Avesh Khan‘s last-over heroics sealed the 10-run victory for Lucknow on the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, because the RR innings ended at 144/6 whilst chasing 155 to win.
“At the 10-over mark, the message me and Kyle (Mayers) sent out was 160 would be a good total on this track,” stated Rahul on the post-match presentation.
RR had gained the toss and put Lucknow in to bat.
“They had some good bowlers as well who exploited the conditions. We fell 10 (runs) short but made up with the ball and there was no dew. So that made it fair for both teams,” he added.
“We came in here yesterday (Tuesday) and saw (the pitch and felt) 180 would be a par score. But (after) the first over from (Trent) Boult, I and Kyle had a chat and realized this is not a 180. wicket. The ball was keeping a bit low, so we gave ourselves time in the powerplay,” the LSG skipper stated.
RR began strongly, posting an 87-run partnership for the primary wicket. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (44 in 35 balls) and Jos Buttler (40 off 41 balls) didn’t play their same old competitive cricket however nonetheless laid down a excellent basis. But Marcus Stoinis got rid of either one of them and completed with figures of two/28.
“We know (that) with Rajasthan, their strength is their top four, so we needed to have our plans in place to get them out,” stated Rahul.
However, the run-out of skipper Sanju Samson (2) modified the event, giving LSG a possibility to make a comeback with some fast wickets.
Avesh’s spell of three/25 made the variation finally.
(With company inputs)