Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans IPL, 2023

GAME OVER! Mohit Sharma serves a slower length ball, outside off. Ravi Bishnoi tries to chase it but misses. GUJARAT WIN THE MATCH BY 7 RUNS.

OUT! RUN OUT! WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE? Mohit Sharma nails his yorker, on leg. Deepak Hooda whips it to deep mid-wicket. Rashid Khan is quick to get to the ball and his throw at the keeper's end is inch-perfect. Wriddhiman Saha collects the ball and takes off the bails in no time. The third umpire confirms that Deepak Hooda is way short of the crease.

Prerak Mankad, the Impact Player walks in with 9 runs needed off 2 balls but he will be at the non-striker's end.

OUT! RUN OUT! A team Hat-Trick for Gujarat. Lucknow lose another wicket now. It is a full-length ball, on off. Deepak Hooda crunches it back to the bowler. Mohit Sharma only manages to get a hand on it but kills a lot of pace off it. Hooda calls for two runs but the throw from Vijay Shankar is accurate enough to find Ayush Badoni short of the crease at the non-striker's end.

Is that a run-out? Ayush Badoni has started walking here! The third umpire is called in and the replays confirm that the throw from long off by Vijay Shankar is a brilliant one and Badoni is well short of his crease at the bowler's end. OUT!

Deepak Hooda comes in to face the hat-trick delivery!

OUT! CAUGHT! Mohit Sharma has turned the game on its head. He strikes again and Marcus Stoinis is out on a golden duck. It is a full-length ball, on middle. Marcus Stoinis makes some room and smacks it down the park to long on. David Miller runs in to his left and takes a solid catch diving to that side. Mohit Sharma is on a Hat Trick now.

Marcus Stoinis is the new man in. Can the big man power Lucknow to victory here? 10 needed off 4 balls!

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! KL Rahul departs on 68. Lucknow were cruising along nicely at one stage, but if they lose this game now, they have only themselves to blame. A short ball, on middle. KL Rahul thinks about riding the bounce and pulls it to deep backward square leg. He only manages to hit it down the throat of Jayant Yadav who makes no mistake.

It is full and on off. KL Rahul thumps it down the ground, Mohit Sharma ducks under it, instead of putting his hand in between. It easily could've been a dot ball but Lucknow get two runs off it.

Is that a run-out? Ayush Badoni did put in the dive at the bowler's end but this might be close. The replays confirm that the throw from down the ground was a good one and Mohit Sharma whipped off the bails quickly as well but the dive did save Badoni. Not Out!

LEG BYE! Mohammad Shami goes full, wide outside off. KL Rahul shuflles way across the crease and tries to go for the scoop shot, but he does not connect. The ball rolls to short fine leg and the batters cross for a leg bye. Lucknow need 12 runs off the final over.

A dot now! The pressure only keeps on increasing for Lucknow. What a turn around by Gujarat. Slower ball, on a length, wide of off. KL Rahul tries to hit it through the line but misses it completely. Rahul is unhappy with himself as he kicks the ground in frustration. The Lucknow skipper needs to keep his cool here.

Full length, sliding down leg. Ayush Badoni tickles it down to fine leg. There is protection in the deep, once one run taken. Lucknow are stuggling to find the gaps, and won't be happy with the singles here.

Much fuller, angled into the pads. KL Rahul once again gets an inside edge on his pads. The batters are able to sneak a single.

A slower length ball, on off. Ayush Badoni knocks it to mid off and scampers across for a quick single.

NOT OUT! An appeal for lbw but turned down! Mohammad Shami thinks he has got his man here and convinces the skipper to the review. Coming to the delivery, it is full, tailing into the batter. KL Rahul tries to flick it away but gets an inside edge on it. The ball goes to short third man off his pads. The batters cross for one. The UltraEdge later confirms that the bat is involved.

Gujarat have taken a review for an LBW decision here. The ball is full and seems to have struck KL Rahul on the back leg but initial replays clearly confirm that there is a big inside edge onto the pads and the review is a wasted one by Gujarat.

Who will bowl the penultimate over? It will be Mohammad Shami (2-1-14-0).

Mohit Sharma only gives away 6 singles in this over. Back of a length, on off. Rahul pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Lucknow need 17 runs off the final 2 overs.

Mohit Sharma goes very full, on off, nipping into the batter. Ayush Badoni knocks it past the bowler and gets a single.

Back of a length, outside off. KL Rahul chops it to deep point for one more.

Shorter, outside off. Ayush Badoni once again mistimes his pull into the mid-wicket region for another single.

Mohit Sharma nails his yorker this time, on off. KL Rahul flicks it down to long on and collects a single.

Slower bumper, outside off. Ayush Badoni pulls it to mid-wicket but it comes off the cue end. One taken.

Mohit Sharma (1-0-7-0) is back on.

A bit flatter, sliding down leg. Ayush Badoni pulls it past short fine leg. Abhinav Manohar coves a lot of ground to his right in the deep and saves a certain boundary. The batters take three runs. A brilliant over from Ahmad comes to an end, but he is disappointed the way he finished this over.

Ayush Badoni is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Noor Ahmad picks up his second wicket and Gujarat are well and truly in this game. Nicholas Pooran tries to break his shackles but holes out instead. It is tossed up, full and on off. Nicholas Pooran gets down on one knee and goes for the slog sweep, but all he manages to get is a thick outside edge. The ball goes straight up in the air. Hardik Pandya settles under it beside the stumps at the non-striker's end and takes a sharp catch.

Back of a length, outside off, turning away. Pooran chops it to backward point.

Shorter, on leg. KL Rahul pulls it to deep mid-wicket. There is protection in the deep and they only get a single.

Two dots in a row! It is full, sliding down leg. KL Rahul flicks it to short fine leg, but could not beat the fielder.

Noor Ahmad starts his final over with a dot now! It is floated and full, outside off. Rahul pushes it gently into covers.

What a brilliant over from Jayant Yadav. It is full, on the pads, KL Rahul clips it into mid-wicket for one. Lucknow need 27 runs off 24 balls now. Before this over they needed a run a ball, but well, the pressure is on the hosts now.

Fuller, angled into the pads. Rahul clips it to short mid-wicket. Hardik Pandya makes a sharp stop.

Darted on the pads, Nicholas Pooran nudges it to square leg for one.

Another dot now! Its been 18 balls since the last boundary came for Lucknow. It is tossed up, full and outside off. Nicholas Pooran tries to reverse sweep it but it rolls to the slip fielder off his gloves.

Much fuller, on the pads. KL Rahul flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker and full, angled in on off. KL Rahul defends it back to the bowler.

Another stifled appeal for LBW but it is turned down. This is floated up outside off and turning it in. Nicholas Pooran gets down on one knee trying to drag the sweep shot but misses and pinged on the pads. Hardik Pandya has a chat with the keeper and decides against the review. The impact looked to be outside the line of off stump. 30 needed now off 30 balls.

Flatter and on the pads, Nicholas Pooran fails to tuck this one away as the ball hits the pads.

Gets a hand on it! This is tossed up full and on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran bunts it back hard to the left of the bowler who sticks out his hands and makes the stop.

Strategic break! Noor Ahmad finds the breakthrough for Gujarat against the run of play. This is an opportunity that Gujarat bowlers will hope to capitalise on. Their bowlers need to be accurate with their lines and lengths from hereon, if they are to make inroads in this match. For Lucknow, they need not worry much until KL Rahul is out there in the middle. Now, Nicholas Pooran joins him.

OUT! STUMPED! Noor Ahmad gets rid of Krunal Pandya and Gujarat have their second wicket. Pandya pre-meditates and looks to step out early and Noor sees his coming. The length is pulled back nicely and Noor simply skids this one through around the off stump. The ball just turns away enough for Pandya to run past it and Wriddhiman Saha whips off the bails in a flash.

A bit quicker and pushed outside the off stump. This one turns away as Krunal Pandya looks to drive but is beaten.

Nagging length on leg stump, skidding through, KL Rahul leans on and tucks it behind square leg for a run.

Shorter and around leg stump, this is nudged away past square leg for a single and the 50-run stand is also up between these two.

Flatter delivery around off, KL Rahul keeps it out.

DROPPED! A tough chance but maybe, Vijay Shankar was a bit late to respond. Tossed up on middle and leg, KL Rahul steps out and uses his wrists to chip it over mid on. Shankar from long on comes charging in and dives forward to get two hands on it but spills it out. The batters get another brace.

Full and drifted on to middle and leg, KL Rahul chips it over the mid-wicket region and picks up a couple of runs more.

Half an appeal for LBW from the bowler. On the shorter side yet again and this one turns in sharply from around middle. KL Rahul looks to work it off the back foot but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Just a fraction shorter and outside off, KL Rahul goes on the back foot and punches it away in front of square on the off side for a couple of runs. Excellent running.

Krunal Pandya looks to step out and Rahul Tewatia pulls the length back nicely. Pandya adjusts and simply blocks it out.

Flighted, on the legs, Krunal Pandya tucks it away to mid-wicket.

WIDE! Floated way down the leg side and Krunal Pandya misses the sweep. Wide called.

Flatter one around off, bunted out in front of cover.

SIX! All the way! Tossed up on middle and leg, Krunal Pandya comes down the track and lofts it over the long on fence for a maximum.

FIFTY for KL Rahul and this has been a very well-controlled knock from the Lucknow skipper. Shorter on middle and leg, Rahul wrists it away through wide mid on and picks up a single.

Starts off with a floated delivery around off, KL Rahul punches it off the back foot to short extra cover.

Change. Rahul Tewatia now comes into the attack.

On the shorter side and outside off, this one turns away off the deck. Krunal Pandya hangs back and pokes at it but is beaten. Just three runs off that over.

Tossed up on the stumps, Krunal Pandya chips it across the line and down to wide long on for a couple of runs.

Nagging length, close to the off stump, Krunal Pandya goes on the back foot and keeps this one out.

Flatter again and a tad shorter outside off, cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Flatter trajectory, angling it across the right-hander, KL Rahul taps it to short extra cover.

Floats this one up full and on the off stump, KL Rahul pushes it to Hardik Pandya at silly mid off.

Shorter and around middle, KL Rahul shuffles across a bit and tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Pulls the length back and bowls it around leg stump, Krunal Pandya works it through wide mid on for one.

Full and outside off, KL Rahul drills it down to long off for a single.

Gem of a delivery! Tosses this one up full and angles it onto the off stump. KL Rahul is drawn forward but the ball grips and turns away sharply past the outside edge.

FOUR! A touch of finesse here from KL Rahul. Another leg spinner that turns away from the off stump, Rahul is beaten a bit but shows quick hands to open the bat face and guide it down to third man for a boundary.

Beaten! Nagging length, quicker and turning away sharply from outside off. KL Rahul looks to block it from his crease but the ball zips past the outside edge.

FOUR! Krunal Pandya has the upper hand in this battle of the brothers. It is a length ball, outside off. Krunal Pandya crunches it through the gap at point. The ball races away to the fence.

A length ball, on off, this one holds in the wicket. Krunal Pandya defends it out watchfully.

KL Rahul now rotates the strike, as he pushes this full ball through cover-point.

Shorter, wide of off. Krunal Pandya cuts it to point, there is a fumble and they get one.

Slower ball, full and outside off. Krunal Pandya tries to chase it but misses.

Back of a length, outside off. KL Rahul cuts it to deep point and rotates the strike.

Hardik Pandya now brings himself into the attack.

Shorter, turning in from outside off. KL Rahul knocks it to mid off and jogs to the other end. Lucknow cruising at the moment.

Fuller, on leg. KL Rahul works it to the right of the bowler. Rashid Khan dives to his right and gets a hand on it.

Flatter and on off. Krunal Pandya punches it to covers for a single.

DROPPED! Abhinav Manohar the culprit here. Rashid Khan cannot believe it. It is floated and full, on off. Krunal Pandya slog sweeps it to deep square leg. Abhinav Manohar charges in from the deep, but could not grab it cleanly. The batters take two.

This one lands outside leg and turns into the batter. Pandya gets pinged high on his pads.

FOUR! Krunal Pandya now finds his first boundary of the innings. It is very full, on middle. Krunal Pandya gets down on one knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for a fine boundary.

Flights it up, fuller, on off. Krunal Pandya hits it out to mid off and retains the strike with a single. A good over for Lucknow, 10 runs off it.

Another single now, Floated and on the pads. KL Rahul tucks it to mid on.

Back of a length, outside off. Krunal Pandya pulls it down to long on for a single.

Fuller, angling across, outside off. KL Rahul chops it through point for a single.

Quicker and flatter, on off. KL Rahul knocks it down to long on for a brace. This is really good running.

FOUR! Pressure on Noor Ahmad straightaway. Back of a length, wide of off. KL Rahul slashes it hard through covers for a boundary. A freebie for an in-form KL Rahul.

Noor Ahmad comes into the attack now.

Very full, on leg. Krunal Pandya steps outside the crease and defends it back to the bowler. A wicket-taking over from Rashid Khan comes to an end. This has also helped Gujarat to slow the run rate a bit.

Tossed up, on off. Gets some extra bounce this time. Krunal Pandya lets it be.

A loud appeal for lbw but turned down! Rashid Khan goes full, around middle and gets it to turn back into the batter. Krunal Pandya tries to defend it on his front foot but misses. He takes a blow on his pads and Hardik Pandya takes the review now. The UltraEdge confirms no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking shows that it is pitching outside leg and Gujarat lose a review here.

Krunal Pandya is in at number 3.

OUT! CLEANED UP! Rashid Khan comes back strongly after going for 16 runs in his first over. A very good leg-spinner, that lands outside off and turns in sharply off the deck. Kyle Mayers tries to go after it but offers no feet movement. The ball sneaks under his inside edge and goes on to hit the off pole. Just what the doctor ordered for Gujarat. Will they be able to capitalise on it though?

A googly now, on off. KL Rahul knocks it down to long on for a single.

Rashid Khan goes full and on middle. Kyle Mayers flicks it to deep square leg only for a single, as there is protection in the deep.

Strategic break! Well then, Lucknow have got off to a stellar start with the bat and that too after the first over of the chase was a maiden. KL Rahul has looked like a different man than he has so far this season and is striking the ball superbly while Kyle Mayers has simply continued his rich vain of form. With just 83 runs needed off 84 balls and all wickets intact, Gujarat need a special performance in this middle phase to have any chance of snatching the game away from Lucknow. But, Lucknow should get the win with ease here.

It is a full-length ball, on off. KL Rahul strokes this into covers, but could not find the gap this time.

Kyle Mayers now rotates the strike as he flicks this full ball to deep mid-wicket off his pads.

KL Rahul now pulls this short ball to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! KL Rahul is on fire. Mohit Sharma serves a good-length ball, on top of off. KL Rahul gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the gap at covers for a cracking boundary. 50 up for the hosts in no time.

Slower bouncer, over middle. Kyle Mayers pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

A length ball, in the channel. Kyle Mayers taps it out to point.

Shorter and around off, cut away toward point for a run. 16 off that over, a big one for Lucknow and they are absolutely flying here.

SIX! BANG! This is floated up around off, Kyle Mayers steps out a bit and hits through the line of the ball dispatching it over the extra cover fence for a maximum.

Flatter delivery, angling across the left-hander, Kyle Mayers keeps it out on the off side.

A touch fuller on middle and leg, this is pushed away through wide mid on for one.

FOUR! Another short ball and another boundary for KL Rahul. This is bowled outside off and staying a touch low, Rahul drags it flat and one-bounce over the cow corner fence.

FOUR! Rashid Khan starts off with a poor delivery. This is dragged down a long way and over middle, KL Rahul pulls it off the back foot and muscles it into the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Floated up outside off, Kyle Mayers comes down the track and strokes it away toward wide long off for a couple of runs.

Tossed up on the stumps, KL Rahul steps out and eases the ball through wide mid on for one more.

Shorter one around off, cut away to the right of backward point for a quick single.

FOUR! Kyle Mayers with the charge! Flighted delivery, angled into leg stump, Mayers advances and heaves it well in front of the man at deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Slower through the air and floated up on off stump, KL Rahul gets on the back foot and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Flatter delivery around middle, Kyle Mayers tucks it away through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

FOUR! A hat-trick of boundaries to end the over and KL Rahul brings up 7000 runs in T20 cricket, an amazing achievement. Good length, just outside off, and Rahul cuts it away in between point and backward point. Rashid Khan gives chase but can't cut it off.

FOUR! And again, this time in front of the man at deep square leg. Length ball around middle, Rahul heaves it off the inner half of the bat and finds the fence once again.

FOUR! Put away! Fraction shorter and over middle, KL Rahul gets the front leg out of the way and slogs it behind the man at deep square leg for a boundary.

Full and angled into the middle stump, Kyle Mayers backs away and squeezes it to the right of the point fielder. Noor Ahmad there dives and gets a hand on it, keeping it down to a single.

Hard length, close to the off stump, this is eased away to the man at point.

Good length, around the top of off, KL Rahul heaves it off the inner half of the bat wide of mid on for aa quick single.

Gives it some air now and bowls it around off, angling it in. Mayers looks to cover drive but gets an inside edge toward short fine leg.

Quicker now, speared in from around the stumps and into middle and leg. Kyle Mayers manages to block it out.

FOUR! A tad bit short and around off, Kyle Mayers rocks back and cuts it nicely behind point for a boundary.

Flighted delivery, full and around off, Kyle Mayers drives inside-out but finds the man at extra cover.

Pulls back the length and bowls it on off stump, KL Rahul punches it down to long on and finally gets off the mark with a single.

Tosses it up and bowls it full outside off, Kyle Mayers plays the lofted drive over mid off and picks up a run. Mayers and Lucknow are off the mark!

The Impact Player, Jayant Yadav to operate from the other end.

A maiden to start off with! Length ball around the top of off stump, KL Rahul stays in his crease and blocks it out.

Just short of a length and in the channel around off, KL Rahul punches it straight to mid off.

On a good length around off and this one jags back in, KL Rahul awkwardly keeps it out. Four dots on the trot now.

Another length ball, right on the money and over 140 clicks as well. KL Rahul punches it toward mid on.

A touch fuller in length and at over 141 clicks around off, KL Rahul defends it out.

Starts off with a good-length ball on the fifth stump line and shapes it away a touch. KL Rahul gets on the front foot and strokes it toward point.

OUT! CAUGHT! David Miller looks to finish things off in style but holes out instead. Marcus Stoinis bowls another slower one into the pitch and around off stump. Miller comes forward and tries to force the ball over the long on fence but only manages to hit it straight down the throat of Deepak Hooda there. Hooda makes no mistake and Gujarat finish with 135/6 on the board!

Keeps taking pace off the ball and bowls it back of a length around off. Rahul Tewatia pulls it without much timing toward mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Another slower one, banged into the deck and outside off. David Miller drags the pull shot in front of square on the leg side for just another single.

Slower one, on a fullish length and well outside off, Rahul Tewatia reaches out and drives it through cover for one.

Rahul Tewatia is the new batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! One time too many from Hardik Pandya and he has to depart. Short of a again from Marcus Stoinis and over middle and leg. Pandya just gets a bit cramped for room as he forces the pull shot flat toward long on. The timing is decent but there's no elevation on it. KL Rahul there takes a solid catch around his face and Pandya walks back after a captain's knock.

SIX! Hardik Pandya is single-handedly dragging his team to a defendable total here. Just a fraction shorter over middle, Pandya backs away and muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Excellent running and Hardik Pandya has made sure that he is on strike when the final over begins. Another slower ball from Naveen-ul-Haq and this time David Miller manages to push it down toward long on. Pandya sets off quickly looking for two but Miller is slow to respond. The fielder in the deep picks up the ball an throws it back to the bowler who whips off the bails but Pandya is well in.

Another golden dot ball. Disguises the slower ball well and bowls it shorter outside off. David Miller waits for it and just looks to dab it behind point but still fails to get any bat on it.

Slower delivery, on a fullish length and around off, David Miller looks for the pull but is completely undone by the lack of pace.

Banged in short and into the pitch around the fifth stump line, Hardik Pandya has to hit it tennis style down to long off and collects a single.

Leg bye! Bowled from around the wicket and angled into the pads. David Miller misses the tuck and the ball thuds into the pads, rolling away toward cover. They scamper through for a leg bye.

Slower and shorter, pushed well outside the off stump, Hardik Pandya reaches out and hits it to deep cover for a run.

Flatter one on middle and leg, forced down to long on for one. 19 off the over, a big one for Gujarat.

SIX! Another one! Ravi Bishnoi keeps bowling it short and around leg stump, Pandya lifts it off the back foot and clears the cow corner fence by a long way. Gujarat making a comeback here.

SIX! BANG! This time Hardik Pandya clears the fence and brings up his FIFTY! This is short again on middle and leg, Pandya goes deep in his crease and whacks it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. He will now look to let loose in the final couple of overs or so.

FOUR! A much-needed for Hardik Pandya and Gujarat! Short and on leg stump, Pandya pulls it flat and one-bounce over the square leg fence for a boundary.

This is dragged down a bit and pushed across the left-hander and stays a shade low as well. David Miller manages to pull it away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter delivery angled into the legs, Hardik Pandya backs away and heaves it toward deep square leg for a run.

IMPACT PLAYER - Prerak Mankad comes in for Amit Mishra, it is Lucknow that make the first change.

Full and straight, Pandya digs it out around square leg and picks up a single. Gujarat need boundaries here to post a challenging total.

A slight fumble in the deep and the batters get an extra run. Banged into the deck and outside off, Hardik Pandya stands tall and forehands it wide of the man at long off. Ravi Bishnoi there misfields and the batters get back for two.

On a length and angled in again, David Miller advances and gets an inside edge off the pads and onto the off side. They scamper across for a single.

Comes from around the wicket and angles it in on a good length and into middle and leg. David Miller stays back and blocks it out.

Full and quick, on off stump, Hardik Pandya jams it out through square leg for one.

Bowled on a hard length and pushed well outside off, Hardik Pandya reaches out and hits it straight to the man at extra cover.

Strategic break! Since the last break, Gujarat haven't been able to score runs briskly. Lucknow spinners have done extremely well to put a lid over the run rate. They will now hope to continue squeeze till the very end. Hardik Pandya is still at the crease and has got his eye-in as well. He is the key for Gujarat and we all know what Miller can do if he gets going. An enticing passage of play awaits.

Shorter and on middle and leg, Hardik Pandya hits it off the back foot and through wide mid on for one more.

Drops it a bit short and around off, David Miller pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket and picks up a run.

A touch fuller on middle and turning away, Miller looks to work it leg side but gets a leading edge toward cover.

This is the flipper, on a nagging length and on off and middle. David Miller watchfully blocks it out.

Flatter in length and at the stumps, hit away down to long off for a single.

Angled in on the pads, Hardik Pandya works this one away in front of mid-wicket and pushes hard for two. They get it with ease in the end.

David Miller walks in at number 6.

OUT! TIMBER! Stumps everywhere. Naveen-ul-Haq picks his first wicket of the game and he truly deserved a wicket. He has been exceptional with the ball. It is a length ball, angled in, on off. Vijay Shankar tries to slog it across the line but fails to get any bat on it. The ball goes through the gap and crashes into the sticks. Lucknow have the momentum on their side now and will hope to capitalise on it in the death overs.

Its been 12 balls since the last boundary. Naveen-ul-Haq nails is wide yorker this time. Vijay Shankar fails to squeeze it out.

Fuller, on the pads, Pandya clips it over mid-wicket for one more.

An inswinger this time, full and on off. Vijay Shankar whips it behind square on the leg side for one.

Back of a length, on the body. Hardik Pandya pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq starts his second spell with a dot. It is very full, angled in on off. The ball stays very low. Hardik Pandya gets his blade down in time and defends it back to the bowler.

Naveen-ul-Haq (2-0-12-0) is back on.

Slower ball, length and on middle, angled in as well. Vijay Shankar tries to pull it away but drags it in front of the keeper.

Marcus Stoinis serves a length ball, on the pads. Hardik Pandya flicks it to square leg for a single.

On a length, on middle. Shankar flicks it over mid-wicket for a single.

Hardik Pandya stays back to this good-length ball and punches it down to long off, for only a single. Gujarat need boundaries now. They are surely behind the 8-ball.

Length ball, on top of off. Shankar tucks it to wide of mid on and gets to the other end.

Slower length ball, on off. Vijay Shankar tries to pull it away but it comes off the inner half.

Marcus Stoinis (1-0-7-0) is brought back into the attack.

A single to end the over. Length ball, on off. Vijay Shankar punches it into covers for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings. Good length, around the hips. Vijay Shankar tickles it down to fine leg and gets a boundary off it.

Khan serves it on a length, on off. Pandya gets it to the leg side off the inner half. The batters call for a single. It could've been curtains for Panndya, only if Khan could've scored a direct-hit at the non-striker's end.

Length and on off, defended back to the bowler once again.

Avesh Khan serves it on a length, on off, pace-up delivery. Hardik Pandya awkwardly blocks it back to the bowler. The ball goes on to disturb the stumps at the non-striker's end, off Khan's hand but Shankar is well inside the crease.

Length ball, on off. Vijay Shankar punches it through point for a single.

Avesh Khan (1-0-9-0) is back on.

Tossed up, full and on off. Vijay Shankar flicks it into the leg side for a single.

On off, blocked out.

Vijay Shankar is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! WHAT A CATCH! Naveen-ul-Haq is on fire, first he opened well with the new ball and now he is backing his spinners. He takes an absolute stunner in the deep to get rid of Abhinav Manohar cheaply. Amit Mishra continues to trouble the batters in the campaign and gets into the wicket's column for the afternoon. Slower through the air, full and outside off. Abhinav Manohar gets under it and lofts it high towards sweeper cover. Naveen-ul-Haq runs to his right and takes a sharp catch diving that side, near the ropes.

Flights it up this time, on off. Hardik Pandya strokes it gently into covers for another single.

Abhinav Manohar uses his feet to this full delivery and hits it down to long on for one.

Floated and full, on off. Abhinav Manohar gets on his front foot and knocks it out to extra cover.

Looped up, full and on off. Abhinav Manohar taps it out to mid off and crosses for one. A wicket-taking over from Krunal Pandya comes to an end. He ends his spell of 4 overs with a brace.

On the pads, Hardik Pandya clips it into the leg side for one more.

Quicker and full, on off. Abhinav Manohar gets on his front foot and blocks it into mid-wicket for a single.

Abhinav Manohar is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Lucknow needed a wicket and Krunal Pandya does the job once again for them. It is tossed up, full, on middle and leg. Wriddhiman Saha uses his feet and lofts it down the park to long on. He does not get the desired distance on it and hits it straight down the throat of Deepak Hooda, who makes no mistake in the deep. Wriddhiman Saha gifts his wicket here to Lucknow.

Fuller, on middle. Hardik Pandya steps down the track and drives it down to long on for one.

Slower ball, full and on the pads. Hardik Pandya tucks it to mid-wicket.

Around the off pole, Hardik Pandya drives it along the ground and through mid off for yet another single.

Bowls it flatter and on middle and leg, Saha rocks back and uppishly punches it down to long on for a run.

Gives it even more air and bowls it at just 78.3 clicks around off. Wriddhiman Saha steps out and chips it over the cover region for a couple of runs.

Flighted again, on off stump, Hardik Pandya waits and pushes it away through the cover region for one more.

Tosses it up around the pads, Wriddhiman Saha tucks it away 'round the corner for a single.

Nicely flighted, full and outside off, this is driven straight to extra cover.

Strategic break! This has been a solid recovery from Gujarat, given that they lost Gill on a duck. He is the one who always manages to set a solid platform, but it is Saha who put his hand up on this slow wicket. Hardik Pandya is also finding his rhythm, sooner rather than later. If these two batters stick around for a couple more overs, then Lucknow could well be on the back foot. The hosts need to break this stand as soon as possible. Also, Ravi Bishnoi needs to come into his own, before it gets too late. He has leaked 25 runs off his 2 overs so far, that too on a slow track. Well, Amit Mishra now comes into the attack for Lucknow.

SIX! Clean strike! Tossed up, full and around off, Hardik Pandya gets under it and whacks it straight down the ground, a long way over the ropes for a biggie.

Saha looks to step out by Bishnoi skids this one through. Saha is beaten in the flight but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and they scamper through for one.

Quicker and fuller, at the stumps, Hardik Pandya looks for the big slog but heaves it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Crunched! Short and wide, begging to be hit. Hardik Pandya stands tall and frees his arms before flat-batting it over extra cover for a boundary.

Pushed wider of the off stump, Saha comes down the pitch and drives it to long off for a single.

Tossed up well outside the off stump, Pandya taps it to deep cover-point and rotates the strike.

FOUR! Immaculate placement! Pace on this time, a tad short and wide, Wriddhiman Saha hops and cuts it away behind backward point for a boundary. The 50 is also up for Gujarat.

Slower and shorter at 114 clicks, this is banged in over the leg stump. Wriddhiman Saha looks to pull it behind square but gets an inside edge and the ball almost rolls back into the stumps.

Good length over middle, Hardik Pandya works this one away in front of mid-wicket for one.

Hard length again around off, Hardik Pandya punches it out on the off side from inside his crease.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it on the fifth stump line, Hardik Pandya sets up for the pull but under-edges it back onto the deck.

Marcus Stoinis starts his spell with a shortish delivery bowled into the pitch. Hardik Pandya muscles it away in front of square on the leg side and races back for the second run.

Flatter delivery outside off, cut away to backward point.

Good-looking shot! Drifted into middle and leg, Wriddhiman Saha skips down the track and opens up the off side before lifting it over extra cover for a couple of runs.

Darted in on the stumps, Wriddhiman Saha backs away and opens the bat face to guide it toward short third man.

Flighted delivery outside off, Hardik Pandya reaches out and hits it hard to deep cover for just a single.

Quicker and flatter, angled into middle, Hardik Pandya stays back and punches it toward cover-point.

Slower through the air and floated up on off stump, Wriddhiman Saha comes forward and works it away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

A couple of runs to end and after the Powerplay, Gujarat are 40/1! This is a fraction shorter and outside off, Hardik Pandya cuts it toward sweeper cover for a brace.

Tossed up around off, Wriddhiman Saha steps out and drives it hard back toward the bowler who gets a hand on it. The ball rolls toward mid off and the batters get a single.

Flatter around off, Wriddhiman Saha rocks back and pushes it out on the off side.

Quicker and flatter, angling into the off stump, Wriddhiman Saha blocks it out.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too short and a bit too wide as well. Wriddhiman Saha stands tall and throws his hands at it before slapping it over point for another boundary.

FOUR! Nicely done! Wriddhiman Saha pre-meditates and advances, Bishnoi sees him coming and dishes out a full and wide one. Saha adjusts and squeezes it behind point for a boundary.

Ravi Bishnoi comes in to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Two dots in a row to end the over. A length ball, around off. Hardik Pandya steps out of the crease only to block it back to the bowler. A rather expensive start from Avesh Khan, 9 runs off it.

Good length, on off. Pandya punches it into covers, but could not find the gap.

A length ball, on off. Saha blocks it into covers. One taken.

A slight halt in the play. Wriddhiman Saha seems to be having some pain in the right fore-arm and the elbow and the physio is out to have a look. The physio applies a bit of magic spray to the area and Saha is good to continue.

FOUR! Wriddhiman Saha is in the mood now. He is finding boundaries at will here. Back of a length, on off. Saha rides the bounce and swats it over mid-wicket. Three fielders give it a chase but only to recover the ball from the boundary.

Avesh Khan dishes a length ball, wide outside off. Saha goes after it but only chips it over covers. The ball lands safely though and they take two more.

Khan starts with a short ball, on middle. Saha swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Avesh Khan comes into the attack now.

A bit quicker this time, angled into the batter. Hardik Pandya defends it out watchfully. Krunal Pandya did well to finish the over on a positive note.

Krunal Pandya loops it up, full and on off. Hardik drives it into covers.

Flatter, on off. Saha pushes it to mid off and crosses.

Short, on top of off. Saha makes some room again and cuts it to point.

Full and on middle. Saha sweeps it over backward square leg for two runs.

FOUR! Wriddhiman Saha continues to find the odd boundary, but this times it comes early in the over. Pressure on the wicket-taker straightaway. It is floated and full, on off. Saha makes some room and lofts it over extra cover. The ball races away.

Another excellent over from Naveen-ul-Haq comes to an end. It is full, tucking into the batter. Wriddhiman Saha flicks it off his pads into mid-wicket. They cross for one. Naveen-ul-Haq has gone for just 12 runs off his first two overs.

Another dot now! Naveen-ul-Haq fires in a length ball, angling in on off, outside off. Wriddhiman Saha remains solid in his defense.

On a length, on off, defended out.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Saha and Gujarat as well. Impeccable placement this time. A length ball, around off. Wriddhiman Saha hangs back, opens the face of the bat and steers it past backward point for a cracking boundary.

A length ball, that lands outside off and nips into the batter. Hardik Pandya taps it out to point for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq goes full, around off, drifts into the batter. Hardik Pandya closes the face of the bat a touch and gets it through the gap at mid-wicket. Two runs taken.

Quicker and full, angled into the pads. Saha blocks it out with a straight bat. A dream start for Krunal Pandya with the ball. A run and a wicket off it.

Shorter, wide of off. Hardik Pandya chops it through point and opens his account with a single.

Quicker and full, outside off. Pandya taps it out to point. I mean Hardik Pandya.

Angles it in, full and on off. Hardik Pandya defends it on his front foot. The battle of the brothers, right at the start of this match.

Skipper, Hardik Pandya walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Early success for Lucknow with the ball and it is Krunal Pandya who draws the first blood. What a move from KL Rahul to get the spinner early into the attack. It is full, around off, turning in a touch. Shubman Gill could not control his urge of getting of the mark and steps down the wicket to make his intentions clears. He lofts it high in the air towards long off. The ball does not travel the distance he would've envisioned. Ravi Bishnoi takes a sharp catch in the deep.

Darted on the pads, Gill nudges it to square leg.

Krunal Pandya to operate from the other end.

Brilliant start with the ball for Naveen-ul-Haq. Guess what, it is another ball that angles in from outside off. Saha blocks it out solidly off his front foot.

Two dots in a row now! Naveen-ul-Haq is persistent with his inswingers. Another one, full and outside off. Wriddhiman Saha gets it back to the bowler off the inner half.

A dot now! The second one of the over. Naveen-ul-Haq dishes an inswinger full and outside off. Saha dabs it out to backward point.

A length ball, wide outside off. Saha slashes it into covers. Ravi Bishnoi makes a half-stop but the rolls past the inner circle. The batters collect two more.

Naveen-ul-Haq goes full again, but offer some width this time. Wriddhiman Saha leans in and creams it to the right of sweeper cover. The fielder in the deep comes across and keeps it down to two runs.

Naveen-ul-Haq starts with an inswinger, full and on off. Saha plants his front foot across and blocks it out watchfully. Naveen-ul-Haq on the money from the word go.

The match is set to begin. Lucknow players make their way out to the middle and the crowd is showing their love from the get go here. Followed by Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha who walk out to open for Gujarat. It will be Naveen-ul-Haq to start with the new ball. Here we go...

KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow says that they would have batted first as well and didn't have much expectation from the toss and they need to play good cricket. Informs that Amit Mishra comes into the playing XI for Yudhvir Singh. Mentions that they have had a few injuries but someone new has put up their hand every game and they have been able to maintain a good atmosphere.

Gujarat skipper, Hardik Pandya starts by saying that they will bat first. Adds that it looks like a slow track and hopes to get the best out of the wicket. Mentions that the smarter choice would be to bat first on this wicket and thinks that even KL Rahul would've done the same. Informs that Noor Ahmad comes in for Alzarri Joseph.

Impact Players nominated by Gujarat -  Joshua Little, Jayant Yadav, Shivam Mavi, Sai Kishore, and KS Bharat.

Gujarat (Playing XI) - Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (C), Vijay Shankar (In for Sai Sudharsan), Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmad (In for Alzarri Joseph), Mohit Sharma.

Impact Players nominated by Lucknow -  Jaydev Unadkat, Krishnappa Gowtham, Daniel Sams, Prerak Mankad, and Karan Sharma.

Lucknow (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C), Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Amit Mishra (In for Yudhvir Singh), Naveen-ul-Haq.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Gujarat. They have elected to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Murali Kartik is pitchside. He talks about the dimensions of the ground and says that toward his left is 63 meters, to his right it is 72 meters and it is 78 meters straight. He mentions that games here have been low scoring. Daren Ganga joins him and says that there is grass on this surface unlike the last two games here in which the spinners played a crucial role. Adds that there are big pockets here which helps the spinners as well. Ends by saying that Gujarat would look to chase as that has been their preference.

Gujarat, on the other hand, have had a bit of an extended break and their last game was against Rajasthan as well. Unlike Lucknow, they ended up on the losing side but still have 3 wins out of 5 and a win here will see them rise to 8 points, the same as their opponents. They have fantastic depth in batting and a strong bowling lineup as well but it won't be easy against an in-form Lucknow side. Can the reigning champions notch up a crucial away win? Or will Lucknow continue to rise? We shall find out. Toss and team news in a bit.

Lucknow come into this game on the back of a huge away win against table-toppers Rajasthan and are currently level on points with them. A win here at their home ground will see them go two points clear at the top and KL Rahul and his men will be looking to accomplish just that. Kyle Mayers has proved to be prolific at the top for them and now with the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Avesh Khan starting to click as well, Lucknow look like a pretty strong side.

Hello and a warm welcome to one and all to match number 30 of the 2023 Indian T20 League. In the first game of a double-header Saturday, it will be Lucknow taking on Gujarat at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Two teams who joined the illustrious league last season and made their mark right away and both sides have been pretty good this season as well. All in all, a fascinating encounter awaits.

... MATCH DAY ...

It is now time for match number 30 of the Indian T20 League, 2023. Yet another double-header coming your way, the second one of this week. This edition of the tournament is not letting us get off our screens, we must say. One cannot even count the number of thrilling encounters that took place this season on their fingers and we are just approaching the halfway mark of the tournament. This justifies that these 10 teams competing this season have certainly set a high standard from the get-go. Right then, shifting our focus back to the 30th game, it sees action between Lucknow and Gujarat. Both the teams are coming into this game after playing the same opponent, Rajasthan, but both returned with contrasting results. Gujarat are coming into this game with a loss on their back, while Lucknow were able to record a win by defending the lowest score this season so far. They certainly seem to be on track towards achieving their goal of this season, but most importantly they need to remain consistent with their performances. Kyle Mayers continues to keep QDK at bay with his impressive performances on top of the batting order. KL Rahul though has been unable to make the most of good starts so far this season. He will be hoping to turn around his fortune this time around. Meanwhile, their batting depth continues to shine for them and makes sure to get them out of tricky situations whenever required. It was there to be seen at a slow pitch in Jaipur in their previous match as well. Gujarat though on the other hand, would feel like they deserved to win against Rajasthan in their last match, but this is what cricket is all about. A minute mishap can take the game away from you. Nevertheless, Gujarat, the defending champions have enough quality players in their ranks who can get them back to winning ways quite easily. Hardik Pandya would be hoping that his boys come out all guns blazing from the word go. No matter what happens, this game surely promises to be a cracker. Which team will get over the line? We shall find out together.