In a thrilling encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Gujarat Titans managed to snatch a win from Lucknow Super Giants in the 30th match of IPL 2023. Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a total of 135 on the board, thanks to a brilliant knock of 66 from Hardik Pandya. In reply, Lucknow Super Giants got off to a flying start with KL Rahul and Mayers providing a strong start, collecting 53 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket.
However, Lucknow Super Giants were pushed back on the slow surface, and GT's fast bowlers Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami, along with spinner Noor Ahmad, picked up crucial wickets to restrict the home side to 128 in 20 overs. KL Rahul played a brilliant innings of 50 runs, but it went in vain as the middle order failed to provide the much-needed support.
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The game was very much in Lucknow's favour till the 15th over when they had less than run-a-ball required and 9 wickets in hand. However, once Noor Ahmad got Krunal Pandya, the match started to slip out of Lucknow's hands. Mohit Sharma, Shami, and Ahmad then pulled things further back as Lucknow kept losing control of the game. They gave only 11 runs in the 18th and 19th over to bring the equation to 12 needed off 6 but Rahul was at the crease. However, Mohit Sharma bowled a brilliant final over, getting Rahul caught out and then Marcus Stoinis to help Gujarat Titans win by 7 runs. For his fabulous final 2 overs, Mohit Sharma was named as Player of the match.
Lucknow Super Giants have never defeated Gujarat Titans, and with this win, Gujarat Titans continue their dominance over the home side. This loss will be a setback for Lucknow, who will need to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming matches.