IPL 2023: AB de Villiers lauds Marcus Stoinis for his heroics against Mumbai Indians

Batting first against Mumbai Indians at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the Krunal Pandya-led side was under tremendous pressure as the batters were struggling to get going in the middle.

However, towards the fag end of the match, Australia international Marcus Stoinis rose up to the occasion and played an impeccable knock of  89* runs off 47 deliveries to help LSG post 177 runs on board after 20 overs.

The 33-year-old hit four boundaries and eight sixes in his innings to completely change the complexion of the game as Lucknow eventually went on to win the match by five runs and with that, they moved closer to securing a place in the IPL playoffs.

Meanwhile, speaking about Stoinis’ incredible knock, former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers lauded the cricketer and mentioned it’s 'priceless' to have someone settled in the middle at the fag end.

“The value of an “in batter” being there for the last 3/4 overs- priceless! I say it again, difference between winning and losing #stoinis,” de Villiers tweeted.

AB de Villiers@ABdeVilliers17

The value of an “in batter” being there for the last 3/4 overs- priceless! I say it again, difference between winning and losing #stoinis

12:28 AM · May 17, 2023

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LSG move to number three on the points table

With an important win in their bag, LSG have moved to number three on the IPL points table while MI have slipped down to number four. The Rohit Sharma-led side will now have to win their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and will also have to keep an eye on Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, as all three teams can finish with 16 points in the end.

As for Lucknow, they have played some superb brand of cricket in the ongoing IPL 2023 but are yet to secure their place in the top four. However, with 15 points to their name at the moment, they are very close to cementing a place in the playoffs.

Notably, if they manage to beat Kolkata Knight Riders in their final league game of the season, LSG will not only qualify but can also finish in the top two. However, that will also depend on Chennai Super Kings, who will take on Delhi Capitals in their last match.