Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ended their IPL 2024 campaign on a high note with an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday. This defeat left MI at the bottom of the 10-team table with only 8 points from 14 games.

KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran shine in LSG’s strong total

The foundation of LSG’s commendable total of 214 for 6 was laid by a 109-run partnership between skipper KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran. Rahul scored a steady 55 off 41 balls, while Pooran smashed 75 off just 29 balls, including eight sixes and five boundaries. Their efforts were crucial after LSG lost their opener Devdutt Padikkal for a duck early on. Marcus Stoinis (28) provided some stability before Pooran and Rahul took control.

Mumbai’s bowlers, Piyush Chawla and Nuwan Thusara, were the standouts, each claiming three wickets. Chawla’s 3 for 29 and Thusara’s 3 for 28 helped to restrict LSG from an even bigger score.

Mumbai Indians’ chase falls short despite Rohit Sharma’s heroics

In response, Mumbai Indians started their chase aggressively. Rohit Sharma hit two consecutive sixes in the second over. However, rain interrupted play with MI at 33/0. After the rain break, Sharma continued his onslaught, completing his fifty in 28 balls. Despite his efforts, MI faced regular setbacks.

Rohit Sharma’s valiant 68 off 38 deliveries and Naman Dhir’s fighting 62 off 28 balls were the highlights of MI’s innings. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to support them adequately. Brevis was dismissed for 23 by Navin, and Suryakumar Yadav got out for a duck. Hardik Pandya managed only 16 runs, and Ravi Bishnoi struck again to get Wadhera out for just 1 run. Ishan Kishan’s 14-run contribution was also insufficient to change the outcome.

Despite their efforts, MI ended at 196 for 6, falling short by 18 runs. This match underlined the importance of consistent partnerships and disciplined bowling, as demonstrated by LSG.

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In the end, LSG’s combined team effort in both batting and bowling ensured their victory, highlighting key performances from both experienced players and newcomers.