IPL 2023 LSG vs GT Highlights: LSG Batters Choked As GT Won By 7 Runs

IPL 2023 LSG vs GT Highlights:The slow pitch provided clear context for the batters' upcoming struggle. The day game in the summer heat meant the surface would likely slow down even more as the game progressed, denying the pursuing team the advantage of it firming up as it would in a night game where dew played a role. The larger context was provided by an IPL season filled with thrilling endings.

Still, few could have predicted the dramatic collapse of the Lucknow Super Giants in the final over, when four wickets fell in a dramatic finish. It gave the defending champions Gujarat Titans a seven-run victory over the newest IPL members on Saturday in Lucknow.

Hardik Pandya led the way with 66 (50b, 2x4, 4x6) in a total of 135/6 that appeared insufficient when KL Rahul scored his second fifty of the season (68 — 61b, 8x4) to almost smooth the hosts to the target. With 12 runs needed in the final over, the veteran seamer Mohit Sharma bowled a frenetic over. With 10 required from the final five balls, Rahul and Marcus Stoinis were both captured on the boundary off consecutive deliveries. Both Ayush Badoni and Deepak Hooda were run out attempting to score a second run off four consecutive deliveries. Titans secured the victory with a ball to spare as LSG were limited to 128/7.

It had all been about establishing limits. After Krunal Pandya struck Rahul Tewatia for six in the thirteenth over, there were none. Even when Nicholas Pooran was dismissed with the score at 110/3 in the 17th over, LSG did not appear to be in peril. But Rahul was unable to locate a single big hit, and the Titans tightened up the field. After reaching 48 runs in 33 balls, Rahul scored only 20 in his final 28 balls.

It was not a contest for winners. If a red soil pitch is chosen, the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium can assist in producing one for the batsmen. It was predominantly the darker soil that LSG used to trap Sunrisers Hyderabad. Amit Mishra, a veteran leg-spinner, entered while Mark Wood remained on the bench. For GT, there was no Alzarri Joseph, but promising Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad, a left-arm version of Rashid Khan, was impressive in his second appearance (4-0-18-2).

It was a day for beginnings. And Wriddhiman Saha, whose cricket has a vintage appeal. Aside from his exceptional wicket-keeping, his batting rarely reflects the coerced nature of Twenty20 cricket. No power-hitting or 360-degree pursuing runs. It requires confidence in one's abilities and a compliant forearm. A sluggish pitch is par for the course for Saha, as throwing with force is not his game.

There were strokes between point and cover, as well as a pull to the midwicket boundary against Avesh Khan. Playing in his 150th IPL game, the 38-year-old's right elbow protested and required physiotherapy, but Hardik, coming in at No. 3 to establish whatever tempo he could, allowed Saha to lead the way as he settled in.

GT bowled out both Rashid Khan and Krunal Pandya in the eleventh over. Rashid Khan was also taken out by Krunal Pandya in the eleventh over. Saha and Hardik played shots through the wicket until Saha chipped the ball to midwicket after the Krunal delivery clutched and turned on the surface.

Hardik's desire to be set free until the 18th by Ravi Bishnoi appeared to be an almost mute plea. Hardik's 4-6-6 resulted in 19 runs, although LSG appeared capable of reaching the total.

Rahul batted through Mohammed Shami's first over without scoring, but made up for it by smashing fours past midwicket, long-off, and point in the second over. Kyle Mayers (24 – 19b) contributed another reliable hand to their opening stand of 55 runs, while Krunal (23) and Rahul added 51 more runs.