Author name: Molly Bhattacharya

Yesterday’s thrilling final over IPL match at Wankhede Stadium saw the Lucknow Super Giants defeat the Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets, making it an ultimate barn burner. Mumbai’s powerful top order, placed to bat first, put on a batting masterclass against the LSG spinners. Leading the way was captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 78 runs off only 41 balls in a frightening demonstration of forceful hitting. Ishan Kishan, who scored a terrific 53, was his opening partner and provided him with good assistance.   The big-hitting Tim David mounted an incredible attack, and the runs continued to come even after both openers were removed. The Singaporean batsman wreaked havoc on the LSG bowling attack, hitting eight massive sixes in a mere 28 balls to lead MI to a commanding 217/5. LSG didn’t get off to an ideal start as they chased a daunting 218 for victory, losing both KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda quickly. However, that brought Marcus Stoinis and Quinton de Kock, who were playing well together, together at the crease.  Against the MI bowlers, the South African and Australian players took calculated chances and put up a scorching 114-run stand. Of the two, De Kock was the most aggressive, scoring 82 off only 48 balls before getting caught by a yorker from Jofra Archer. Almost every ball saw Stoinis continue to swing lustfully, even as wickets dropped at the other end. His aggressive 89 off 51 balls, which featured seven sixes, maintained LSG’s pursuit well-anchored.  In the end, LSG needed to score 25 runs off of the last 12 balls. However, the penultimate over’s first ball saw Stoinis removed, allowing big-hitter Nicholas Pooran to complete the chase. After smashing thirteen runs off the first three deliveries, the West Indian forced Jasprit Bumrah’s fourth delivery over long-on to give LSG a historic four-wicket victory with two balls remaining. The Wankhede was shaken by a historic chase that made it clear to everyone why the IPL is one of the most thrilling sports competitions. Even though David, Rohit, and Kishan all had explosive runs, Mumbai’s bowling faltered at key moments, letting the game slip away.  Player of the Day Marcus Stoinis was ecstatic with the victory. “To win games in seemingly hopeless situations like that is the ultimate goal of playing.” Quinny’s batting style gave me a little more freedom to play. Remaining composed under duress was crucial.” KL Rahul, the skipper of LSG, received high marks for his aggressive batting team. “We backed our multi-dimensional hitting to succeed, even though we knew the chase wouldn’t be simple. Gaining those two points with such a victory is crucial to our prospects of making the playoffs.”  Rohit Sharma, the captain of MI, was left wondering what could have been. “On most days, 217 ought to have been sufficient; we were unable to perform with the ball in the last overs. However, we must commend LSG for their batting performance; they stole the game from us.” Fans should expect an electrifying run-in game as both teams are in a close fight to get to the postseason. However, Lucknow now has the upper hand after pulling off a historic theft in Mumbai’s cauldron.