IPL 2024: Marcus Stoinis’ half-century guides Lucknow to 163/5 against Gujarat

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 21 of the IPL at Ekana Cricket Stadium. LSG put up a total of 163 for 5, with Marcus Stoinis scoring 58 runs off 43 balls along with late fireworks from Nicholas Pooran.

Lucknow lost openers early on but a strong partnership between Stoinis and KL Rahul helped stabilize the innings. Despite facing some tough bowling from Titans, LSG managed to reach 163 for 5 in 20 overs. Notable performances came from Umesh Yadav and Darshan Nalkande, both picking up two wickets each.

Rahul’s departure after a solid 33 runs was a setback for LSG, but Stoinis continued to provide impetus with his half-century. Titans’ bowlers kept the pressure on LSG, with good performances from Mohit Sharma and Noor Ahmad. Stoinis reached his half-century but fell soon after, as Titans maintained a tight grip on the match.

Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni tried to accelerate the scoring towards the end of the innings, but Titans’ bowlers managed to contain them. Rashid Khan picked up a crucial wicket, while Spencer Johnson bowled a tight final over, limiting LSG to 163 for 5. Titans will need to chase 164 runs to win as LSG have a strong record of defending scores over 160 in the IPL.

In summary, LSG put up a fighting total against Titans thanks to Stoinis’ fifty and late contributions from Pooran. Titans’ bowlers performed admirably to restrict LSG, setting up an exciting chase in the second innings. It remains to be seen if LSG’s strong defending record will come into play in this match.