IPL 2023: Lucknow’s second highest total too much for Punjab Kings

Mohali: Lucknow Super Giants notched the second highest total in Indian Premier League history and it was too intimidating for Punjab Super Kings on Friday.

Lucknow’s mammoth 257-5 wasn’t seriously chased by Punjab, which was all out for 201 in the final over.

Lucknow shared in a four-way lead in the standings while Punjab was sixth.

Dream debut season

Marcus Stoinis smashed 72 off 40 balls, and Kyle Mayers continued his dream debut season in the IPL by hitting 54 off 24 balls. Nicholas Pooran added 45 off 19 and Ayush Badoni 43 off 24 as Lucknow finished just six runs shy of the IPL record total of 263-5 set 10 years ago by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“Getting 260 speaks very highly of our batting,” Lucknow captain Lokesh Rahul said. “Those first two or three overs, Kyle put pressure on their bowling and that set the tone for us. We have three power-hitters in Kyle, Pooran and Stoinis and then guys who can bat around them.”

Only Rahul (12) among the top five Lucknow batters missed out on cashing in on the short boundaries on a perfect batting pitch.

Paying the price

Mayers hit six fours and four sixes in his fourth half-century. Stoinis and Ayush Badoni dominated in a rapid 89-run stand off 47 balls, and Stoinis produced a fine finish in another brisk 76-run stand with Pooran off 30 balls.

Stoinis hit six fours and five sixes.

“We gave too many runs away and we paid the price for it,” Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan said. “The strategy to play with one extra fast bowler backfired whereas (they) used an extra spinner.”

Punjab’s chase was led by Atharva Taide, who top-scored with 66 before top-edging a sweep against legspinner Ravi Bishnoi, who picked up 2-41. The leading wicket-takers were fast bowlers Yash Thakur (4-37) and Naveen-ul-Haq (3-30).