K.L. Rahul’s resilient knock of 76 runs and a crucial partnership with Deepak Hooda propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a competitive total of 196 for five against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow.
Rahul’s innings was a tale of recovery and determination. After losing Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis early to Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma, respectively, Rahul steadied the ship with a composed 48-ball knock. He overcame a shaky start, where he lost his balance and fell down while attempting a slog sweep, to anchor the Lucknow innings.
Rahul’s partnership with Hooda was the cornerstone of Lucknow’s recovery. The duo combined for 115 runs for the third wicket, with Hooda contributing a brisk 48 off 30 deliveries. Hooda showcased his off-side range, punching Boult through covers and backward point with ease.
Avesh Khan’s 21-run eighth over proved to be a turning point in the match. Rahul started the over with a chip over mid-wicket before hooking a No Ball over the fine-leg fielder. He then dispatched a full toss on the Free Hit to bisect the boundary riders at deep mid-wicket and long on.
However, Lucknow’s momentum was halted by the dismissal of Hooda, who holed out at long on immediately after reaching his half-century. Nicholas Pooran failed to make an impact, while Ayush Badoni’s late flourish was not enough to push Lucknow past the 200-run mark.
In the end, Lucknow’s total of 196 for five proved to be a challenging target for Rajasthan Royals, who eventually fell short by 24 runs.
