Ashutosh Sharma’s (31-balls 66) sheer dominance and sensational batting display left Lucknow Super Giants shell-shocked, turning the game on its head with his explosive stroke play.
His match-winning innings powered Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thrilling one-wicket win at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday (March 24).
Few would have expected 20-year-old Vipraj Nigam (39 off 15) on his IPL debut and Ashutosh Sharma, both lower-order batters and not widely regarded as power hitters, to take center stage. However, their stunning performances have undoubtedly propelled them into the spotlight, marking them as rising stars in the tournament.
LSG sets a target of 210 runs
After losing the toss, Lucknow was asked to bat first. Delhi was given the target to score 210 runs to secure a win on their home ground.
Lucknow Super Giants got off to a strong start, with a 46-run opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh. Markram was dismissed for 15 off 13 balls, but Marsh and Nicholas Pooran continued the attack, adding 87 runs for the second wicket.
Mukesh Kumar struck, removing Marsh for 72 off 36 balls. Delhi’s captain, Rishabh Pant, had a disappointing outing, failing to score and getting out for a duck after facing just 6 balls.
Pooran continued his aggressive innings, making 75 runs off 30 balls before falling. Ayush Badoni (4) and Shahbaz Ahmed (9) were dismissed cheaply, while David Miller remained unbeaten on 27 off 19 balls. Lucknow finished their innings at 209/8.
Key performances from Marsh and Pooran
Mitchell Marsh’s 72 runs off 36 balls were crucial for Lucknow, as he hit 6 fours and 6 sixes. Nicholas Pooran played a blistering knock, scoring 75 runs off 30 balls, with 6 fours and 7 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 250.
Delhi bowlers’ performance
Although Lucknow got off to a strong start, Delhi’s bowlers made a solid comeback, picking up wickets at regular intervals. Mitchell Starc was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed 2 wickets. Vipraaj Nigam and Mukesh Kumar also took a wicket each, helping to limit Lucknow’s total to 209/8.
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