Welcome back for RR's response with the bat. The umpires are out already. Lucknow Super Giants form a last-minute team huddle, before they take the field.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Every bowler of RR chipped in with at least one wicket, except for Maheesh Theekshana, showing how well-rounded and effective their bowling unit was today, but will that last over cost them? Letâs see in the second inning. Now the stage is set for a cracking chase. Rajasthan Royals, playing at home, will look to hunt down this target with their youthful batting lineup. Meanwhile, LSG will back their bowlers to defend this competitive total on a pitch that hasnât been easy to bat on. All eyes
Aiden Markram of LSG is up for a quick chat. He first hands over the Orange Cap to Nicholas Pooran. Begins by saying he thought 180 would be a good score, and feels fortunate to get there in the end. Mentions that the wicket slowed down a bit and was also on the lower side. Says they shouldn't complicate things when they come out to bowl. Tells about bowling in the right areas and picking quick wickets. Ends by saying that if they get a good start with the ball, they will get a good chance to d
Badoni brought up a brilliant fifty under pressure, playing a smart and composed knock that helped shift momentum. However, just when things were looking stable at 130/3, both set batters departed while trying to accelerate, which gave LSG a slight jolt in the death overs. But then came Abdul Samad, who just dismantled Sandeep in the last over and provided LSG the much-needed finish, which they would be hoping for. From the Rajasthan Royals' perspective, their bowling effort was commendable exce
LSG opted to bat first, but the start was far from ideal. Mitchell Marsh, one of their key batters, walked back in the third over, giving Rajasthan an early breakthrough. Nicholas Pooran came in with positive intent and tried to steady things with Markram, but his stay didnât last long either. He was trapped in front by Sandeep Sharma, and by the end of the Powerplay, LSG had already lost two wickets. Things worsened when skipper Rishabh Pant once again failed to get going, continuing his le
That has been a solid fightback from Lucknow Super Giants after a rocky start, as they managed to post 180/5 on the board, courtesy of Abdul Samadâs sensational hitting in the last over, which went for 27 runs. Considering the early setbacks, theyâll definitely be on the happier side heading into the break. Till around the 16th over, it looked like a one-man show from Aiden Markram, who stood tall on a challenging pitch and brought up a classy fifty. He eventually fell for 66 off 45 balls,
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! SIXES IN THE LAST OVER! Can't be breezier than this! Sandeep misfires a full toss this time around, outside off, Abdul Samad goes a bit deep into the crease, and heaves it into the orbit. The ball clears deep mid-wicket with ease for another six. A look into the heavens from Riyan Parag, as the last over goes for a mighty 27 runs. Lucknow Super Giants touch the 180-run mark with Samad's impactful cameo.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! This is turning out to be a cracking finish for LSG! Another one into the pitch, on top of off, Abdul Samad shuffles to the off stump, waits for it, loads his shot and pulls it behind deep backward square leg, just over the boundary cushions for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, At 122.8 kph, this is on a good length, around off, Abdul Samad tries to swing for the hills, but mistimes it over mid on for a couple of runs only.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! Make that two in a row! That is a cracking strike! Dug short into the pitch, outside off, Abdul Samad has all the time in the world to create a stable base to pull it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! A genuine gift and Samad makes the most out of it! An attempted yorker gone wrong. A full toss, on the pads, Abdul Samad picks it up nicely and whips it aerially over deep backward square leg for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, A slower bounce, angling across off, David Miller waits and flat-bats it down to long off for a single only.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl the last over. Can he keep Lucknow Super Giants under 160 here?
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Cannons in a yorker, on the pads, David Miller gets a bit of an inside edge to the leg side and runs a quick single. Just 7 runs off Archer's last over. He finishes his spell with 4-0-32-1.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Back of a length, a slower one, on top of off, Abdul Samad is early to pull across, and gets it pinged on the body, as the ball rolls to the off side, just near the strip. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Excellent pinpoint yorker, on leg, David Miller inside edges it behind to the right of the keeper and steals a quick single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Over-the-head bumper, on top of middle and leg, David Miller misses to pull as the ball passes above his helmet. Wide called. Riyan Parag, though, is not too pleased and reviews this Wide call. The split-screen replay comes up first. But the umpire requests Ball Tracking to confirm that no bat is involved. The projection shows that the ball is above the shoulder height, but instantly, the third umpire clarifies th
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Straight and full, pace on at 144 kph, in front of the sticks, Abdul Samad smashes it down to long on, but gets just a single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, From around the wickets, Archer angles it onto the pads, fuller in length, Miller misses to whip it across and the ball deflects off his front pad and rolls towards the backward point region. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Jofra Archer is back on to bowl the penultimate over. On the hard length, at 128.4 kph, on top of middle, Abdul Samad mistimes it off the higher part of the bat, and pulls to deep mid-wicket. A single only.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, Slower bumper, on the bodyline, Abdul Samad pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single. Just 7 runs off it. Excellent by Tushar Deshpande. He ends his spell with figures of 4-0-26-1.
Tushar Deshpande to David Miller, Wide of off, on a fuller length, carved through cover for a single.
Abdul Samad walks out to bat now.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, 1 run.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! TAKEN! A fifty and out for Badoni! Back of a length, just outside off, skidding through the surface quickly. Ayush Badoni stands tall and tries to loft it over the point region, but ends up mistiming it in the air. The ball sails straight into the hands of Shubham Dubey at deep point. Ayush Badoni departs on 50 (34). LSG are 143/5.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Something adventurous from Badoni and he gets to his half-century. A pretty muted celebration, but he has played a perfect anchoring knock for his side. Short and slow, on off, Ayush Badoni reverse ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, An off cutter, outside off, on a short length, Ayush Badoni mistimes his shot and cuts it to the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Too short and too slow, on off, Ayush Badoni pulls it over mid-wicket, on the bounce for a single in the deep. 10 runs off this over, 23 from the last three overs.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, In-between length, on middle and leg, David Miller steers it to the left of square leg. Badoni calls it for two initially, but the deep fine leg fielder is quick enough to get to the ball. Only a single.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Angling on the leg stump, fuller in length, Ayush Badoni drives it to long on for a single.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! SLAPPED AWAY!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Length-delivery, around off, sliced off the back foot to the cover-point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, Pitched fuller, on the stumps, David Miller drills down to long on for a single.
David Miller is the next man in.
Wanindu Hasaranga to David Miller, Fuller and spinning on leg, from middle, David Miller flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! c Riyan Parag b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Outside off, on a length, Ayush Badoni reaches for it and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, ! BOOM! Into the slot, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni slogs it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Sliding on the pads, on a length, Aiden Markram goes for a big booming slog sweep, but misses and the ball ricochets off his body to the short third region. They get a leg bye.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Dishes it on a length, around off, spinning away a shy bit. Badoni leans on it and drives through the vacant cover region for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Tossed it up, wide outside off, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot and looks at the umpire to call it a wide but the umpire shakes his head.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Bowls it full again and around off, Badoni drives it to sweeper cover for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Touch full and outside off, Badoni drives it inside out over cover point for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, A high full toss, around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knees and pulls it to deep square leg. Hetmyer cuts it off there and the batters take two runs.Â
Strategic Break!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Quicker and flatter, around off, Ayush Badoni skips down the track and pushes it to the right of the bowler. Wanindu slides across to his right to cut it off, but fails to do so, and the ball parries away towards long on as the batter gets a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Nagging length and around leg, Markram goes on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Full and around leg, follows the batter, Badoni flicks it to short fine leg for a quick single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, BEATEN!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Drops it short now and around off, Aiden Markram goes back and pushes it to long off for another single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed it up and around off, Ayush Badoni strides forward and pushes it towards extra cover and gets a quick single.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Just a dragged length from the previous one and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer makes a fumble there in collecting the ball, which allows the batter to go for the second and they complete it comfortably. LSG are 111/3 after 13 overs.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, This is great bowling from Tushar Deshpande! Bowls a yorker now and around off, gives no room at all. Aiden Markram just manages to jam it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, A play and a miss! Tushar bangs this short of a length as he sees Aiden charging down the track and touch outside off. Markram has to adjust his shot in the end as he looks to pull it down but misses.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Goes fuller and on the pads, Ayush uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket for a single and changes the strike.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! Too much short and outside off, going over the head of the batter. Called a wide. There have been too many extras already for LSG in this inning.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Full and around off, Badoni drills it absolutely down the ground but Tushar Deshpande shows great skills there as he stops it with his right boot.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off, Ayush Badoni shuffles across to chase it at first but decides to withdraw his bat in the end. Called a wide.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Changes his length and bowls it fuller as he sees the batter charging down the wicket. Aiden Markram has to adjust it in the end and he drives it to mid off for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Short and around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knee and sweeps it in the gap towards deep square leg and picks up two runs again. The 50-run partnership comes up between the two!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 2 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Full and around off, Aiden Markram makes room and drives it to long off for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! TONKED! Maheesh drops it short and around middle, Aiden Markram reads it early as he transfers his weight to the back foot and launches it over long on for a biggie. He is picking up the length quite early. This also brings up the 100 for LSG!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Hard length and around off, Badoni pulls it but doesn't quite time it. The ball goes aerially towards deep mid-wicket and the batters run a couple in that time.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Four!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! CLASS ACT!
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Aiden Markram completes his fifty! Full again and outside off, Aiden Markram comes forward and drives it in the gap through covers. Yashasvi Jaiswal puts in a dive there at sweeper cover to cut it off but the batters get three runs. A special knock from the South African player who is playing on a different track as everyone is struggling here but he is just timing the ball to the perfection.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Sharma goes fuller but on the pads, Aiden Markram leans on and flicks it in the big gap towards deep mid-wicket and picks up two runs. Shimron Hetmyer cuts it off in the deep and throws it to the keeper.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Sandeep returns and bowls it on a good length and outside off, Ayush Badoni waits for it and runs it down to deep third for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BACK-TO-BACK BIGGIES! Wanindu Hasaranga bowls a half-tracker, on middle. Aiden Markram rocks back quickly and swats it over the long on fence again for half a dozen more. 13 runs off the over!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BANG! Aiden Markram goes big this time! Looppy delivery, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Markram gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on middle, Aiden Markram knocks it back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Goes short and on middle, Ayush Badoni nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, A big shout for LBW again, but a lot more confident one! However, the umpire keeps his finger down. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhruv Jurel convince Riyan Parag to take the review, and this one looks a bit closer than the previous one. Floated delivery, full and on middle, turns away a shy bit. Ayush Badoni goes down a bit across to sweep it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The only thing that can save him here is if the impact is outside off. UltraEdge
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Ayush Badoni strides out to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Strategic Break. It's been a cagy start for the Lucknow Super Giants, to say the least. Well, when you lose one too many wickets early on, the middle order, usually more accustomed to playing the big hits, is compelled to play the anchor role. Losing the likes of Marsh, Pooran, and skipper Pant inside the first ten has put a lot of pressure on LSG right away. However, it looks like Aiden Markram is batting on a different track, holding one end nicely along.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Pitched up and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Glorious shot! Hits the length hard and on off, shaping just away. Ayush Badoni stays back, waits for it and uses the pace on the ball to steer it away through backward point for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, A quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni looks to hook it away but misses.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on middle, Aiden Markram backs away and pushes it to mid off for a quick run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Fuller and on off, Aiden Markram drives it straight to mid off.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, On a length and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it towards square leg for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Bangs in a bouncer around off, but this is too high for the batter. Ayush Badoni leaves it alone. Wided.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it to covers.
Due to early fall of wickets, Lucknow Super Giants have decide to bring in their Impact Sub in the form of Ayush Badoni. He is in at number 5. Badoni is swapped in for Mitchell Marsh.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, ! c Dhruv Jurel b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, full and on middle, Aiden Markram eases it to long on for another run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, Short again and on off, Rishabh Pant stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga is now into the attack for the first time. He replaces Sandeep Sharma.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Short and around off, Aiden Markram moves back and punches it through covers for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Pitched up and on middle, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Touch fuller and on middle, Aiden Markram drills it to long on for one more.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Short of a length and on middle, Rishabh Pant runs it down to third man for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on off, Aiden Markram stabs it towards mid off for another run.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, On a length and on off, Rishabh Pant pushes it towards covers for a run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Back of a length and on middle, Aiden Markram pats it towards mid on for a single.
Tushar Deshpande is into the attack now. He replaces Jofra Archer.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length and on off, Rishabh Pant steers it to point. Just 4 runs and a huge wicket from the over.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant keeps it out to the leg side.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Touch fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, A massive appeal for LBW once again, but this time the finger stays put! Sandeep Sharma looks very interested and convinces his skipper to take the review. This is on a good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant looks to defend, but the ball goes past the bat and hits the pads. However, UltraEdge shows that there is an inside edge. RR lose a review now!
LSG skipper, Rishabh Pant, is in at number 4.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! LBW! A superb response from Sandeep Sharma! He gets rid of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and Shubham Dubey will be a relieved man as his drop does not cost them much.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicky P greets Sandeep Sharma with a boundary! Fuller in length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran gets right under it and thumps it through mid off for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma is brought into the attack now. He replaces Maheesh Theekshana.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Four!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! Shubham Dubey puts down a relatively easy chance and how costly will it prove for RR?Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! STREAKY!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Excellent effort from Shimron Hetmyer to save one run for his side! Hard length and around middle, Aiden Markram stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket. Hetmyer runs in to his left from deep square leg and puts in a dive to flick the ball inside the field. The batters get three runs.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, BEATEN! An off-cutter, on a back of a length and around off, Aiden Markram gets squared up as he looks to defend it. Gets beaten on the outside edge on its way to the keeper.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Fuller now and on the pads, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single off the front foot.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! PUNISHED! Short and outside off, Aiden Markram makes room by going to the leg side of the ball and cuts it hard. He beats the diving point fielder to his right and gets a boundary there.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and in the channel outside off, Markram backs away and cuts it but straight to cover point.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Leg bye! Tossed it up now and on the pads, Aiden comes forward to flick it but misses. Gets hit on the front pad and he gets a single for leg bye as the ball gets deflected towards fine leg.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! CREAMED IT! Short and around off, Aiden Markram gives himself some room and punches it. He finds the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, called a wide by the umpire.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Good length and around off, Pooran comes forward and drops it down to cover.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and around middle, with pace taken off, Aiden Markram works it away to deep fine leg for one.
Nicholas Pooran is in at number 3. Also, down in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans have registered a famous win, as they have successfully chased down 204, with 4 balls to spare. Unfortunately for Jos Buttler, he remained unbeaten on 97. Rahul Tewatia, coming in at a crunch time, went for the kill and with two back-to-back sixes against Mitchell Starc, in the last over, he took his side home.Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Archer greets the new batter with a bouncer! A well-directed bouncer, around middle, into the body of the batter, Nicholas Pooran ducks under it.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, ! CAUGHT! Shimron Hetmyer takes an excellent catch while running forward, and the dangerous Mitchell Marsh is gone for 4(6).Â
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Short of a length and angling into the body of the batter, around off, Aiden Markram presses back and looks to ramp it at first. He gets cramped up for room and adjusts his shot in the end to open his bat face to cut it to deep third man for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Short and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to turn it to deep mid-wicket for a single to retain the strike.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, This is again on the short of a length and around middle, Marsh eases out to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it short again and around off, Marsh covers the stumps and drops it down back to the bowler.
Hmm... interesting. Early sight of spin. Maheesh Theekshana to share the attack.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Begins with a short ball, around middle, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! CRUNCHED!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! NICE SHOT! Jofra Archer isn't happy with the effort of the fielder! Again on the back of a length, and outside off this time, Aiden Markram pounces on the bounce and punches it through covers. Shubham Dubey tries to hunt it down and even puts in a dive in the end but the ball wins the race at deep.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, OUCH! Back of a length, with an extra bounce off the surface, around off and middle, nips back in sharply. Aiden Markram hops up and looks to play it to the off side but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the back thigh.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, Lucknow Super Giants and Mitchell Marsh are underway straightaway!Â
Back in the Pink City, we are all in readiness for the action to begin. The two umpires walk out to the middle. RR's stand-in skipper, Riyan Parag, leads his troops to the ground as they spread out to the field. The usual pairing of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh walk out to open for Lucknow Super Giants. A mini Ashes first up then, as Jofra Archer will open the bowling for Rajasthan Royals. 'The Bison' Mitchell Marsh to face the first ball. The countdown goes off and here we go...
Down in the neighbourhood, in the day game, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans are firmly placed in the hunt of 204 runs. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford have bossed up the proceedings with the bat, with the former inching closer to his century as GT need 25 runs in the last three overs remaining, but more importantly, with 8 wickets in hand.
Jofra Archer from the Rajasthan Royals is up for a quick chat. He says that it has been just a normal rehab thing about his elbow injury, and he hasnât done anything extraordinary. He feels that they could have won every game they have played except for one, and it is just that they have been unfortunate to miss out on those ones. States that they need a bit of luck to turn the tables around for them. Mentions that a lot of players and staff are still the same in RR, and he hasnât found
While Sanju Samson's unavailability is a big blow for Rajasthan Royals in a very crucial match, it also marks a huge opportunity for Vaibhav Suryavanshi to showcase his talent at this grand level. At 14, Suryavanshi becomes the youngest player to make a debut in the IPL.
The stand-in skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, says they were looking to bowl first as the wicket seems to settle under the lights. Informs that Vaibhav Suryavanshi comes in for Sanju Samson. Says it's been tricky, and admits they haven't been able to put up good performances. Also says they have been having some honest chats as a team. Says they love playing at home as they know the conditions pretty well. Is hopeful to put that to good use.
The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, says that they are going to bat first as the wicket is looking on the drier side and they want to take advantage of batting in the first inning, and he expects with little to no dew. Adds that he has told the players to stay positive and learn from their mistakes after a defeat in the last game, and they just want to improve overall going forward. States that he felt great with a fifty in the last game for the teamâs cause, but he knew that a
Impact Players for Rajasthan Royals - Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kunal Singh Rathore. Â
Impact Players for Lucknow Super Giants - Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad, Matthew Breetzke.
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Rishabh Pant (C/WK), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Nicholas Pooran, Digvesh Singh, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan.
TOSS - Lucknow Super Giants have won the toss and elected to BAT first.
Welcome back for RR's response with the bat. The umpires are out already. Lucknow Super Giants form a last-minute team huddle, before they take the field.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Every bowler of RR chipped in with at least one wicket, except for Maheesh Theekshana, showing how well-rounded and effective their bowling unit was today, but will that last over cost them? Letâs see in the second inning. Now the stage is set for a cracking chase. Rajasthan Royals, playing at home, will look to hunt down this target with their youthful batting lineup. Meanwhile, LSG will back their bowlers to defend this competitive total on a pitch that hasnât been easy to bat on. All eyes
Aiden Markram of LSG is up for a quick chat. He first hands over the Orange Cap to Nicholas Pooran. Begins by saying he thought 180 would be a good score, and feels fortunate to get there in the end. Mentions that the wicket slowed down a bit and was also on the lower side. Says they shouldn't complicate things when they come out to bowl. Tells about bowling in the right areas and picking quick wickets. Ends by saying that if they get a good start with the ball, they will get a good chance to d
Badoni brought up a brilliant fifty under pressure, playing a smart and composed knock that helped shift momentum. However, just when things were looking stable at 130/3, both set batters departed while trying to accelerate, which gave LSG a slight jolt in the death overs. But then came Abdul Samad, who just dismantled Sandeep in the last over and provided LSG the much-needed finish, which they would be hoping for. From the Rajasthan Royals' perspective, their bowling effort was commendable exce
LSG opted to bat first, but the start was far from ideal. Mitchell Marsh, one of their key batters, walked back in the third over, giving Rajasthan an early breakthrough. Nicholas Pooran came in with positive intent and tried to steady things with Markram, but his stay didnât last long either. He was trapped in front by Sandeep Sharma, and by the end of the Powerplay, LSG had already lost two wickets. Things worsened when skipper Rishabh Pant once again failed to get going, continuing his le
That has been a solid fightback from Lucknow Super Giants after a rocky start, as they managed to post 180/5 on the board, courtesy of Abdul Samadâs sensational hitting in the last over, which went for 27 runs. Considering the early setbacks, theyâll definitely be on the happier side heading into the break. Till around the 16th over, it looked like a one-man show from Aiden Markram, who stood tall on a challenging pitch and brought up a classy fifty. He eventually fell for 66 off 45 balls,
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! SIXES IN THE LAST OVER! Can't be breezier than this! Sandeep misfires a full toss this time around, outside off, Abdul Samad goes a bit deep into the crease, and heaves it into the orbit. The ball clears deep mid-wicket with ease for another six. A look into the heavens from Riyan Parag, as the last over goes for a mighty 27 runs. Lucknow Super Giants touch the 180-run mark with Samad's impactful cameo.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! This is turning out to be a cracking finish for LSG! Another one into the pitch, on top of off, Abdul Samad shuffles to the off stump, waits for it, loads his shot and pulls it behind deep backward square leg, just over the boundary cushions for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, At 122.8 kph, this is on a good length, around off, Abdul Samad tries to swing for the hills, but mistimes it over mid on for a couple of runs only.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! Make that two in a row! That is a cracking strike! Dug short into the pitch, outside off, Abdul Samad has all the time in the world to create a stable base to pull it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! A genuine gift and Samad makes the most out of it! An attempted yorker gone wrong. A full toss, on the pads, Abdul Samad picks it up nicely and whips it aerially over deep backward square leg for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, A slower bounce, angling across off, David Miller waits and flat-bats it down to long off for a single only.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl the last over. Can he keep Lucknow Super Giants under 160 here?
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Cannons in a yorker, on the pads, David Miller gets a bit of an inside edge to the leg side and runs a quick single. Just 7 runs off Archer's last over. He finishes his spell with 4-0-32-1.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Back of a length, a slower one, on top of off, Abdul Samad is early to pull across, and gets it pinged on the body, as the ball rolls to the off side, just near the strip. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Excellent pinpoint yorker, on leg, David Miller inside edges it behind to the right of the keeper and steals a quick single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Over-the-head bumper, on top of middle and leg, David Miller misses to pull as the ball passes above his helmet. Wide called. Riyan Parag, though, is not too pleased and reviews this Wide call. The split-screen replay comes up first. But the umpire requests Ball Tracking to confirm that no bat is involved. The projection shows that the ball is above the shoulder height, but instantly, the third umpire clarifies th
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Straight and full, pace on at 144 kph, in front of the sticks, Abdul Samad smashes it down to long on, but gets just a single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, From around the wickets, Archer angles it onto the pads, fuller in length, Miller misses to whip it across and the ball deflects off his front pad and rolls towards the backward point region. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Jofra Archer is back on to bowl the penultimate over. On the hard length, at 128.4 kph, on top of middle, Abdul Samad mistimes it off the higher part of the bat, and pulls to deep mid-wicket. A single only.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, Slower bumper, on the bodyline, Abdul Samad pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single. Just 7 runs off it. Excellent by Tushar Deshpande. He ends his spell with figures of 4-0-26-1.
Tushar Deshpande to David Miller, Wide of off, on a fuller length, carved through cover for a single.
Abdul Samad walks out to bat now.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, 1 run.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! TAKEN! A fifty and out for Badoni! Back of a length, just outside off, skidding through the surface quickly. Ayush Badoni stands tall and tries to loft it over the point region, but ends up mistiming it in the air. The ball sails straight into the hands of Shubham Dubey at deep point. Ayush Badoni departs on 50 (34). LSG are 143/5.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Something adventurous from Badoni and he gets to his half-century. A pretty muted celebration, but he has played a perfect anchoring knock for his side. Short and slow, on off, Ayush Badoni reverse ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, An off cutter, outside off, on a short length, Ayush Badoni mistimes his shot and cuts it to the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Too short and too slow, on off, Ayush Badoni pulls it over mid-wicket, on the bounce for a single in the deep. 10 runs off this over, 23 from the last three overs.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, In-between length, on middle and leg, David Miller steers it to the left of square leg. Badoni calls it for two initially, but the deep fine leg fielder is quick enough to get to the ball. Only a single.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Angling on the leg stump, fuller in length, Ayush Badoni drives it to long on for a single.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! SLAPPED AWAY!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Length-delivery, around off, sliced off the back foot to the cover-point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, Pitched fuller, on the stumps, David Miller drills down to long on for a single.
David Miller is the next man in.
Wanindu Hasaranga to David Miller, Fuller and spinning on leg, from middle, David Miller flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! c Riyan Parag b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Outside off, on a length, Ayush Badoni reaches for it and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, ! BOOM! Into the slot, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni slogs it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Sliding on the pads, on a length, Aiden Markram goes for a big booming slog sweep, but misses and the ball ricochets off his body to the short third region. They get a leg bye.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Dishes it on a length, around off, spinning away a shy bit. Badoni leans on it and drives through the vacant cover region for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Tossed it up, wide outside off, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot and looks at the umpire to call it a wide but the umpire shakes his head.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Bowls it full again and around off, Badoni drives it to sweeper cover for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Touch full and outside off, Badoni drives it inside out over cover point for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, A high full toss, around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knees and pulls it to deep square leg. Hetmyer cuts it off there and the batters take two runs.Â
Strategic Break!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Quicker and flatter, around off, Ayush Badoni skips down the track and pushes it to the right of the bowler. Wanindu slides across to his right to cut it off, but fails to do so, and the ball parries away towards long on as the batter gets a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Nagging length and around leg, Markram goes on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Full and around leg, follows the batter, Badoni flicks it to short fine leg for a quick single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, BEATEN!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Drops it short now and around off, Aiden Markram goes back and pushes it to long off for another single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed it up and around off, Ayush Badoni strides forward and pushes it towards extra cover and gets a quick single.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Just a dragged length from the previous one and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer makes a fumble there in collecting the ball, which allows the batter to go for the second and they complete it comfortably. LSG are 111/3 after 13 overs.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, This is great bowling from Tushar Deshpande! Bowls a yorker now and around off, gives no room at all. Aiden Markram just manages to jam it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, A play and a miss! Tushar bangs this short of a length as he sees Aiden charging down the track and touch outside off. Markram has to adjust his shot in the end as he looks to pull it down but misses.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Goes fuller and on the pads, Ayush uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket for a single and changes the strike.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! Too much short and outside off, going over the head of the batter. Called a wide. There have been too many extras already for LSG in this inning.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Full and around off, Badoni drills it absolutely down the ground but Tushar Deshpande shows great skills there as he stops it with his right boot.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off, Ayush Badoni shuffles across to chase it at first but decides to withdraw his bat in the end. Called a wide.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Changes his length and bowls it fuller as he sees the batter charging down the wicket. Aiden Markram has to adjust it in the end and he drives it to mid off for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Short and around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knee and sweeps it in the gap towards deep square leg and picks up two runs again. The 50-run partnership comes up between the two!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 2 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Full and around off, Aiden Markram makes room and drives it to long off for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! TONKED! Maheesh drops it short and around middle, Aiden Markram reads it early as he transfers his weight to the back foot and launches it over long on for a biggie. He is picking up the length quite early. This also brings up the 100 for LSG!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Hard length and around off, Badoni pulls it but doesn't quite time it. The ball goes aerially towards deep mid-wicket and the batters run a couple in that time.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Four!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! CLASS ACT!
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Aiden Markram completes his fifty! Full again and outside off, Aiden Markram comes forward and drives it in the gap through covers. Yashasvi Jaiswal puts in a dive there at sweeper cover to cut it off but the batters get three runs. A special knock from the South African player who is playing on a different track as everyone is struggling here but he is just timing the ball to the perfection.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Sharma goes fuller but on the pads, Aiden Markram leans on and flicks it in the big gap towards deep mid-wicket and picks up two runs. Shimron Hetmyer cuts it off in the deep and throws it to the keeper.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Sandeep returns and bowls it on a good length and outside off, Ayush Badoni waits for it and runs it down to deep third for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BACK-TO-BACK BIGGIES! Wanindu Hasaranga bowls a half-tracker, on middle. Aiden Markram rocks back quickly and swats it over the long on fence again for half a dozen more. 13 runs off the over!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BANG! Aiden Markram goes big this time! Looppy delivery, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Markram gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on middle, Aiden Markram knocks it back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Goes short and on middle, Ayush Badoni nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, A big shout for LBW again, but a lot more confident one! However, the umpire keeps his finger down. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhruv Jurel convince Riyan Parag to take the review, and this one looks a bit closer than the previous one. Floated delivery, full and on middle, turns away a shy bit. Ayush Badoni goes down a bit across to sweep it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The only thing that can save him here is if the impact is outside off. UltraEdge
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Ayush Badoni strides out to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Strategic Break. It's been a cagy start for the Lucknow Super Giants, to say the least. Well, when you lose one too many wickets early on, the middle order, usually more accustomed to playing the big hits, is compelled to play the anchor role. Losing the likes of Marsh, Pooran, and skipper Pant inside the first ten has put a lot of pressure on LSG right away. However, it looks like Aiden Markram is batting on a different track, holding one end nicely along.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Pitched up and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Glorious shot! Hits the length hard and on off, shaping just away. Ayush Badoni stays back, waits for it and uses the pace on the ball to steer it away through backward point for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, A quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni looks to hook it away but misses.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on middle, Aiden Markram backs away and pushes it to mid off for a quick run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Fuller and on off, Aiden Markram drives it straight to mid off.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, On a length and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it towards square leg for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Bangs in a bouncer around off, but this is too high for the batter. Ayush Badoni leaves it alone. Wided.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it to covers.
Due to early fall of wickets, Lucknow Super Giants have decide to bring in their Impact Sub in the form of Ayush Badoni. He is in at number 5. Badoni is swapped in for Mitchell Marsh.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, ! c Dhruv Jurel b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, full and on middle, Aiden Markram eases it to long on for another run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, Short again and on off, Rishabh Pant stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga is now into the attack for the first time. He replaces Sandeep Sharma.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Short and around off, Aiden Markram moves back and punches it through covers for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Pitched up and on middle, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Touch fuller and on middle, Aiden Markram drills it to long on for one more.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Short of a length and on middle, Rishabh Pant runs it down to third man for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on off, Aiden Markram stabs it towards mid off for another run.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, On a length and on off, Rishabh Pant pushes it towards covers for a run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Back of a length and on middle, Aiden Markram pats it towards mid on for a single.
Tushar Deshpande is into the attack now. He replaces Jofra Archer.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length and on off, Rishabh Pant steers it to point. Just 4 runs and a huge wicket from the over.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant keeps it out to the leg side.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Touch fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, A massive appeal for LBW once again, but this time the finger stays put! Sandeep Sharma looks very interested and convinces his skipper to take the review. This is on a good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant looks to defend, but the ball goes past the bat and hits the pads. However, UltraEdge shows that there is an inside edge. RR lose a review now!
LSG skipper, Rishabh Pant, is in at number 4.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! LBW! A superb response from Sandeep Sharma! He gets rid of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and Shubham Dubey will be a relieved man as his drop does not cost them much.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicky P greets Sandeep Sharma with a boundary! Fuller in length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran gets right under it and thumps it through mid off for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma is brought into the attack now. He replaces Maheesh Theekshana.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Four!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! Shubham Dubey puts down a relatively easy chance and how costly will it prove for RR?Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! STREAKY!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Excellent effort from Shimron Hetmyer to save one run for his side! Hard length and around middle, Aiden Markram stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket. Hetmyer runs in to his left from deep square leg and puts in a dive to flick the ball inside the field. The batters get three runs.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, BEATEN! An off-cutter, on a back of a length and around off, Aiden Markram gets squared up as he looks to defend it. Gets beaten on the outside edge on its way to the keeper.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Fuller now and on the pads, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single off the front foot.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! PUNISHED! Short and outside off, Aiden Markram makes room by going to the leg side of the ball and cuts it hard. He beats the diving point fielder to his right and gets a boundary there.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and in the channel outside off, Markram backs away and cuts it but straight to cover point.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Leg bye! Tossed it up now and on the pads, Aiden comes forward to flick it but misses. Gets hit on the front pad and he gets a single for leg bye as the ball gets deflected towards fine leg.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! CREAMED IT! Short and around off, Aiden Markram gives himself some room and punches it. He finds the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, called a wide by the umpire.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Good length and around off, Pooran comes forward and drops it down to cover.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and around middle, with pace taken off, Aiden Markram works it away to deep fine leg for one.
Nicholas Pooran is in at number 3. Also, down in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans have registered a famous win, as they have successfully chased down 204, with 4 balls to spare. Unfortunately for Jos Buttler, he remained unbeaten on 97. Rahul Tewatia, coming in at a crunch time, went for the kill and with two back-to-back sixes against Mitchell Starc, in the last over, he took his side home.Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Archer greets the new batter with a bouncer! A well-directed bouncer, around middle, into the body of the batter, Nicholas Pooran ducks under it.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, ! CAUGHT! Shimron Hetmyer takes an excellent catch while running forward, and the dangerous Mitchell Marsh is gone for 4(6).Â
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Short of a length and angling into the body of the batter, around off, Aiden Markram presses back and looks to ramp it at first. He gets cramped up for room and adjusts his shot in the end to open his bat face to cut it to deep third man for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Short and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to turn it to deep mid-wicket for a single to retain the strike.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, This is again on the short of a length and around middle, Marsh eases out to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it short again and around off, Marsh covers the stumps and drops it down back to the bowler.
Hmm... interesting. Early sight of spin. Maheesh Theekshana to share the attack.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Begins with a short ball, around middle, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! CRUNCHED!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! NICE SHOT! Jofra Archer isn't happy with the effort of the fielder! Again on the back of a length, and outside off this time, Aiden Markram pounces on the bounce and punches it through covers. Shubham Dubey tries to hunt it down and even puts in a dive in the end but the ball wins the race at deep.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, OUCH! Back of a length, with an extra bounce off the surface, around off and middle, nips back in sharply. Aiden Markram hops up and looks to play it to the off side but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the back thigh.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, Lucknow Super Giants and Mitchell Marsh are underway straightaway!Â
Back in the Pink City, we are all in readiness for the action to begin. The two umpires walk out to the middle. RR's stand-in skipper, Riyan Parag, leads his troops to the ground as they spread out to the field. The usual pairing of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh walk out to open for Lucknow Super Giants. A mini Ashes first up then, as Jofra Archer will open the bowling for Rajasthan Royals. 'The Bison' Mitchell Marsh to face the first ball. The countdown goes off and here we go...
Down in the neighbourhood, in the day game, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans are firmly placed in the hunt of 204 runs. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford have bossed up the proceedings with the bat, with the former inching closer to his century as GT need 25 runs in the last three overs remaining, but more importantly, with 8 wickets in hand.
Jofra Archer from the Rajasthan Royals is up for a quick chat. He says that it has been just a normal rehab thing about his elbow injury, and he hasnât done anything extraordinary. He feels that they could have won every game they have played except for one, and it is just that they have been unfortunate to miss out on those ones. States that they need a bit of luck to turn the tables around for them. Mentions that a lot of players and staff are still the same in RR, and he hasnât found
While Sanju Samson's unavailability is a big blow for Rajasthan Royals in a very crucial match, it also marks a huge opportunity for Vaibhav Suryavanshi to showcase his talent at this grand level. At 14, Suryavanshi becomes the youngest player to make a debut in the IPL.
The stand-in skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, says they were looking to bowl first as the wicket seems to settle under the lights. Informs that Vaibhav Suryavanshi comes in for Sanju Samson. Says it's been tricky, and admits they haven't been able to put up good performances. Also says they have been having some honest chats as a team. Says they love playing at home as they know the conditions pretty well. Is hopeful to put that to good use.
The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, says that they are going to bat first as the wicket is looking on the drier side and they want to take advantage of batting in the first inning, and he expects with little to no dew. Adds that he has told the players to stay positive and learn from their mistakes after a defeat in the last game, and they just want to improve overall going forward. States that he felt great with a fifty in the last game for the teamâs cause, but he knew that a
Impact Players for Rajasthan Royals - Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kunal Singh Rathore. Â
Impact Players for Lucknow Super Giants - Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad, Matthew Breetzke.
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Rishabh Pant (C/WK), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Nicholas Pooran, Digvesh Singh, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan.
TOSS - Lucknow Super Giants have won the toss and elected to BAT first.
Newsletter
Rajasthan Royals
178/5(20 Overs)
Welcome back for RR's response with the bat. The umpires are out already. Lucknow Super Giants form a last-minute team huddle, before they take the field.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Every bowler of RR chipped in with at least one wicket, except for Maheesh Theekshana, showing how well-rounded and effective their bowling unit was today, but will that last over cost them? Letâs see in the second inning. Now the stage is set for a cracking chase. Rajasthan Royals, playing at home, will look to hunt down this target with their youthful batting lineup. Meanwhile, LSG will back their bowlers to defend this competitive total on a pitch that hasnât been easy to bat on. All eyes
Aiden Markram of LSG is up for a quick chat. He first hands over the Orange Cap to Nicholas Pooran. Begins by saying he thought 180 would be a good score, and feels fortunate to get there in the end. Mentions that the wicket slowed down a bit and was also on the lower side. Says they shouldn't complicate things when they come out to bowl. Tells about bowling in the right areas and picking quick wickets. Ends by saying that if they get a good start with the ball, they will get a good chance to d
Badoni brought up a brilliant fifty under pressure, playing a smart and composed knock that helped shift momentum. However, just when things were looking stable at 130/3, both set batters departed while trying to accelerate, which gave LSG a slight jolt in the death overs. But then came Abdul Samad, who just dismantled Sandeep in the last over and provided LSG the much-needed finish, which they would be hoping for. From the Rajasthan Royals' perspective, their bowling effort was commendable exce
LSG opted to bat first, but the start was far from ideal. Mitchell Marsh, one of their key batters, walked back in the third over, giving Rajasthan an early breakthrough. Nicholas Pooran came in with positive intent and tried to steady things with Markram, but his stay didnât last long either. He was trapped in front by Sandeep Sharma, and by the end of the Powerplay, LSG had already lost two wickets. Things worsened when skipper Rishabh Pant once again failed to get going, continuing his le
That has been a solid fightback from Lucknow Super Giants after a rocky start, as they managed to post 180/5 on the board, courtesy of Abdul Samadâs sensational hitting in the last over, which went for 27 runs. Considering the early setbacks, theyâll definitely be on the happier side heading into the break. Till around the 16th over, it looked like a one-man show from Aiden Markram, who stood tall on a challenging pitch and brought up a classy fifty. He eventually fell for 66 off 45 balls,
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! SIXES IN THE LAST OVER! Can't be breezier than this! Sandeep misfires a full toss this time around, outside off, Abdul Samad goes a bit deep into the crease, and heaves it into the orbit. The ball clears deep mid-wicket with ease for another six. A look into the heavens from Riyan Parag, as the last over goes for a mighty 27 runs. Lucknow Super Giants touch the 180-run mark with Samad's impactful cameo.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! This is turning out to be a cracking finish for LSG! Another one into the pitch, on top of off, Abdul Samad shuffles to the off stump, waits for it, loads his shot and pulls it behind deep backward square leg, just over the boundary cushions for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, At 122.8 kph, this is on a good length, around off, Abdul Samad tries to swing for the hills, but mistimes it over mid on for a couple of runs only.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! Make that two in a row! That is a cracking strike! Dug short into the pitch, outside off, Abdul Samad has all the time in the world to create a stable base to pull it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! A genuine gift and Samad makes the most out of it! An attempted yorker gone wrong. A full toss, on the pads, Abdul Samad picks it up nicely and whips it aerially over deep backward square leg for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, A slower bounce, angling across off, David Miller waits and flat-bats it down to long off for a single only.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl the last over. Can he keep Lucknow Super Giants under 160 here?
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Cannons in a yorker, on the pads, David Miller gets a bit of an inside edge to the leg side and runs a quick single. Just 7 runs off Archer's last over. He finishes his spell with 4-0-32-1.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Back of a length, a slower one, on top of off, Abdul Samad is early to pull across, and gets it pinged on the body, as the ball rolls to the off side, just near the strip. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Excellent pinpoint yorker, on leg, David Miller inside edges it behind to the right of the keeper and steals a quick single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Over-the-head bumper, on top of middle and leg, David Miller misses to pull as the ball passes above his helmet. Wide called. Riyan Parag, though, is not too pleased and reviews this Wide call. The split-screen replay comes up first. But the umpire requests Ball Tracking to confirm that no bat is involved. The projection shows that the ball is above the shoulder height, but instantly, the third umpire clarifies th
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Straight and full, pace on at 144 kph, in front of the sticks, Abdul Samad smashes it down to long on, but gets just a single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, From around the wickets, Archer angles it onto the pads, fuller in length, Miller misses to whip it across and the ball deflects off his front pad and rolls towards the backward point region. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Jofra Archer is back on to bowl the penultimate over. On the hard length, at 128.4 kph, on top of middle, Abdul Samad mistimes it off the higher part of the bat, and pulls to deep mid-wicket. A single only.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, Slower bumper, on the bodyline, Abdul Samad pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single. Just 7 runs off it. Excellent by Tushar Deshpande. He ends his spell with figures of 4-0-26-1.
Tushar Deshpande to David Miller, Wide of off, on a fuller length, carved through cover for a single.
Abdul Samad walks out to bat now.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, 1 run.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! TAKEN! A fifty and out for Badoni! Back of a length, just outside off, skidding through the surface quickly. Ayush Badoni stands tall and tries to loft it over the point region, but ends up mistiming it in the air. The ball sails straight into the hands of Shubham Dubey at deep point. Ayush Badoni departs on 50 (34). LSG are 143/5.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Something adventurous from Badoni and he gets to his half-century. A pretty muted celebration, but he has played a perfect anchoring knock for his side. Short and slow, on off, Ayush Badoni reverse ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, An off cutter, outside off, on a short length, Ayush Badoni mistimes his shot and cuts it to the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Too short and too slow, on off, Ayush Badoni pulls it over mid-wicket, on the bounce for a single in the deep. 10 runs off this over, 23 from the last three overs.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, In-between length, on middle and leg, David Miller steers it to the left of square leg. Badoni calls it for two initially, but the deep fine leg fielder is quick enough to get to the ball. Only a single.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Angling on the leg stump, fuller in length, Ayush Badoni drives it to long on for a single.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! SLAPPED AWAY!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Length-delivery, around off, sliced off the back foot to the cover-point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, Pitched fuller, on the stumps, David Miller drills down to long on for a single.
David Miller is the next man in.
Wanindu Hasaranga to David Miller, Fuller and spinning on leg, from middle, David Miller flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! c Riyan Parag b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Outside off, on a length, Ayush Badoni reaches for it and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, ! BOOM! Into the slot, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni slogs it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Sliding on the pads, on a length, Aiden Markram goes for a big booming slog sweep, but misses and the ball ricochets off his body to the short third region. They get a leg bye.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Dishes it on a length, around off, spinning away a shy bit. Badoni leans on it and drives through the vacant cover region for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Tossed it up, wide outside off, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot and looks at the umpire to call it a wide but the umpire shakes his head.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Bowls it full again and around off, Badoni drives it to sweeper cover for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Touch full and outside off, Badoni drives it inside out over cover point for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, A high full toss, around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knees and pulls it to deep square leg. Hetmyer cuts it off there and the batters take two runs.Â
Strategic Break!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Quicker and flatter, around off, Ayush Badoni skips down the track and pushes it to the right of the bowler. Wanindu slides across to his right to cut it off, but fails to do so, and the ball parries away towards long on as the batter gets a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Nagging length and around leg, Markram goes on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Full and around leg, follows the batter, Badoni flicks it to short fine leg for a quick single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, BEATEN!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Drops it short now and around off, Aiden Markram goes back and pushes it to long off for another single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed it up and around off, Ayush Badoni strides forward and pushes it towards extra cover and gets a quick single.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Just a dragged length from the previous one and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer makes a fumble there in collecting the ball, which allows the batter to go for the second and they complete it comfortably. LSG are 111/3 after 13 overs.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, This is great bowling from Tushar Deshpande! Bowls a yorker now and around off, gives no room at all. Aiden Markram just manages to jam it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, A play and a miss! Tushar bangs this short of a length as he sees Aiden charging down the track and touch outside off. Markram has to adjust his shot in the end as he looks to pull it down but misses.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Goes fuller and on the pads, Ayush uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket for a single and changes the strike.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! Too much short and outside off, going over the head of the batter. Called a wide. There have been too many extras already for LSG in this inning.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Full and around off, Badoni drills it absolutely down the ground but Tushar Deshpande shows great skills there as he stops it with his right boot.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off, Ayush Badoni shuffles across to chase it at first but decides to withdraw his bat in the end. Called a wide.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Changes his length and bowls it fuller as he sees the batter charging down the wicket. Aiden Markram has to adjust it in the end and he drives it to mid off for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Short and around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knee and sweeps it in the gap towards deep square leg and picks up two runs again. The 50-run partnership comes up between the two!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 2 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Full and around off, Aiden Markram makes room and drives it to long off for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! TONKED! Maheesh drops it short and around middle, Aiden Markram reads it early as he transfers his weight to the back foot and launches it over long on for a biggie. He is picking up the length quite early. This also brings up the 100 for LSG!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Hard length and around off, Badoni pulls it but doesn't quite time it. The ball goes aerially towards deep mid-wicket and the batters run a couple in that time.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Four!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! CLASS ACT!
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Aiden Markram completes his fifty! Full again and outside off, Aiden Markram comes forward and drives it in the gap through covers. Yashasvi Jaiswal puts in a dive there at sweeper cover to cut it off but the batters get three runs. A special knock from the South African player who is playing on a different track as everyone is struggling here but he is just timing the ball to the perfection.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Sharma goes fuller but on the pads, Aiden Markram leans on and flicks it in the big gap towards deep mid-wicket and picks up two runs. Shimron Hetmyer cuts it off in the deep and throws it to the keeper.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Sandeep returns and bowls it on a good length and outside off, Ayush Badoni waits for it and runs it down to deep third for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BACK-TO-BACK BIGGIES! Wanindu Hasaranga bowls a half-tracker, on middle. Aiden Markram rocks back quickly and swats it over the long on fence again for half a dozen more. 13 runs off the over!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BANG! Aiden Markram goes big this time! Looppy delivery, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Markram gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on middle, Aiden Markram knocks it back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Goes short and on middle, Ayush Badoni nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, A big shout for LBW again, but a lot more confident one! However, the umpire keeps his finger down. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhruv Jurel convince Riyan Parag to take the review, and this one looks a bit closer than the previous one. Floated delivery, full and on middle, turns away a shy bit. Ayush Badoni goes down a bit across to sweep it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The only thing that can save him here is if the impact is outside off. UltraEdge
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Ayush Badoni strides out to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Strategic Break. It's been a cagy start for the Lucknow Super Giants, to say the least. Well, when you lose one too many wickets early on, the middle order, usually more accustomed to playing the big hits, is compelled to play the anchor role. Losing the likes of Marsh, Pooran, and skipper Pant inside the first ten has put a lot of pressure on LSG right away. However, it looks like Aiden Markram is batting on a different track, holding one end nicely along.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Pitched up and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Glorious shot! Hits the length hard and on off, shaping just away. Ayush Badoni stays back, waits for it and uses the pace on the ball to steer it away through backward point for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, A quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni looks to hook it away but misses.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on middle, Aiden Markram backs away and pushes it to mid off for a quick run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Fuller and on off, Aiden Markram drives it straight to mid off.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, On a length and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it towards square leg for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Bangs in a bouncer around off, but this is too high for the batter. Ayush Badoni leaves it alone. Wided.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it to covers.
Due to early fall of wickets, Lucknow Super Giants have decide to bring in their Impact Sub in the form of Ayush Badoni. He is in at number 5. Badoni is swapped in for Mitchell Marsh.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, ! c Dhruv Jurel b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, full and on middle, Aiden Markram eases it to long on for another run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, Short again and on off, Rishabh Pant stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga is now into the attack for the first time. He replaces Sandeep Sharma.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Short and around off, Aiden Markram moves back and punches it through covers for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Pitched up and on middle, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Touch fuller and on middle, Aiden Markram drills it to long on for one more.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Short of a length and on middle, Rishabh Pant runs it down to third man for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on off, Aiden Markram stabs it towards mid off for another run.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, On a length and on off, Rishabh Pant pushes it towards covers for a run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Back of a length and on middle, Aiden Markram pats it towards mid on for a single.
Tushar Deshpande is into the attack now. He replaces Jofra Archer.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length and on off, Rishabh Pant steers it to point. Just 4 runs and a huge wicket from the over.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant keeps it out to the leg side.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Touch fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, A massive appeal for LBW once again, but this time the finger stays put! Sandeep Sharma looks very interested and convinces his skipper to take the review. This is on a good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant looks to defend, but the ball goes past the bat and hits the pads. However, UltraEdge shows that there is an inside edge. RR lose a review now!
LSG skipper, Rishabh Pant, is in at number 4.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! LBW! A superb response from Sandeep Sharma! He gets rid of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and Shubham Dubey will be a relieved man as his drop does not cost them much.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicky P greets Sandeep Sharma with a boundary! Fuller in length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran gets right under it and thumps it through mid off for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma is brought into the attack now. He replaces Maheesh Theekshana.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Four!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! Shubham Dubey puts down a relatively easy chance and how costly will it prove for RR?Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! STREAKY!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Excellent effort from Shimron Hetmyer to save one run for his side! Hard length and around middle, Aiden Markram stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket. Hetmyer runs in to his left from deep square leg and puts in a dive to flick the ball inside the field. The batters get three runs.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, BEATEN! An off-cutter, on a back of a length and around off, Aiden Markram gets squared up as he looks to defend it. Gets beaten on the outside edge on its way to the keeper.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Fuller now and on the pads, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single off the front foot.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! PUNISHED! Short and outside off, Aiden Markram makes room by going to the leg side of the ball and cuts it hard. He beats the diving point fielder to his right and gets a boundary there.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and in the channel outside off, Markram backs away and cuts it but straight to cover point.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Leg bye! Tossed it up now and on the pads, Aiden comes forward to flick it but misses. Gets hit on the front pad and he gets a single for leg bye as the ball gets deflected towards fine leg.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! CREAMED IT! Short and around off, Aiden Markram gives himself some room and punches it. He finds the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, called a wide by the umpire.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Good length and around off, Pooran comes forward and drops it down to cover.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and around middle, with pace taken off, Aiden Markram works it away to deep fine leg for one.
Nicholas Pooran is in at number 3. Also, down in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans have registered a famous win, as they have successfully chased down 204, with 4 balls to spare. Unfortunately for Jos Buttler, he remained unbeaten on 97. Rahul Tewatia, coming in at a crunch time, went for the kill and with two back-to-back sixes against Mitchell Starc, in the last over, he took his side home.Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Archer greets the new batter with a bouncer! A well-directed bouncer, around middle, into the body of the batter, Nicholas Pooran ducks under it.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, ! CAUGHT! Shimron Hetmyer takes an excellent catch while running forward, and the dangerous Mitchell Marsh is gone for 4(6).Â
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Short of a length and angling into the body of the batter, around off, Aiden Markram presses back and looks to ramp it at first. He gets cramped up for room and adjusts his shot in the end to open his bat face to cut it to deep third man for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Short and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to turn it to deep mid-wicket for a single to retain the strike.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, This is again on the short of a length and around middle, Marsh eases out to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it short again and around off, Marsh covers the stumps and drops it down back to the bowler.
Hmm... interesting. Early sight of spin. Maheesh Theekshana to share the attack.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Begins with a short ball, around middle, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! CRUNCHED!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! NICE SHOT! Jofra Archer isn't happy with the effort of the fielder! Again on the back of a length, and outside off this time, Aiden Markram pounces on the bounce and punches it through covers. Shubham Dubey tries to hunt it down and even puts in a dive in the end but the ball wins the race at deep.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, OUCH! Back of a length, with an extra bounce off the surface, around off and middle, nips back in sharply. Aiden Markram hops up and looks to play it to the off side but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the back thigh.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, Lucknow Super Giants and Mitchell Marsh are underway straightaway!Â
Back in the Pink City, we are all in readiness for the action to begin. The two umpires walk out to the middle. RR's stand-in skipper, Riyan Parag, leads his troops to the ground as they spread out to the field. The usual pairing of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh walk out to open for Lucknow Super Giants. A mini Ashes first up then, as Jofra Archer will open the bowling for Rajasthan Royals. 'The Bison' Mitchell Marsh to face the first ball. The countdown goes off and here we go...
Down in the neighbourhood, in the day game, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans are firmly placed in the hunt of 204 runs. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford have bossed up the proceedings with the bat, with the former inching closer to his century as GT need 25 runs in the last three overs remaining, but more importantly, with 8 wickets in hand.
Jofra Archer from the Rajasthan Royals is up for a quick chat. He says that it has been just a normal rehab thing about his elbow injury, and he hasnât done anything extraordinary. He feels that they could have won every game they have played except for one, and it is just that they have been unfortunate to miss out on those ones. States that they need a bit of luck to turn the tables around for them. Mentions that a lot of players and staff are still the same in RR, and he hasnât found
While Sanju Samson's unavailability is a big blow for Rajasthan Royals in a very crucial match, it also marks a huge opportunity for Vaibhav Suryavanshi to showcase his talent at this grand level. At 14, Suryavanshi becomes the youngest player to make a debut in the IPL.
The stand-in skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, says they were looking to bowl first as the wicket seems to settle under the lights. Informs that Vaibhav Suryavanshi comes in for Sanju Samson. Says it's been tricky, and admits they haven't been able to put up good performances. Also says they have been having some honest chats as a team. Says they love playing at home as they know the conditions pretty well. Is hopeful to put that to good use.
The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, says that they are going to bat first as the wicket is looking on the drier side and they want to take advantage of batting in the first inning, and he expects with little to no dew. Adds that he has told the players to stay positive and learn from their mistakes after a defeat in the last game, and they just want to improve overall going forward. States that he felt great with a fifty in the last game for the teamâs cause, but he knew that a
Impact Players for Rajasthan Royals - Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kunal Singh Rathore. Â
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande.
Impact Players for Lucknow Super Giants - Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad, Matthew Breetzke.
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Rishabh Pant (C/WK), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Nicholas Pooran, Digvesh Singh, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan.
TOSS - Lucknow Super Giants have won the toss and elected to BAT first.
Welcome back for RR's response with the bat. The umpires are out already. Lucknow Super Giants form a last-minute team huddle, before they take the field.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Every bowler of RR chipped in with at least one wicket, except for Maheesh Theekshana, showing how well-rounded and effective their bowling unit was today, but will that last over cost them? Letâs see in the second inning. Now the stage is set for a cracking chase. Rajasthan Royals, playing at home, will look to hunt down this target with their youthful batting lineup. Meanwhile, LSG will back their bowlers to defend this competitive total on a pitch that hasnât been easy to bat on. All eyes
Aiden Markram of LSG is up for a quick chat. He first hands over the Orange Cap to Nicholas Pooran. Begins by saying he thought 180 would be a good score, and feels fortunate to get there in the end. Mentions that the wicket slowed down a bit and was also on the lower side. Says they shouldn't complicate things when they come out to bowl. Tells about bowling in the right areas and picking quick wickets. Ends by saying that if they get a good start with the ball, they will get a good chance to d
Badoni brought up a brilliant fifty under pressure, playing a smart and composed knock that helped shift momentum. However, just when things were looking stable at 130/3, both set batters departed while trying to accelerate, which gave LSG a slight jolt in the death overs. But then came Abdul Samad, who just dismantled Sandeep in the last over and provided LSG the much-needed finish, which they would be hoping for. From the Rajasthan Royals' perspective, their bowling effort was commendable exce
LSG opted to bat first, but the start was far from ideal. Mitchell Marsh, one of their key batters, walked back in the third over, giving Rajasthan an early breakthrough. Nicholas Pooran came in with positive intent and tried to steady things with Markram, but his stay didnât last long either. He was trapped in front by Sandeep Sharma, and by the end of the Powerplay, LSG had already lost two wickets. Things worsened when skipper Rishabh Pant once again failed to get going, continuing his le
That has been a solid fightback from Lucknow Super Giants after a rocky start, as they managed to post 180/5 on the board, courtesy of Abdul Samadâs sensational hitting in the last over, which went for 27 runs. Considering the early setbacks, theyâll definitely be on the happier side heading into the break. Till around the 16th over, it looked like a one-man show from Aiden Markram, who stood tall on a challenging pitch and brought up a classy fifty. He eventually fell for 66 off 45 balls,
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! SIXES IN THE LAST OVER! Can't be breezier than this! Sandeep misfires a full toss this time around, outside off, Abdul Samad goes a bit deep into the crease, and heaves it into the orbit. The ball clears deep mid-wicket with ease for another six. A look into the heavens from Riyan Parag, as the last over goes for a mighty 27 runs. Lucknow Super Giants touch the 180-run mark with Samad's impactful cameo.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! This is turning out to be a cracking finish for LSG! Another one into the pitch, on top of off, Abdul Samad shuffles to the off stump, waits for it, loads his shot and pulls it behind deep backward square leg, just over the boundary cushions for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, At 122.8 kph, this is on a good length, around off, Abdul Samad tries to swing for the hills, but mistimes it over mid on for a couple of runs only.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! Make that two in a row! That is a cracking strike! Dug short into the pitch, outside off, Abdul Samad has all the time in the world to create a stable base to pull it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Sandeep Sharma to Abdul Samad, ! A genuine gift and Samad makes the most out of it! An attempted yorker gone wrong. A full toss, on the pads, Abdul Samad picks it up nicely and whips it aerially over deep backward square leg for a six.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, A slower bounce, angling across off, David Miller waits and flat-bats it down to long off for a single only.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl the last over. Can he keep Lucknow Super Giants under 160 here?
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Cannons in a yorker, on the pads, David Miller gets a bit of an inside edge to the leg side and runs a quick single. Just 7 runs off Archer's last over. He finishes his spell with 4-0-32-1.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Back of a length, a slower one, on top of off, Abdul Samad is early to pull across, and gets it pinged on the body, as the ball rolls to the off side, just near the strip. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, Excellent pinpoint yorker, on leg, David Miller inside edges it behind to the right of the keeper and steals a quick single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Over-the-head bumper, on top of middle and leg, David Miller misses to pull as the ball passes above his helmet. Wide called. Riyan Parag, though, is not too pleased and reviews this Wide call. The split-screen replay comes up first. But the umpire requests Ball Tracking to confirm that no bat is involved. The projection shows that the ball is above the shoulder height, but instantly, the third umpire clarifies th
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Straight and full, pace on at 144 kph, in front of the sticks, Abdul Samad smashes it down to long on, but gets just a single.
Jofra Archer to David Miller, From around the wickets, Archer angles it onto the pads, fuller in length, Miller misses to whip it across and the ball deflects off his front pad and rolls towards the backward point region. They get a leg bye.
Jofra Archer to Abdul Samad, Jofra Archer is back on to bowl the penultimate over. On the hard length, at 128.4 kph, on top of middle, Abdul Samad mistimes it off the higher part of the bat, and pulls to deep mid-wicket. A single only.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, Slower bumper, on the bodyline, Abdul Samad pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single. Just 7 runs off it. Excellent by Tushar Deshpande. He ends his spell with figures of 4-0-26-1.
Tushar Deshpande to David Miller, Wide of off, on a fuller length, carved through cover for a single.
Abdul Samad walks out to bat now.
Tushar Deshpande to Abdul Samad, 1 run.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! TAKEN! A fifty and out for Badoni! Back of a length, just outside off, skidding through the surface quickly. Ayush Badoni stands tall and tries to loft it over the point region, but ends up mistiming it in the air. The ball sails straight into the hands of Shubham Dubey at deep point. Ayush Badoni departs on 50 (34). LSG are 143/5.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Something adventurous from Badoni and he gets to his half-century. A pretty muted celebration, but he has played a perfect anchoring knock for his side. Short and slow, on off, Ayush Badoni reverse ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, An off cutter, outside off, on a short length, Ayush Badoni mistimes his shot and cuts it to the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Too short and too slow, on off, Ayush Badoni pulls it over mid-wicket, on the bounce for a single in the deep. 10 runs off this over, 23 from the last three overs.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, In-between length, on middle and leg, David Miller steers it to the left of square leg. Badoni calls it for two initially, but the deep fine leg fielder is quick enough to get to the ball. Only a single.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Angling on the leg stump, fuller in length, Ayush Badoni drives it to long on for a single.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! SLAPPED AWAY!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Length-delivery, around off, sliced off the back foot to the cover-point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Sandeep Sharma to David Miller, Pitched fuller, on the stumps, David Miller drills down to long on for a single.
David Miller is the next man in.
Wanindu Hasaranga to David Miller, Fuller and spinning on leg, from middle, David Miller flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! c Riyan Parag b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Outside off, on a length, Ayush Badoni reaches for it and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, ! BOOM! Into the slot, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni slogs it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Sliding on the pads, on a length, Aiden Markram goes for a big booming slog sweep, but misses and the ball ricochets off his body to the short third region. They get a leg bye.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Dishes it on a length, around off, spinning away a shy bit. Badoni leans on it and drives through the vacant cover region for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Tossed it up, wide outside off, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot and looks at the umpire to call it a wide but the umpire shakes his head.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Bowls it full again and around off, Badoni drives it to sweeper cover for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Touch full and outside off, Badoni drives it inside out over cover point for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, A high full toss, around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knees and pulls it to deep square leg. Hetmyer cuts it off there and the batters take two runs.Â
Strategic Break!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Quicker and flatter, around off, Ayush Badoni skips down the track and pushes it to the right of the bowler. Wanindu slides across to his right to cut it off, but fails to do so, and the ball parries away towards long on as the batter gets a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Nagging length and around leg, Markram goes on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Full and around leg, follows the batter, Badoni flicks it to short fine leg for a quick single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, BEATEN!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Drops it short now and around off, Aiden Markram goes back and pushes it to long off for another single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed it up and around off, Ayush Badoni strides forward and pushes it towards extra cover and gets a quick single.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Just a dragged length from the previous one and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer makes a fumble there in collecting the ball, which allows the batter to go for the second and they complete it comfortably. LSG are 111/3 after 13 overs.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, This is great bowling from Tushar Deshpande! Bowls a yorker now and around off, gives no room at all. Aiden Markram just manages to jam it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, A play and a miss! Tushar bangs this short of a length as he sees Aiden charging down the track and touch outside off. Markram has to adjust his shot in the end as he looks to pull it down but misses.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Goes fuller and on the pads, Ayush uses his wrists to flick it to deep mid-wicket for a single and changes the strike.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! Too much short and outside off, going over the head of the batter. Called a wide. There have been too many extras already for LSG in this inning.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Full and around off, Badoni drills it absolutely down the ground but Tushar Deshpande shows great skills there as he stops it with his right boot.Â
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off, Ayush Badoni shuffles across to chase it at first but decides to withdraw his bat in the end. Called a wide.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Changes his length and bowls it fuller as he sees the batter charging down the wicket. Aiden Markram has to adjust it in the end and he drives it to mid off for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, Short and around middle, Ayush Badoni goes on his knee and sweeps it in the gap towards deep square leg and picks up two runs again. The 50-run partnership comes up between the two!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 2 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Full and around off, Aiden Markram makes room and drives it to long off for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! TONKED! Maheesh drops it short and around middle, Aiden Markram reads it early as he transfers his weight to the back foot and launches it over long on for a biggie. He is picking up the length quite early. This also brings up the 100 for LSG!
Maheesh Theekshana to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Hard length and around off, Badoni pulls it but doesn't quite time it. The ball goes aerially towards deep mid-wicket and the batters run a couple in that time.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Four!
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, ! CLASS ACT!
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Aiden Markram completes his fifty! Full again and outside off, Aiden Markram comes forward and drives it in the gap through covers. Yashasvi Jaiswal puts in a dive there at sweeper cover to cut it off but the batters get three runs. A special knock from the South African player who is playing on a different track as everyone is struggling here but he is just timing the ball to the perfection.Â
Sandeep Sharma to Aiden Markram, Sharma goes fuller but on the pads, Aiden Markram leans on and flicks it in the big gap towards deep mid-wicket and picks up two runs. Shimron Hetmyer cuts it off in the deep and throws it to the keeper.
Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, Sandeep returns and bowls it on a good length and outside off, Ayush Badoni waits for it and runs it down to deep third for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BACK-TO-BACK BIGGIES! Wanindu Hasaranga bowls a half-tracker, on middle. Aiden Markram rocks back quickly and swats it over the long on fence again for half a dozen more. 13 runs off the over!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, ! BANG! Aiden Markram goes big this time! Looppy delivery, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Markram gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on middle, Aiden Markram knocks it back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Goes short and on middle, Ayush Badoni nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, A big shout for LBW again, but a lot more confident one! However, the umpire keeps his finger down. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhruv Jurel convince Riyan Parag to take the review, and this one looks a bit closer than the previous one. Floated delivery, full and on middle, turns away a shy bit. Ayush Badoni goes down a bit across to sweep it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The only thing that can save him here is if the impact is outside off. UltraEdge
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Ayush Badoni strides out to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Strategic Break. It's been a cagy start for the Lucknow Super Giants, to say the least. Well, when you lose one too many wickets early on, the middle order, usually more accustomed to playing the big hits, is compelled to play the anchor role. Losing the likes of Marsh, Pooran, and skipper Pant inside the first ten has put a lot of pressure on LSG right away. However, it looks like Aiden Markram is batting on a different track, holding one end nicely along.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Pitched up and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, ! Glorious shot! Hits the length hard and on off, shaping just away. Ayush Badoni stays back, waits for it and uses the pace on the ball to steer it away through backward point for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, A quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg, Ayush Badoni looks to hook it away but misses.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on middle, Aiden Markram backs away and pushes it to mid off for a quick run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Fuller and on off, Aiden Markram drives it straight to mid off.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, On a length and on middle, Ayush Badoni tucks it towards square leg for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Ayush Badoni, Bangs in a bouncer around off, but this is too high for the batter. Ayush Badoni leaves it alone. Wided.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Flighted, full and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it to covers.
Due to early fall of wickets, Lucknow Super Giants have decide to bring in their Impact Sub in the form of Ayush Badoni. He is in at number 5. Badoni is swapped in for Mitchell Marsh.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, ! c Dhruv Jurel b Wanindu Hasaranga.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, full and on middle, Aiden Markram eases it to long on for another run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Rishabh Pant, Short again and on off, Rishabh Pant stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga is now into the attack for the first time. He replaces Sandeep Sharma.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Aiden Markram, Short and around off, Aiden Markram moves back and punches it through covers for a single.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Pitched up and on middle, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Touch fuller and on middle, Aiden Markram drills it to long on for one more.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, Short of a length and on middle, Rishabh Pant runs it down to third man for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Hard length and on off, Aiden Markram stabs it towards mid off for another run.
Tushar Deshpande to Rishabh Pant, On a length and on off, Rishabh Pant pushes it towards covers for a run.
Tushar Deshpande to Aiden Markram, Back of a length and on middle, Aiden Markram pats it towards mid on for a single.
Tushar Deshpande is into the attack now. He replaces Jofra Archer.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length and on off, Rishabh Pant steers it to point. Just 4 runs and a huge wicket from the over.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant keeps it out to the leg side.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, Touch fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant blocks it out.
Sandeep Sharma to Rishabh Pant, A massive appeal for LBW once again, but this time the finger stays put! Sandeep Sharma looks very interested and convinces his skipper to take the review. This is on a good length and on middle, Rishabh Pant looks to defend, but the ball goes past the bat and hits the pads. However, UltraEdge shows that there is an inside edge. RR lose a review now!
LSG skipper, Rishabh Pant, is in at number 4.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! LBW! A superb response from Sandeep Sharma! He gets rid of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and Shubham Dubey will be a relieved man as his drop does not cost them much.
Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicky P greets Sandeep Sharma with a boundary! Fuller in length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran gets right under it and thumps it through mid off for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma is brought into the attack now. He replaces Maheesh Theekshana.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Four!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! Shubham Dubey puts down a relatively easy chance and how costly will it prove for RR?Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, ! STREAKY!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Excellent effort from Shimron Hetmyer to save one run for his side! Hard length and around middle, Aiden Markram stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket. Hetmyer runs in to his left from deep square leg and puts in a dive to flick the ball inside the field. The batters get three runs.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, BEATEN! An off-cutter, on a back of a length and around off, Aiden Markram gets squared up as he looks to defend it. Gets beaten on the outside edge on its way to the keeper.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Fuller now and on the pads, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single off the front foot.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! PUNISHED! Short and outside off, Aiden Markram makes room by going to the leg side of the ball and cuts it hard. He beats the diving point fielder to his right and gets a boundary there.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and in the channel outside off, Markram backs away and cuts it but straight to cover point.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Leg bye! Tossed it up now and on the pads, Aiden comes forward to flick it but misses. Gets hit on the front pad and he gets a single for leg bye as the ball gets deflected towards fine leg.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, ! CREAMED IT! Short and around off, Aiden Markram gives himself some room and punches it. He finds the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, called a wide by the umpire.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Good length and around off, Pooran comes forward and drops it down to cover.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, On a dragged length and around middle, with pace taken off, Aiden Markram works it away to deep fine leg for one.
Nicholas Pooran is in at number 3. Also, down in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans have registered a famous win, as they have successfully chased down 204, with 4 balls to spare. Unfortunately for Jos Buttler, he remained unbeaten on 97. Rahul Tewatia, coming in at a crunch time, went for the kill and with two back-to-back sixes against Mitchell Starc, in the last over, he took his side home.Â
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Nicholas Pooran, Archer greets the new batter with a bouncer! A well-directed bouncer, around middle, into the body of the batter, Nicholas Pooran ducks under it.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, ! CAUGHT! Shimron Hetmyer takes an excellent catch while running forward, and the dangerous Mitchell Marsh is gone for 4(6).Â
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, Short of a length and angling into the body of the batter, around off, Aiden Markram presses back and looks to ramp it at first. He gets cramped up for room and adjusts his shot in the end to open his bat face to cut it to deep third man for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Short and on the pads, Markram uses his wrists to turn it to deep mid-wicket for a single to retain the strike.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, This is again on the short of a length and around middle, Marsh eases out to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it short again and around off, Marsh covers the stumps and drops it down back to the bowler.
Hmm... interesting. Early sight of spin. Maheesh Theekshana to share the attack.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aiden Markram, Begins with a short ball, around middle, Aiden pushes it to long on for a single.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, 1 run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! CRUNCHED!
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, ! NICE SHOT! Jofra Archer isn't happy with the effort of the fielder! Again on the back of a length, and outside off this time, Aiden Markram pounces on the bounce and punches it through covers. Shubham Dubey tries to hunt it down and even puts in a dive in the end but the ball wins the race at deep.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, No run.
Jofra Archer to Aiden Markram, OUCH! Back of a length, with an extra bounce off the surface, around off and middle, nips back in sharply. Aiden Markram hops up and looks to play it to the off side but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the back thigh.
Jofra Archer to Mitchell Marsh, Lucknow Super Giants and Mitchell Marsh are underway straightaway!Â
Back in the Pink City, we are all in readiness for the action to begin. The two umpires walk out to the middle. RR's stand-in skipper, Riyan Parag, leads his troops to the ground as they spread out to the field. The usual pairing of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh walk out to open for Lucknow Super Giants. A mini Ashes first up then, as Jofra Archer will open the bowling for Rajasthan Royals. 'The Bison' Mitchell Marsh to face the first ball. The countdown goes off and here we go...
Down in the neighbourhood, in the day game, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans are firmly placed in the hunt of 204 runs. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford have bossed up the proceedings with the bat, with the former inching closer to his century as GT need 25 runs in the last three overs remaining, but more importantly, with 8 wickets in hand.
Jofra Archer from the Rajasthan Royals is up for a quick chat. He says that it has been just a normal rehab thing about his elbow injury, and he hasnât done anything extraordinary. He feels that they could have won every game they have played except for one, and it is just that they have been unfortunate to miss out on those ones. States that they need a bit of luck to turn the tables around for them. Mentions that a lot of players and staff are still the same in RR, and he hasnât found
While Sanju Samson's unavailability is a big blow for Rajasthan Royals in a very crucial match, it also marks a huge opportunity for Vaibhav Suryavanshi to showcase his talent at this grand level. At 14, Suryavanshi becomes the youngest player to make a debut in the IPL.
The stand-in skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, says they were looking to bowl first as the wicket seems to settle under the lights. Informs that Vaibhav Suryavanshi comes in for Sanju Samson. Says it's been tricky, and admits they haven't been able to put up good performances. Also says they have been having some honest chats as a team. Says they love playing at home as they know the conditions pretty well. Is hopeful to put that to good use.
The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, says that they are going to bat first as the wicket is looking on the drier side and they want to take advantage of batting in the first inning, and he expects with little to no dew. Adds that he has told the players to stay positive and learn from their mistakes after a defeat in the last game, and they just want to improve overall going forward. States that he felt great with a fifty in the last game for the teamâs cause, but he knew that a
Impact Players for Rajasthan Royals - Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kunal Singh Rathore. Â
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande.
Impact Players for Lucknow Super Giants - Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad, Matthew Breetzke.
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Rishabh Pant (C/WK), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Nicholas Pooran, Digvesh Singh, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan.
TOSS - Lucknow Super Giants have won the toss and elected to BAT first.