The Lucknow Super Giants clinched their maiden victory of the IPL season in a thrilling encounter against the Punjab Kings, triumphing by 21 runs in Lucknow on Saturday.
Quinton de Kock's explosive fifty, coupled with an aggressive 42 from stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran, proved pivotal in securing the win for Lucknow.
Pooran, taking charge in place of regular captain KL Rahul, showcased his prowess with three fours and three sixes in a blistering 21-ball inning. Despite losing Rahul early on, de Kock's commanding 54 set the stage for Lucknow's formidable total of 199-8.
In response, the Punjab Kings made a valiant effort but fell short at 178-5, despite a strong opening partnership between skipper Shikhar Dhawan (70) and Jonny Bairstow (42). Lucknow's debutant Mayank Yadav impressed with his express pace, breaking crucial partnerships and finishing with figures of 3-27.
Krunal Pandya's unbeaten 43 off 22 balls in the latter stages propelled Lucknow to a formidable total, matching the best score at the venue from the previous season. Sam Curran's three wickets for Punjab added spice to the contest.
Lucknow faced a few hiccups in their innings but managed to maintain momentum, with de Kock and Pooran's partnership being particularly impactful. Rahul's return to action saw him take a backseat, allowing impact substitute Naveen-ul-Haq to make his mark.
Despite de Kock's fifty, Punjab's response was led by Dhawan and Bairstow's strong partnership. However, Lucknow's young sensation Yadav's two crucial wickets derailed Punjab's chase, with Mohsin Khan adding further blows by dismissing Dhawan and Curran on successive deliveries.
In the end, Liam Livingstone's late heroics couldn't salvage Punjab's innings as they succumbed to their second consecutive defeat after an opening triumph.
