Lucknow Super Giants won by 1 run over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 20 in the ongoing IPL 2023. Lucknow Super Giants managed 176 runs in 20 overs, courtesy of Nichola Pooran’s quickfire fifty and a few cameos from others. While chasing, KKR got off to a flying start with Jason Roy and Venkatesh Iyer.
However, they lost a few quick wickets in between and the onus fell on Rinku Singh again. He played brilliantly, scoring 67* off 33 with 6 fours and 4 sixes but failed to take the team home due to a lack of support from the other end.
READ MORE: ‘Could have gone deeper’ – Shubman Gill on his knock
Here is what the captains and the player of the match said after the game:
Nicholas Pooran, Player of the Match said as quoted by Cricbuzz: I knew I had to take it as deep as possible. When the spinners were bowling, I knew they’ll give me bad balls and this was a small pitch. I’ve been batting well throughout the tournament, and I pride myself to play in such situations. The time has invested heavily in me and these are the ways that I can repay them. Ayush (Badoni) and I had that partnership against Chennai as well. I was confident batting with him at the crease. I think it is impressive that our bowlers are standing up to the challenge, they have done it in the last two games. We have a young bowling attack and to come to Eden Gardens and defend that kind of total was amazing.
Krunal Pandya, LSG Captain said as quoted by Cricbuzz: First reaction is satisfaction. We never gave up, we were put under lot of pressure but credit to the boys. At one stage, they were 61/1 but I’ve seen it before that at this level 2-3 tight overs and we’re in the game. And there was some grip for the spinners as well. Rinku has been special this year, every game when he’s there you can’t take it easy. Today he showed it again, but it is a high pressure situation while bowling death overs to execute our plans. I was talking to my bowlers after each ball, I asked them to execute their plans, if after that the batter plays a good shot there’s nothing we can do. (On decision to bowl Yash Thakur for 20th over) I go with my gut, last game there was some reverse swing so I went with Mohsin. Today I went with Yash because the pitch was slow and he was confident after a couple of good overs.
Ravi Bishnoi said as quoted by Cricbuzz: Always feels good after a win. Morale is down.. sorry morale is up. See I’m not even able to talk properly. The way Rinku was batting, every ball there was a fear of the match getting away. The way he’s batted this season is unbelievable. Haven’t seen batting like that. Ball was sticking in the wicket today. Felt if the spinners bowled well, target will be difficult to get. Focus was to get wickets, bowl wicket to wicket. We’ll fight hard in the playoffs and try to win the trophy.
READ MORE: ‘Could have gone deeper’ – Shubman Gill on his knock
Nitish Rana, KKR Captain said as quoted by Cricbuzz: The result didn’t go in our favour, but plenty of positives to take from this season and lots to improve as well. Will come back stronger next season. You need to do well in all three departments to compete and finish in the top 4 in the world’s best league. I feel bad because we had the ability to qualify in the top four and we will work on mistakes and come back better next season. Feels like all 14 matches, I’ve spoken about Rinku. I am personally very happy for him (Rinku) and I don’t really have words to describe about him because the entire world has seen what he can do on a cricket field.
