Lucknow Super Giants got off to a winning start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as they registered a clinical 50-run win over Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday evening.
LSG opener Kyle Mayers starred with a magnificent 73(38), including 7 sixes and 2 boundaries, in his IPL debut. He was well-supported by Nicholas Pooran who played some blazing shots and made 36 off 21, to take their team to a formidable total of 193 for 6 in 20 overs.
Delhi Capitals managed to get an early breakthrough by dismissing KL Rahul, but they were unable to contain the blistering performance of Kyle Mayers. The LSG opener went on to play a sensational innings, leaving the Capitals bowlers scratching their heads. Khaleel Ahmed (2/30) and Chetan Sakariya (2/53) took two wickets each while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav got one wicket each.
In reply, Delhi Capitals got off to a decent start with skipper David Warner hitting a gritty half-century, but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and lost their way in the chase midway.
Mark Wood had a remarkable debut for LSG as he claimed the first fifer of the season by giving 24 runs only. Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi both picked up two wickets each and helped LSG to limit Delhi Capitals to a total of 143 for 9 in their 20 overs.This article mentions your favorite hats at super low prices. Choose from same-day delivery, drive-up delivery or order pickup.
LSG had a terrific season last year in which they finished among the top four of the points table and made it to the playoffs, but a loss to RCB in the Eliminator cut short their journey to winning the title. They made a blockbuster Rs 16 crore move for Nicholas Pooran to add more bite to their top order and also added the likes of Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Jaydev Unadkat, and Amit Mishra among others.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals will take the field under the leadership of experienced David Warner, as Rishabh Pant misses out due to injury. The franchise bought a host of players in the IPL mini-auction in December last year, including veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Phil Salt, and promising Bengal bowler Mukesh Kumar.