Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul showered praise on Ravi Bishnoi and Ayush Badoni after his team defeated the reigning champions Chennai Super Kings by six wickets at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday.
CSK posted a par score of 210 runs after KL Rahul won the toss and decided to bowl first.
When all the LSG bowlers went for more than 9.50 runs per over, Ravi Bishnoi was the standout. Bishnoi accounted for Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu and conceded only 24 runs in his quota of four overs. In fact, the leg-spinner could have had even better bowling figures if not for the misfields made by Dushmantha Chameera.
It was a featherbed at Brabourne Stadium but Bishnoi showed great skills to bowl a superb spell. On the other hand, Ayush Badoni once again impressed with his batting as he kept his cool under pressure.
The youngster scored a cameo of 9-ball 19 to help his team get over the line. Badoni started the penultimate over in style for LSG as he hit a six on the first ball to put the pressure on Shivam Dube when 34 runs were needed off the final two overs. Rahul gave credit to Vijay Dahiya and Gautam Gambhir for roping in the 22-year old from Delhi.
Thus, both of these young guns were instrumental in LSG’s maiden win in the IPL. Evin Lewis also scored a fine knock of 55 runs off 23 balls to help his team chase down the fourth-highest total in IPL history.
KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation, “Bishnoi has a big heart, he’s a fighter for a little guy, shows the character he has to bounce back [from the last game] with a wet ball. Really happy for him, he wants to grow, wants to learn, and good to see that. And Badoni, I’d seen a few videos, when you only get to see the good shots, but the way he’s been batting is phenomenal. Strong, 360-degree player, a great find for India and an asset for white-ball cricket. In these conditions, you give yourself an over or two, capitalize on the powerplay, and a right-left [partnership] has advantages. Quinny in good form batted beautifully. Lewis has worked hard on his batting, his timing has gotten better. Seeing so many players in form puts a smile on a captain’s face.”
Lucknow Super Kings will be delighted to get over the line in a high-scoring match. LSG was behind the eight ball but they took 25 runs off the penultimate over and it was the turning point of the game.
LSG will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.
