Kamal Ghorui
Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka’s priceless reaction went viral moments after Lucknow sealed a win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Ekana Stadium.The victory marked several major milestones for LSG. It was their first win in five matches at home this season and also their maiden victory against RCB in Lucknow after losing the previous two encounters at the venue. The result also handed RCB their first defeat while chasing in five attempts this season, while LSG finally registered their first successful defence after failing to defend totals in their previous four attempts. More importantly, the win ended Lucknow’s six-match losing streak and snapped an unwanted run of eight consecutive defeats at their home ground.After the win, Sanjiv Goenka was seen joyfully waving his hands in celebration, soaking in the moment as Lucknow Super Giants finally ended their losing run with a memorable victory.
Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL:
- Batting first: 38 matches, 21 wins, 16 losses, 1 no result – Win percentage: 56.75%
- Batting second: 30 matches, 12 wins, 18 losses – Win percentage: 40.0%
The numbers clearly highlight LSG’s stronger record while setting a target, with the side looking far more comfortable defending totals than chasing them in IPL history.
Match Summary – LSG outclass RCB
The night belonged to Mitchell Marsh, who smashed a stunning 111 off 56 balls to power LSG to 209/3. Marsh dominated despite three rain interruptions, first adding 95 runs with Arshin Kulkarni and later stitching a 70-run partnership with Nicholas Pooran (38). Marsh’s aggressive hitting set the tone as he attacked the RCB bowlers from the outset, especially Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Dar, racing to a 20-ball half-century.Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a spirited fightback but eventually fell nine runs short against Lucknow Super Giants in a rain-hit thriller at the Ekana Stadium. Chasing 213 in a reduced 19-over contest, RCB were rocked early with the dismissals of Virat Kohli for a duck and Jacob Bethell for just four runs.Despite the early collapse, cameos from Rajat Patidar (61 off 31), Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya kept RCB alive till the final over, where they needed 20 runs. LSG captain Rishabh Pant handed the ball to leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi, who held his nerve brilliantly to seal the win. Pant also contributed a fiery unbeaten 32 off just 10 balls late in the innings. Though the victory may not revive LSG’s playoff hopes, it significantly complicated RCB’s path to the last four.
