IPL 2022, GT vs LSG Highlights: Gujarat Titans beat Lucknow Super Giants by 5 wickets

Lucknow started with a bang with the ball and it was Dushmantha Chameera who set the tone upfront by picking up a couple of wickets in his first two overs. Although, they gave away their momentum in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya came into the attack and he kept the batters on their toes. He picked the crucial wicket of his younger brother, Hardik Pandya and he also was the standout performer with the ball for Lucknow. The other bowlers leaked a lot of runs and it was the 17th over which was bowled by Ravi Bishnoi that took the game away from Lucknow.

Gujarat was chasing an under-par score but they lost a couple of wickets early on. It was their skipper, Hardik Pandya who steadied the ship along with Matthew Wade and they stitched together a crucial stand of 57 runs, before Pandya perished. Wade followed suit and Gujarat was in a spot of bother at 78/4, but the partnership between Rahul Tewatia and David Miller bailed them out of trouble. Both of them started scoring freely and it was Tewatia who was the aggressor. In the end, it was Abhinav Manohar who played a handy knock to see his side over the line.

KL Rahul, the skipper of Lucknow, says that it was a phenomenal game. Tells that it was a good start to the campaign but says that it wasn't an ideal start with the bat for him but the way the team came back was brilliant. Tells that they give their top order a lot of freedom and they knew that the new ball will do something at Wankhede and it is something to learn for them. Tells that they couldn't have started the campaign in a better way although a win would have been nice. Tells that Shami has done it time and again with the red ball and did well with the white ball as well. Says he didn't think Shami would bowl that well but appreciates him and says he was dangerous. Adds that he doesn't want to give this as an excuse but it gets really tough to grip the ball with the dew. They have to go back and practice with the wet ball. Tells that they executed most of their plans and bowled well but it gets difficult with the wet ball. Credits Tewatia and Abhinav as well, in the end, to hold their nerve and hit it in the gap. Says it's a good end for Gujarat but a good learning for them as a side going ahead. On Ayush Badoni, he says that he is their baby AB. He's just been phenomenal - from the first day he walked into the camp, the way he was batting was unbelievable. The shots he hits are so clean for a little boy and can play 360 degrees. One needs young guys like him to come into the team. Tells that he is so happy for Ayush and for him to walk in at that stage and play that knock was high pressure for him. Mentions that it will give him and the team a lot of confidence. Ends by saying that hopefully, he can carry the momentum and create the same damage going forward as well.

Hardik Pandya, the skipper of Gujarat, says that he is very happy with the win. Adds that Shami bowled really well with the new ball and he got them off to a great start. Tells that he wants to take more responsibility with the bat and he will be batting at number 4 going ahead as well. Mentions that they will take a lot of positives from this game and they have lots to learn. Tells that Abhinav Manohar is a very talented player and he certainly has a bright future ahead of him. Also applauds Rahul Tewatia by saying that he played to his strengths and deserves the credit.

Mohammed Shami is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. He says that they came prepared and it was important to get a good start. Mentions that the Test match length is the best for him and it's important that he hits the right length. Tells that bowling 'round the wicket is tough and he tries to come 'round the wicket and make it difficult for left-handed batters with tight angles. Informs that Hardik asked him if he wanted the fourth over on the trot, but he asked the skipper to hold him back.

Right then! That is it from the coverage of this game! The action from the Indian T20 League continues on Monday, 29th March and it will be Rajasthan taking on Hyderabad at Pune. The first ball of this clash will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). But the build-up will begin much earlier. Do join us for the same. Cheers and goodbye for now!

Rahul Tewatia is up for a quick chat. He says that the wicket was very good. Mentions that he and Miller had a chat to take the game deep. Tells that they needed one good over and they got it at the right time. Says that Abhinav Manohar is a clean striker of the ball and they have practiced a lot, so he knew that Abhinav is capable of hitting a few big shots. Adds that he believed in Abhinav and he showed the world what he can do. Tells that the atmosphere within the camp is light and they enjoy their practice sessions.

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The new team, Gujarat has arrived in style in the Indian T20 League! Rahul Tewatia has held his nerve when his side was under the pump and he continues to impress. Not to forget the debutant, Abhinav Manohar who showed great composure and ensured that they start the season on a winning note. Lucknow's bowlers tried hard but they had no answers to Rahul Tewatia's juggernaut.

Avesh Khan to Rahul Tewatia, FOUR! And fittingly,Tewatia hits the winning runs! What a chase from Gujarat! Rahul Tewatia taking the limelight with him. Punches the air in delight and taps the batch on his chest to show he's right here! Avesh Khan bowls it in the slot, outside off. Rahul Tewatia gets forward and slices it over covers. Brilliant timing and there's no stopping that. Gujarat hold their nerves and they win by 5 wickets!

Avesh Khan to Abhinav Manohar, Short ball, on leg. Abhinav Manohar gets into a tangle but gets bat on his pull over fine leg. A single! 2 needed off 3!

Avesh Khan to Abhinav Manohar, FOUR! Absolutely creamed! This should be Gujarat's game now! Abhinav Manohar is putting up a show! On a good length, outside off. Abhinav picks the bones out of it and smears it with all his might. Hits it through covers and the ball just races away to the fence in a flash. 

Avesh Khan to Abhinav Manohar, FOUR! What a time for the debutant to make his mark. Abhinav Manohar gets a boundary off the first ball of this over. Short ball, on middle. Abhinav Manohar rocks back and pounds it to deep mid-wicket. It almost cleared the ropes. A boundary nonetheless! 7 needed off 5! 

Who will bowl the last over? Avesh Khan it is.

Dushmantha Chameera to Rahul Tewatia, Back of a length, outside off. Rahul Tewatia slaps it to extra cover. The fielder there carries it on the bounce. Abhinav Manohar wants a single but is sent back. The fielder takes his time before having a shy at the bowler's end but misses. 11 needed from the last over.