a modest total of 162/6 in their 20 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of the bowlers for the home side, picking up three wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs. However, it was Nicholas Pooran’s power-packed innings of 78 runs off just 36 balls that stole the show as he helped the LSG chase down the target with ease.
Pooran’s knock was studded with six boundaries and five sixes, as he made light work of the SRH bowlers. The West Indian left-hander was well supported by captain Sanju Samson, who scored an unbeaten 50 off 35 balls, as the LSG completed the chase with 10 balls to spare.
Mankading Controversy Takes Center Stage
The match was not without controversy, as LSG’s spinner Shreyas Gopal ran out SRH opener David Warner at the non-striker’s end in the 14th over of the innings. Warner was backing up too far, and Gopal, noticing this, stopped in his bowling stride and dislodged the bails, leaving Warner short of his crease.
The dismissal sparked a heated debate on social media, with some supporting the spirit of the game, while others criticizing Gopal’s actions. In the end, the dismissal did not prove to be a turning point in the match, as the LSG went on to clinch victory.
SRH’s Batting Woes Continue
The SRH, who finished last in the IPL 2022 season, once again struggled with their batting in the opening match of IPL 2023. Despite a solid start from the openers, Jonny Bairstow and Martin Guptill, the middle-order failed to capitalize on the platform set by the openers.
Kane Williamson, who came in at number three, scored a fluent 47 off 34 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse, as the SRH lost four wickets in quick succession. The lower-order did well to take the team to a respectable total, but it proved to be too little, too late, as the LSG chased down the target comfortably.
LSG’s All-Round Performance Sends Strong Message
The LSG’s victory was built on a solid all-round performance from the team. While Pooran’s innings was the standout performance with the bat, the likes of Sanju Samson, Ankit Rajpoot, and Shreyas Gopal played their parts to perfection.
Rajpoot, in particular, was impressive with the ball, picking up two wickets in his four overs and keeping the SRH batsmen in check. The LSG’s performance in their opening match will give them a lot of confidence going forward, as they look to make a mark in this year
