Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) claimed a remarkable last-ball victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL Match 15 held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The team chased down a daunting target of 213 runs, with power-hitters Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis firing scintillating half-centuries to seal the win. The nail-biting final-over finish left the crowd at the stadium stunned, as LSG snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Power-Hitters Pooran and Stoinis Propel LSG to Victory
LSG’s win against RCB was the second miraculous chase of the season, following Kolkata Knight Riders’ heroics on Sunday. The team rode Pooran and Stoinis’ brilliance to snag a memorable win, with Pooran smashing this season’s fastest fifty in just 15 balls. Stoinis played a crucial role in the team’s recovery, smashing the bowlers outta the park to score 65 off 30 balls.
Ayush Badoni also chipped in with a handy 30 (24), while Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan stayed calm under pressure to get their team over the finish line. Faf Du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell all blasted half-centuries as RCB posted an impressive 212 for two after being sent into bat. Faf smashed an unbeaten 79 off 46 balls, while Kohli stole the show with his 44-ball 61-run knock, as they put on 96 runs for the opening wicket.
Pooran’s Demise Sets up Thrilling Finish
Nicholas Pooran’s wild innings came to an end thanks to Siraj’s just-below-waist-high full-toss, leaving Unadkat and Badoni to try and score the required 7 runs an over. Badoni scooped one for six off Parnell, but it was no good ‘cos he knocked his stumps with the bat. Pooran’s dismissal led to a sudden shift in momentum, with LSG losing two quick wickets. However, Pooran had different ideas and within five overs, he scored a 15-ball 50, triggering a miraculous resurrection.
Rangbaaz gonna show his rangbaazi. Simple. 🤷♂️#RCBvLSG | #IPL2023 | #LucknowSuperGiants | #LSG | #GazabAndaz pic.twitter.com/4UHITSDe57
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 10, 2023
Stoinis Counterattack Leads LSG Recovery
KL Rahul was struggling, but Marcus Stoinis smashed LSG outta the park! Stoinis continued to make mincemeat of the bowlers, 37 off three overs after the powerplay. His fifty came off 25 balls with a 6 off Shahbaz Ahmed in the 10th over.
Siraj and Parnell Deal LSG Early Blows
Siraj dealt LSG a crucial early blow, knocking out the in-form Kyle Mayers, then Wayne Parnell got Hooda and Krunal Pandya caught behind in his very first over. This really put KL Rahul under pressure at the other end – he was still struggling for fluency but hung around through the powerplay, trying to turn things around with Marcus Stoinis.
TIGHT tight powerplay! 🔩
Let’s keep up the intensity 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 #RCBvLSG pic.twitter.com/ly4xkvT0Ak
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 10, 2023
Dream debut!
That first over and that celebration 🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 #RCBvLSG @WayneParnell pic.twitter.com/glLC5ygNxZ
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 10, 2023
RCB Aim to Avoid a Rut, LSG Targets the Top of the Table
LSG is above RCB in the points table, after RCB crashed to a defeat against spin bowling against KKR. LSG has been phenomenal and will likely get their lethal weapon back tonight, with Mark Wood recovering from his flu. LSG has the momentum, but RCB has the home advantage, perhaps second only to CSK in Chennai. Either way, the match was set to be a ripper.
The Local Boy Returns to Bangalore
KL Rahul, a Karnataka boy through and through, was back in Bangalore, where he led another team against RCB. With a run of barren form, this was a crucial match for Rahul to get back into form. Against his favorite opponents, Rahul averaged 76 at a strike rate of nearly 150. If there was ever a game to get his form back, this had to be it.
Player of the Match – Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran was awarded the Player of the Match for his explosive innings that turned the game around for LSG. After the match, Pooran dedicated his performance to his wife and newborn and expressed his joy at being in a good space and state of mind.
He said that he wanted to enjoy his cricket, play with a smile and entertain the crowd, and win games for his team.
Gambhir’s Emotional Celebration Sets Internet Ablaze
The last over of the match was filled with drama, as Harshal Patel’s run-out attempt at the non-striker’s end failed, and Dinesh Karthik fumbled in gathering the last ball. LSG won by one wicket, and the jubilant celebration in the dugout was heightened by Gautam Gambhir’s aggressive act, which set the internet ablaze.
Despite being a man of few expressions, Gambhir’s emotions were on full display during the game’s thrilling conclusion. Gautam Gambhir’s exuberance was fully displayed during the IPL game against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
When Nicholas Pooran completed the fastest fifty of the season, Gambhir gave the loudest cheer from the dugout. His involvement with Lucknow Super Giants has been a key talking point, despite not playing on the field. Gambhir’s emotions have always run high, and his character is to wear his heart on his sleeve.
The game against RCB stirred up Gambhir’s emotions even more, given his history with the team. In 2013, Gambhir and Virat Kohli were involved in a verbal altercation on the field, which could have turned worse if not for the intervention of KKR players and umpires.
While Gambhir has clarified that he has nothing personal against Kohli, such incidents inevitably affect the relationship between the two players. Last year, Gambhir was also seen animated on several occasions, highlighting his passion for the game.
During the recent game against RCB, Gambhir thumped his table with his hand and hugged his partners while uttering some loud but inaudible words, demonstrating his excitement and elation at LSG’s thrilling win.
Conclusion
LSG’s incredible last-ball win over RCB was a testament to the team’s fighting spirit and determination. The match was a roller-coaster ride, with both teams giving their all in pursuit of victory. LSG’s power hitters Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis played a vital role in the team’s victory, delivering match-winning performances when it mattered the most.
The match was a treat for cricket fans, with several moments of brilliance from both teams. As the IPL season progresses, it will be interesting to see how LSG and RCB fare in their upcoming matches.
