After a shaky start that saw LSG lose key batters Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran during the powerplay, the South African opener Markram stepped up with a composed knock of 66 runs off 45 deliveries. His innings, laced with five boundaries and three towering sixes, stabilized the innings at a crucial juncture
Supporting Markram in building a formidable total was the promising Ayush Badoni, who played a composed and mature knock of 50 off 34 deliveries. He complemented Markram brilliantly, anchoring the innings with smart shot selection and excellent strike rotation, keeping the momentum going throughout their partnership
The duo’s partnership laid the foundation for a late-innings flourish, which was expertly executed by Abdul Samad. Coming in towards the death overs, Samad provided the perfect finishing touch with a fiery unbeaten 30 off just 10 balls, including four massive sixes. His explosive cameo helped Lucknow breach the 180-run mark, turning what seemed like a par score into a potentially match-winning total
For Rajasthan Royals, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga stood out with the ball, returning with figures of 2 for 31. He provided crucial breakthroughs, dismissing the in-form LSG skipper Rishabh Pant and the well-set Markram, momentarily halting the Super Giants’ momentum
In the absence of their regular captain Sanju Samson, who is nursing a side strain sustained in the previous game, Rajasthan Royals were led by Riyan Parag. Despite the change in leadership, the Royals bowlers tried to apply pressure but struggled to contain the LSG batters, particularly in the final overs
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