The Lucknow Super Giants faced a crushing defeat of 81 runs against the Mumbai Indians in the eliminator match of the 2023 Indian Premier League. The loss meant that MI advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face the Gujarat Titans, while LSG’s season came to an end despite their valiant efforts, especially after their captain KL Rahul was ruled out mid-way through the campaign.
On Wednesday, the Super Giants experienced a dramatic collapse during their pursuit of 183 runs. The team was at 69/2 with captain Krunal and Marcus Stoinis working towards a recovery after the early dismissals. However, the dismissal of Pandya for 8 triggered a disastrous collapse for the Super Giants, as they lost all their remaining wickets for just 32 runs. To add to their woes, three of the dismissals were run-outs.
WATCH – Hilarious Mix-Up Ends Marcus Stoinis’ Innings in LSG’s Clash Against MI
The first run-out was particularly significant for the Mumbai Indians, as it resulted in the dismissal of the dangerous-looking Stoinis, who had scored 40 off 27 balls. After Stoinis flicked a delivery from Cameron Green toward deep midwicket, he and Deepak Hooda completed the first run, but a collision between them while attempting the second run provided fielder Tim David with the opportunity to throw the ball toward the wicketkeeper’s end. Ishan Kishan completed the run-out comfortably.
The commentators were stunned by this dismissal, considering its unusual nature. Matthew Hayden, who was on-air during the run-out, remarked that such run-outs are rarely seen even in club cricket.
Yes ✅
No ❌Confusion in the Middle x 2 #LSG lose two wickets in no time as Mumbai Indians capitalise 🙌#TATAIPL | #Eliminator | #LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/xWVnqQVSjh
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 24, 2023
In the very next over, Krishnappa Gowtham nearly gave away his wicket to MI. The right-handed batter played the ball towards backward point, and although Green made a diving stop, he couldn’t hold onto the ball. Rohit Sharma, positioned at cover, picked up the ball and quickly threw it as Gowtham attempted a run, despite Rohit having the ball under control. Rohit’s direct hit resulted in another setback for LSG.
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The third and final run-out occurred in the 15th over when Deepak Hooda, who was involved in the previous two run-outs, became the victim himself. Naveen-ul-Haq played the ball towards backward point, where Green was stationed once again. Hooda initially responded to the call for a run but quickly changed his mind. Unfortunately, it was too late as Green had already thrown the ball to non-striker Rohit Sharma, completing Hooda’s dismissal.
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) May 25, 2023
In addition to the run-outs, seamer Akash Madhwal was instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ dominant performance, taking a remarkable five-wicket haul while conceding only five runs in his 3.3 overs, ultimately bowling out Lucknow for a mere 101. Mumbai Indians will now face the reigning champions, the Gujarat Titans, on Friday in a bid to secure a place in the final against the Chennai Super Kings, which is scheduled for Sunday.
