Lucknow Crush CSK Thanks to Stoinis’ Record-Breaking Knock

Marcus Stoinis became a hero for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as he smashed an incredible 124 runs not out against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk stadium. This knock helped LSG chase down a massive target of 211 runs and win the match by a comfortable 6 wickets.

 

Stoinis’ innings weren’t just impressive, it was history-making! His 124 in 63 balls, with 13 fours and 6 sixes, at a strike rate of 196.82, is now the highest score ever made by a batsman while chasing a target in the IPL. This breaks the previous record of 120 set by Paul Valthaty.

Stoinis also holds the record for the highest score by a batsman against CSK, beating the legendary Virender Sehwag’s record of 122 runs which he smashed for KXIP in the 2014 Qualifier 2 against CSK.

 

CSK had put up a strong total of 210 runs thanks to a brilliant century (108 in 60 balls, with 12 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 180.00) by their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a quickfire 66 in 27 deliveries including 3 fours and 7 sixes by Shivam Dube, that too at a brilliant strike rate of 244.44.

 

LSG’s chase started poorly with early wickets, but a smart move by captain KL Rahul changed the game. He sent Stoinis in early to take advantage of fielding restrictions. Stoinis played some amazing shots, but LSG still needed support.

 

Nicholas Pooran came to the crease and provided some much-needed help with a quick 34 runs in just 15 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 226.66. However, after his wicket, the pressure was back on LSG. With 47 runs needed in the last 3 overs, things looked tough. But Stoinis, along with Deepak Hooda (17 runs in 6 balls including 2 fours and 1 six), held their nerve and pulled off a thrilling victory!

 

“In these competitions, there are plenty of better opening batters better than me so I’ll leave it to them. It’s not just go go go, there were some bowlers we wanted to target and some bowlers we wanted to be more cautious against. There was a phase where I wasn’t able to hit the boundaries so it was great Pooran could come in and take the pressure off. Lots of ebbs and flows, just tried to keep it in control. You’re planning and structuring, you’re not liking certain bowlers and you’re liking others more. I do think T20 cricket is changing, the scores that have been scored, the impact player role and how teams are taking on the bowlers. I’ve got a great relationship with the coach (Australian Head coach), me not getting a contract, I knew that long ago. It’s great to let the kids come in and get an opportunity, I’m happy to let them take my spot. But on the playing front, I’d like to play and contribute,” said Stoinis

after winning POTM.

After the match, Stoinis shared that he had planned his innings carefully. He chose to attack specific bowlers while playing cautiously against others. This smart approach, combined with his powerful hitting, proved to be the key to LSG’s win.