Quinton de Kock and skipper KL Rahul’s century partnership steered Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK)) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) game at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.
During the run chase of 177, LSG openers Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul put their team to a steady start. Skipper KL was the aggressor, targeting the pace trio of Deepak Chahar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tushar Deshpande with some of his most fluent shot making during this IPL.
With a six over covers, KL brought up the 50-run mark for LSG in 5.2 overs.
At the end of the six overs of the powerplay, LSG were 54/0, with KL (34*) and Quinton (18*) unbeaten.
At the end of 10 overs, LSG were 89/0, with KL (49*) and Quinton (36*) unbeaten.
KL reached his 35th IPL half-century in 31 balls, with five fours and three sixes. The 11th over bowled by Ravindra Jadeja brought 14 runs, including three fours. LSG brought up their 100-run mark in 10.5 overs.
The 134-run partnership between De Kock and KL ended, with De Kock caught behind by MS Dhoni on a delivery by Mustafizur Rahman for 54 in 43 balls, with four boundaries and a six. LSG were 134/1 in 15 overs.
Nicholas Pooran was the next batter to come.
LSG reached the 150-run mark in 16.1 overs, with the help of a boundary from Pooran.
Pathirana dismissed KL Rahul for 82 in 53 balls, with nine fours and three sixes. LSG were 161/2 in 17.1 overs.
LSG ended their innings at 180/2 in 19 overs, with Pooran (23*) and Marcus Stoinis (8*) unbeaten.
Brief score: Chennai Super Kings 176/6 (Ravindra Jadeja 57*, Ajinkya Rahane 36*, Moeen Ali 30; Krunal Pandya 2/16) lost to Lucknow Super Giants: (KL Rahul 82, Quinton de Kock 54, Matheesha Pathirana 1/29).