IPL 2022: Match 7, LSG vs CSK – Who Said What

The Lucknow Super Giants posted their first victory of the 2022 edition of the IPL with a superb six-wicket triumph over the Chennai Super Kings. Chasing a mammoth target of 211 for a win, the KL Rahul-led side went past the target with three deliveries to spare.

The Super Giants’ openers, KL Rahul and Quinton De Kock, put on a blazing stand of 99 runs for the opening wicket. Lucknow then lost two quick wickets, as Rahul and Manish Pandey fell in the space of six deliveries. But then, Evin Lewis smashed the CSK bowlers to all parts of the ground and scored a belligerent 55* off 23 deliveries to seal the game.

CSK bowlers couldn’t stand in front of LSG batters

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were superb with the bat and posted a mammoth total of 210/7 in their 20-over quota. Even though CSK lost Ruturaj Gaikwad early, Robin Uthappa made sure that the ‘Men in Yellow’ did not feel the pinch. The veteran right-hander plundered a blistering 50 off just 27 deliveries to lay the platform at the top of the order.

Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube also came in and played attractive knocks. While Ali struck 35 at a strike rate of close to 160, left-hander Dube scored a murderous 30-ball 49. Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni came in and applied the finishing touches, scoring a vintage 16* off just six deliveries.

Losing skipper Ravindra Jadeja said:

We had a very good start, Robbie and Shivam Dube were playing brilliantly. We had a good start, but in the fielding, we have to take catches then you’ll win matches. We should have taken those chances. There was a lot of dew, the ball wasn’t sticking to the hand. Next time, we have to practise with the wet ball. We batted brilliantly in the top-six and in the middle-overs. The wicket was very good to bat on. As a bowling unit, we need to execute our plans.

Winning skipper KL Rahul said:

Ravi Bishnoi has a big heart and he is a fighter for a young boy. It shows the character to bounce back with the wet ball. He is someone who wants to grow and learn. He spends time with the spin coach. Credit for that should go to Vijay Dahiya and GG. They were the ones who wanted him. His batting has been phenomenal. Can bowl as well. Great find for Indian cricket. You can give yourself a couple of overs. If you get a couple of boundaries then it settles the nerves. We got the start we wanted for a big chase.  I told him before the first game that he will be batting at three. Doesn’t matter. Spinners or fast bowlers he knows one way. His timing has gotten a lot better. Great to see players coming in and winning games. Puts a smile on the captain’s face.

Player of the Match Evin Lewis said:

Very good pitch, once you get in you can score freely. I just backed my strengths and ability. I think he is a very confident guy. I saw him (Badoni) in the nets. I just try to keep it simple and want to do the best for the team.