One of the key reasons for Lucknow Super Giants’ success is the fact that their pace bowling battery has performed tremendously. LSG bowling battery was once again right on the money on Saturday night at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune after they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by a mammoth margin of 75 runs.
LSG posted a par score of 176 runs after Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, and Marcus Stoinis played fine knocks. Subsequently, Avesh Khan, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, and Mohsin Khan took one wicket apiece to put the opposition on the back foot at 25-4. Avesh Khan was the pick of the LSG bowlers as he returned with figures of 3-19 in his three overs.
Avesh was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine show. Furthermore, Jason Holder also took three wickets in his spell.
KL Rahul feels it is important for bowlers to execute their plans and bowl according to their strength as well as their field.
Rahul said in the post-match presentation, “We started superbly with the ball, put the ball in the right areas, couldn’t have asked for more. Trust them a great deal (his pace battery). Having skill is one thing, but knowing what to do when is important. They’ve been put under pressure a couple of times but they’ve stuck to their strengths and been brave with the ball. That’s all we can ask for. Keep trusting what the best ball is on that wicket.”
On the other hand, Rahul also added that they got off to a great start as Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda added 71 runs in quick time despite the early run out of the captain.
He added, “Played really well, started well with the bat, except for the run-out. Was a tricky wicket. Knew it was going to be slow and sticky. Had to get around 150-160. The way Quinton and Deepak batted, made it look easy. Big-hitting from Stoinis and Jason gave the momentum.”
Rahul concluded by saying that they are still looking to improve as a unit as they haven’t yet come up with a complete performance yet.
Rahul concluded, “Dre Russ going like that is scary at times. We do have some plans before the game, and what’s good to see is they remember those plans under pressure. If we go for runs from there then that’s acceptable. Still can’t think of any game where we’ve had a complete performance. Still, areas to improve. Don’t think any team is going to be perfect anyway, we aren’t chasing that. Everyone wants to contribute which is great to see. Don’t know if we’re peaking at the right time but we’re getting the wins, we’re doing what is expected of us, sticking to our plans.”
Lucknow Super Giants will next face Gujarat Titans at the MCA, Pune on Tuesday.
