Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL, 2024 Full score card

SIX! The skipper finishes off in style and Rajasthan win by 7 wickets! A low full toss on the stumps, Sanju Samson moves across bending low before ramping it over deep fine leg for a maximum to register their eighth victory of this season. A comprehensive win for the team in pink. They have truly dominated this season. Sanju Samson is pumped and rightly so. He remains unbeaten on 71 off just 33 deliveries.

FOUR! As easy as it gets! Predictable short-pitched delivery on the off stump line, Sanju Samson has enough time to pull it well over mid-wicket for a boundary. Just four runs needed to win.

A knee-length full toss on the middle, Dhruv Jurel swipes across the line and works it towards deep square leg for a single.

Pace-off, outside off on a hard length, Dhruv Jurel flat-bats it straight toward mid-wicket.

Nails a perfect yorker on off, Sanju Samson digs it out toward deep third for a single.

Short, slow and on the body, Jurel pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

SIX! Oh, goodness me! Length ball, on off and middle, Sanju Samson is deep inside the crease and picks it up over deep backward square leg and clears the ropes with ease.

Dhruv Jurel accompanies his skipper with a fifty! A well-deserved one! Low full toss again, on off, Jurel leans and drives it to covers for a single. His maiden Fifty in the Indian T20 League.

Low full toss on middle, Sanju Samson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

SIX! A captain's knock of the highest order! Across off on a length, Sanju Samson predicts the length early and pulls it flat over deep mid-wicket for a six. He's been in a fine form!

A comedy of errors! Outside off on a short length, Sanju Samson waits and cuts it to short third. Dhruv Jurel is already beyond the halfway mark but Sanju Samson denies for the run. Yash Thakur picks the ball and throws it to Mohsin Khan where he fumbles to collect it cleanly and has a shy at the non-striker's end. Jurel reaches home by the time.

Across off on a length, Sanju Samson drives it on the up towards deep extra covers. Marcus Stoinis from long off sprints to his left and slides and cuts the ball before the ropes. Saves a certain boundary. Only two taken.

Banged short, on the top of the middle, Sanju Samson watches it closely and pulls it along the carpet for a single toward deep square leg. 27 needed off the last three overs.

Short, on off, Dhruv Jurel waits and pulls it along the ground for a single at deep square leg.

Another full toss on the middle, Dhruv Jurel flicks it to widish long on and hustles back for the double. Excellent running. Hooda slides to his right and cuts ball into the field.

FOUR! He's in wonderful form! Bowls a predictable short-pitched bumper, on the middle and off, Dhruv Jurel cllimbs on top of it and pulls it to perfection through deep square leg for a boundary.

Back of a length, outside off, Dhruv Jurel guides it to short third and denies for a run.

A low full toss on the middle, Dhruv Jurel flicks it to widish long on and scampers back for the second the fielder is a bit slow on the ball. They take two. KL Rahul is not happy at all and rightfully so.

Strategic-Break! The game is slightly tilted towards Rajasthan at the moment as they need 37 runs in the last four overs. Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel have batted well and will hope to stay there and finish it off for their side. Lucknow needs wickets and a couple of wickets here will change the momentum once again. Let's se how things pan out in the death overs.

SIX! Punished strongly! Bishnoi goes back to bowl a short-pitched delivery, angling on the middle and leg, Sanju Samson gets in position quickly by rocking back before powering it over the deep mid-wicket fielder for a maximum. This has been some acceleration from Sanju Samson! Expensive from Bishnoi. 37 runs needed off the last 24 deliveries.

Slows the pace, outside off, full in length, Sanju Samson goes for a big shot but drives it back to the bowler off the inside half of the bat.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Gifts a low full toss, just on off, Sanju Samson quickly lofts it inside out over covers for a boundary.

FOUR! One bounce and into the fence. Short, drifting on the pads, Sanju Samson rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The fielder from long on runs to his right but fails to stop.

Full, on the stumps, Dhruv Jurel drills it toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, shorter and down the leg, Sanju Samson pulls it and loses the grip of the bat. The ball travels to deep backward square leg for one.

Ravi Bishnoi is introduced into the attack in the 16th over.

Darts this one fuller and on leg, Dhruv Jurel nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. Krunal Pandya finishes a very economical spell conceding just 24 runs.

Short again and angling into the batter, Dhruv Jurel misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Short again and on off, Sanju Samson punches it to long off for one.

FOUR! Excellent shot! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Sanju Samson switches his stance and connects with his reverse sweep well as the ball goes for a one-bounce four over the deep point fence.

Flatter, full and on off, Dhruv Jurel forces it down to long off for a run.

Quicker, short and on off, Sanju Samson uses his feet and punches it through covers for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi was about to bowl but the captain changed his mind and he calls back Krunal Pandya to complete his quota of four overs.

FOUR! Great effort but it goes in vain! This is on a hard length and on off, shaping in, Dhruv Jurel tries to push it away but gets an outside edge wide of wide first slip, Yash Thakur puts in a full-length dive to his left and does well to get a hand to it, but it deflects away for a boundary.

Back of a length and around off, Sanju Samson punches it to sweeper covers for one.

DROPPED! A huge chance goes begging here! Overpitched and outside off, Dhruv Jurel throws his bat at it and slices it in the air towards short third man, Yash Thakur leaps up and gets both hands on it but spills it. They cross. Dhruv Jurel gets a life and this could prove to be very costly for Lucknow!

FOUR! Another boundary! Dhruv Jurel is playing a blinder here! Mohsin Khan bangs this short of a length and on middle, Dhruv Jurel gets into a good position early on and pulls it away strongly towards the deep square leg fence for four more runs.

SIX! Oh..wow! This one is fuller and just around off, Dhruv Jurel takes a page out of Jos Buttler's book, moves across and scoops it finely over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Brilliant shot! Mohsin Khan goes short and wide outside off, Dhruv Jurel absolutely nails his cut and crunches it between sweeper covers and deep point for a boundary.

Mohsin Khan (2-0-16-0) is back.

Flatter, full and on leg, Dhruv Jurel tucks it through mid-wicket for one more.

Pushed through quicker, short and on middle, angling in, Dhruv Jurel misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Darts this one full and down the leg side, Sandeep Sharma swipes it towards deep square leg for one.

Quicker, short and on middle, Dhruv Jurel punches it towards long on for another run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sanju Samson tries to go inside out and lift it over covers but gets an inside edge to the leg side. They cross.

Short and on middle, Dhruv Jurel works it towards long on for a single.

FOUR! Gets it through again! Yash Thakur lands this back of a length and around off, Sanju Samson stands tall and punches it sweetly through extra covers for another boundary. 17 runs off the over!

Slower, full and way outside off again, Sanju Samson lets it go. Another wide!

Goes fuller but well outside off, Sanju Samson leaves it alone. Wided.

FOUR! Put away this time! Yash Thakur misses his yorker once more and serves a full toss, on middle, Sanju Samson stays back and slaps it past the bowler for a boundary.

Yet another full toss, on off, Dhruv Jurel toe-ends it wide of mid off for a run.

FOUR! Fine shot! Yash Thakur pitches it up and on off again, Dhruv Jurel crouches low and uses his fast hands to smack it over extra covers for a boundary.

Another full toss around off, Sanju Samson swats it towards long off for a run.

A low full toss, outside off, Dhruv Jurel squeezes it through point for a single.

Yash Thakur (2-0-10-1) replaces Krunal Pandya.

Flighted, full and on middle, Sanju Samson taps it to short covers.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! This one is short and down the leg side, Sanju Samson moves back and paddles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Slows it up, shortish and on middle, turns away, Dhruv Jurel punches it towards long on for one.

Floated, full and on middle, Dhruv Jurel knocks it back to the bowler.

SIX! BOOM! Dhruv Jurel goes big! Tossed up, full and on off, Dhruv Jurel skips down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and launches it over long on for a biggie.

Short and on middle, Sanju Samson backs away and cuts it through point for a single.

Short in length, pitching on the middle and off, Sanju Samson rocks back and works it towards long on for just one. What a terrific over from Krunal. Just 3 runs coming off this one.

Fired in at 101 clicks on the top of the stumps, Dhruv Jurel tucks it to long on for a single.

At middle and leg, on a fuller length, Dhruv Jurel drives it back to the bowler.

Another dot, full in length, at the stumps, blocked.

Length ball, drifting on the middle, Dhruv Jurel knocks it to mid-wicket.

Flighted on the stumps, full in length, Sanju Samson gets it off the leading edge toward deep cover for one.

Overpitched and flighted, outside off, Dhruv Jurel drives it straight to covers off the inside half of his willow. Another successful over for Lucknow.

Floated, on off and full, Dhruv Jurel leans ahead and blocks it off to the pitch.

Strategic-Break! Lucknow have pulled things back brilliantly here with three quick wickets and they will look to use the momentum to keep going like this. Rajasthan started well but are in a spot of bother now and the skipper Sanju Samson needs to take the bulk of responsibility in this chase with the big hitters playing around him. That match is hanging in the balance now. Also, Dhruv Jurel gets a promotion up the order and comes out to the middle now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! AMIT MISHRA IS BACK IN STYLE! Pushes through and lands it fuller and slower, way outside off, Riyan Parag really has to reach out to that one and he lofts it a bit far away from his body with minimal footwork ahead. He doesn't generate the power and hence, slices off his willow and goes up in the air, carrying straight into the hands of Ayush Badoni who is patrolling the deep extra cover boundary. Lucknow are on the top.

SIX! Punished! Too slow and to short, on off, Riyan Parag detects the length early and rocks back before pulling it over long on for a maximum.

Provides a lot of revs by flighting it on off, and keeps the length the same, Sanju Samson drives it to long off to for a single.

A flipper to start with, on off and on a length, Parag turns it down to long on for a single.

Lucknow brings in Amit Mishra as the Impact Player who replaces Quinton de Kock.

Quicker, on the pads, full in length, Riyan Parag turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over. A comparatively quiet over. Just 7 runs off it.

Overpitched on off, floated, Sanju Samson leans and drives inside out to long off for another single.

Slower, on the top of middle, Riyan Parag steers it to widish long on for a single.

Pitching on the middle, and drifting on the leg stump, on a length, Sanju Samson goes back and across and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Pulls back his length does Krunal Pandya, on the middle, Riyan Parag nudges it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full, down the leg, Riyan Parag flicks it toward deep mid-wicket gently and gets back to the strike with a couple.

Identical length, at off, Riyan Parag goes back into the crease and punches it to long on for a single to end the over.

On the back of a length, angling in from outside off, Riyan Parag pushes it back to the bowler.

Length delivery, angling in on middle and leg, Sanju Samson nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full in length at 131 clicks, angling in on the middle, Riyan Parag pushes it to long on for one.

On the back of a length, gently paced, Riyan Parag gets a leading edge of this back-of-a-length ball towards point.

Riyan Parag comes out to the middle now. He is also the Impact Player for Rajasthan and replaces Yuzvendra Chahal.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Stoinis removes the dangerous-looking Jaiswal and now, both Rajasthan openers are back to the sheds in the span of three deliveries. Stoinis lands it on a good length, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal with no real foot work throws his bat at it to clear the off side boundary but he plays it too far from his body and doesn't generate the needed power and slices up in the air. Ravi Bishnoi stationed at deep extra cover takes a straightforward reverse-cup catch without moving an inch. Rajasthan two down now.

Marcus Stoinis has been introduced into the attack now.

On the back of a length, on the middle and leg, Sanju Samson pats it back to the bowler off the back foot. A dot to end the mandatory Powerplay. Rajasthan cruising nicely at 60/1.

Sanju Samson walks out to bat number 3.

OUT! BULL'S EYE! Yash Thakur provides the much-needed breakthrough for Lucknow and Buttler is absolutely livid with himself! Yash Thakur fires in with pace-on and aims the leg stump, Jos Buttler moves to the right and covers his off stump, tries to chip it to the leg side but he moves way too across off and misses to connect the shot. The ball hits the base of the leg stump and Rajasthan lose their first wicket. Jos Buttler departs after providing another solid start for Rajasthan.

Brings the angle closer to the body, on a length, Yashasvi Jaiswal flicks it off the back foot to mid on for one.

FOUR! Jaiswal is in a sublime touch! Another poor one from Yash Thakur on a length, just around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal stays leg side of the ball and cuts it over backward point for a boundary.

Back of a length, on the top of off, Jos Buttler tucks it off the back foot to long on for one.

FOUR! Buttler showing his touch and class! Yash starts off with a loosener, down the leg side, fuller in length and there to be hit, Jos Buttler bends a bit low and flicks it neatly through square leg for a boundary.

Yash Thakur replaces Mohsin Khan.

Short again and around off, Jos Buttler mistimes his pull this time through square leg for one. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between the two openers.

FOUR! Top shot! Matt Henry bangs this short of a length and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Jos Buttler gets on top of the bounce nicely and pulls it away towards the deep square leg fence for another boundary.

Pitched up and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal winds up for the scoop, but this one is too quick for him and hits him on the pads, rolls to the off side. Leg bye!

Swing and a miss! Matt Henry bravely goes fuller again and around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal swings wildly across the line but only connects with thin air.

Back of a length and around off, Jos Buttler backs away, opens the face of the bat and punches it through covers, the fielder chases it and keeps it inside but the batters run three.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Matt Henry goes too full this time, on middle, Jos Buttler stays back snd slogs it towards the vacant long on fence for a one-bounce four.

Fiery stuff! Mohsin Khan follows the batter well here and bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal backs a long way away and just manages to sway away from it.

Slower one, short of a length and around off, Jos Buttler tries to pull but gets a bottom edge through square leg for one more.

Fuller again, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal knocks it in front of mid off for a quick run.

Touch fuller, on middle, Jos Buttler clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length and on off, Jos Buttler punches it past point for a brace.

FOUR! Straight down the ground! Mohsin Khan overpitches it, on off, Jos Buttler stays back in his crease and drills it hard past the bowler for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, Jos Buttler nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Fuller once more, on middle, Jos Buttler knocks it back to the bowler.

SIX! Jos Buttler in a nutshell! Matt Henry pitches it up, on middle, Jos Buttler moves across a bit and scoops it smoothly over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Back of a length and on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal punches it through covers for a single.

Excellent bowling! Matt Henry hits the the hard length and just around off, nips away a bit, Yashasvi Jaiswal stays back and ties to steer it close from his body but misses.

Fuller and on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal drives it firmly but straight to mid off.

BEATEN! Mohsin Khan pulls his length back a bit, on off, angling away, Jos Buttler goes for the drive on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full again and on the pads, Jos Buttler flicks it away wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Slower one, full and on middle, Jos Buttler blocks it out.

On a length and on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes it wide of covers, Quinton de Kock dives to his right to make a good stop. They cross.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Mohsin Khan lands this on a good length and on off, angling in and then nips away a bit, Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to defend but gets an outside edge wide of third man for a boundary.

Mohsin Khan begins with a full delivery, on off, shaping in, Yashasvi Jaiswal miscues his drive to the right of the bowler.

Mohsin Khan to share the new ball.

Short of a length and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal stabs it towards point for one. 13 runs off the first over then!

FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets the width to free his arms and lofts it nicely over mid off for a boundary.

SIX! BANG! Yashasvi Jaiswal gets going now! This is fuller again, on middle, in the slot as well, Yashasvi Jaiswal clears his front leg a bit and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Touch fuller and on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal drives to go for the big drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

SCREAMER OF A DELIVERY! Matt Henry hits the good length this time, on off, nips back in sharply, Jos Buttler looks to play but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes through the gap between bat and pad, KL Rahul fails to collect it cleanly and allows a bye.

Rajasthan and Yashasvi Jaiswal are underway straightaway! Matt Henry starts with a hard-length delivery, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal punches it towards extra covers for a quick single.

No he can't! Just a couple of runs to end the innings! A low full toss, on leg, Krunal Pandya drills it towards long on where Rovman Powell fumbles again and allows the second run. Lucknow finishes on 196/5!

Slower, back of a length and on off, Ayush Badoni slaps it towards long off for one. Can Krunal Pandya hit a maximum to reach 200?

Short of a length and on leg, angling in, Krunal Pandya pulls it over square leg for a single.

In the blockhole, on middle, Krunal Pandya digs it out towards mid-wicket and calls for the second run but Badoni says no. However, Rovman Powell misfields and now the batters get the second run.

Fuller one and on middle, Krunal Pandya swipes it with one hand through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Can Lucknow cross that 200-run mark?

FOUR! Gets it over! Sandeep Sharma bangs this short and around leg, Krunal Pandya swivels and hooks it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to bowl the last over. Rajasthan is penalized for slow over-rate. So that means an extra fielder needs to be inside the 30-yard circle. Will Lucknow get past 200? Let's find out...

Full again and on middle, Ayush Badoni uses his wrists nicely to flick it wide of deep mid-wicket for two more runs. Just six runs off the over!

Goes fuller and on middle, Krunal Pandya drills it hard down the pitch where Trent Boult gets a hand but it still goes through him. They cross.

Back of a length and on middle, slower as well,  Ayush Badoni pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

Touch fuller, outside off, a bit too much, Ayush Badoni fails to reach it. Wided. Rajasthan takes the review but the replay shows that it is a wide.

Run out chance...missed! Pitched up, angling into leg, Krunal Pandya bunts it to the leg side and sets off for the run, Boult collects and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Pandya was not even in the screen.

Slower, back of a length and outside off, Krunal Pandya slashes hard at it but misses. Two dots in a row now!

Trent Boult nails a brilliant yorker, on middle, angling in, Krunal Pandya digs it back tot the bowler.

Trent Boult (3-0-35-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Full once more, on off, Krunal Pandya drives it towards long on for one.

Pitched up and around off, Ayush Badoni gets across to scoop but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken.

Back of a length and outside off, Ayush Badoni cuts it towards deep point where Trent Boult fumbles and allows the second run.

Fullish and on middle, Krunal Pandya drills it wide of long off for a single.

Krunal Pandya walks in at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN! Avesh Khan gets a wicket now! He gets rid of the set KL Rahul and just when Rajasthan needed a wicket. He bangs this one short and well outside off, KL Rahul tries to cut it over deep point, but fails to get the power one it, the ball goes high in the air and Trent Boult there once again takes a good catch. Rahul goes after a fine half-century.

Fuller and outside off, KL Rahul drills it wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Avesh Khan (3-0-36-0) is back. Also, Jos Buttler is off the field since a few overs now as he has hurt his finger.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Ayush Badoni uses his feet but only manages to block it out. 15 runs off the over!

Shortish and on middle, KL Rahul works it through mid-wicket for one more.

Floated, full and on middle, Ayush Badoni plays the traditional sweep this time towards deep square leg for one.

FOUR! Innovative and effective! Tossed up, full and on middle, Ayush Badoni changes his stance nicely and nails the reverse sweep over backward point for a boundary.

Goes short and on middle, Ayush Badoni stays back and nudges it towards deep square leg for another couple of runs.

Flatter, full and on middle, Ayush Badoni sweeps it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FIVE WIDES! That won't help Rajasthan! Ravichandran Ashwin bowls a quick full toss down the leg ide, Ayush Badoni misses his sweep, Sanju Samson also fails to stop it as the ball trickles to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma is giving the batters no pace at all, full and outside off, Ayush Badoni goes across and paddles it through square leg for one more.

An off-cutter, back of a length and around of, KL Rahul bunts it down to point for one.

Change of pace once more, short of a length but well outside off, KL Rahul lets it go. Wided.

Touch fuller, on the pads, slower again, Ayush Badoni clips it towards deep square leg for another run.

Back of a length and outside off, KL Rahul cuts it towards deep point for a run.

On a length and on middle, Ayush Badoni flicks it through square leg for a single.

Ayush Badoni is in at number 5 for Lucknow.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Sandeep Sharma strikes again! Once again a break in play brings in a wicket for the fielding side. This one is short of a length and on middle, slower too, Nicholas Pooran goes for the pull but goes through it a bit early, mistimes it in the air straight into the hands of Trent Boult at deep square leg who takes a fine catch. Lucknow are four down now! Also, a remarkable feat for Sandeep Sharma as he completes 200 wickets in his career.

Strategic-Break! Lucknow have changed gears nicely in the last few overs and are on course for a 200-plus total which will be a big positive on this ground. Rajasthan knows that they need to pick wickets to stop the run flow here. An exciting last phase of this inning awaits us.

FOUR! What a wonderfully controlled shot from KL! 150 up for Lucknow! Short in length, on the top of off, KL Rahul detects the length early and stays inside the crease. He lets the ball come at him and pulls it neatly through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary. No chance for the fielder chasing it from deep square leg. Into his 70s now KL Rahul!

At 139 clicks, full toss wide of off, Nicholas Pooran just manages to drive it straight to long off for only a single.

Tries a yorker but ends up bowling a full toss on the middle, KL Rahul drives it through covers for a single.

WIDE! Bangs it short on the top of the middle and off, KL Rahul watches it alertly and aborts out of the pull shot, and lets it sail over his head. Wide signaled.

Full, and wide of off, Nicholas Pooran squeezes it towards deep third man for a single.

Pitched on a short length, at the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes for a wild pull shot and misses. He gets a hit on his chest area.

A slower leg-cutter on the middle and off on a length, KL Rahul moves to the leg side of the ball and pushes it to deep cover for a single.

Yuzi Chahal goes wicketless for the first time this season! This is pitched outside off, on a length, KL Rahul rocks back and works it to deep extra cover for a single to end the over. He finishes his spell on an expensive note with figures of (4-0-41-0).

Floated outside off on a shade fuller length, Nicholas Pooran punches it to long off for a single.

Pitched up on the leg stump line, Nicholas Pooran sweeps it through square leg and runs for a brace.

Straight, quick, and full on off, Nicholas Pooran prods ahead and drives it straight to cover.

Nicely tossed-up delivery around off, and full in length, KL Rahul clears his front foot and drives it along spin and along the ground for a single towards long off.

Over the wicket, on a fuller length, around off, Nicholas Pooran pushes it to covers for a single.

Keeps the length the same, on the middle and leg, KL Rahul nudges it with soft hands off the back foot toward widish mid-wicket for a brace to end the over.

Short in length, spinning away from off, Nicholas Pooran works it towards deep extra cover for a single.

FOUR! He is such a good timer of the cricket ball! Around the wicket comes Ashwin and lands it short, turns it away from off, Nicholas Pooran quickly rocks back and cuts it through short third for a boundary.

Flighted on off, full in length, KL Rahul drives it through covers for a single.

Slower on the pads, the length is short, Nicholas Pooran tries to nudge it away but it brushes off his pads and rolls down to short fine. They cross for a leg bye.

Nicholas Pooran is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Finally, Ashwin fills in that wicket column and breaks a crucial partnership! Sees the batter charging at him, Ashwin bangs the ball short on the middle and leg, Deepak Hooda skips down the track and tries to hoist the ball into the deep mid-wicket stands but he doesn't quite get the timing right on the shot. Picks it with the inside half of the bat and the ball carries up into the night sky. Rovman Powell runs to the right and takes a good running catch near the cow corner fence. Deepak Hooda departs and Lucknow are three down now. This is the second wicket for Ravichandran Ashwin this season.

FOUR! Smashed down the ground neatly! Overpitched on the stumps, KL Rahul clears his front leg and smashes the ball down the ground through the left of Yuzvendra Chahal and gets another boundary to end the over. 14 runs from this over. This has been a good acceleration from these two.

WIDE! Sprays it way outside off. KL Rahul shoulders his arms at it and the Umpire gives a Wide.

FIFTY FOR HOODA! What a splendid inning from him! Floated outside off on a length, Deepak Hooda leans forward and reaches to the ball and drives it to deep extra cover for a single.

Yorks it with the slider on middle, this is worked to the long on region for a single.

Full and slower outside off, KL Rahul leans on the ball and drives it through covers for a single.

Low full toss drifting on middle, Hooda pushes it towards long on for a single.

FOUR! A poor effort in the deep by Jurel and Chahal is livid! Deepak Hooda is peppering the off side pretty well. Yuzvendra Chahal lands it outside off, full in length, Deepak Hooda sees it closely and reaches it to the pitch of the ball before slashing through cover-point for a boundary. Dhruv Jurel sprints and puts in a dive to his left, the ball is within his reach to stop it but he times the dive wrongly.

Angling on the middle on a length, Deepak Hooda drives it towards mid off and runs a single. Expensive one from Boult. 18 from it.

FOUR! Back-to-back for Hooda! Back of a length again, this time much closer to the body, Deepak Hooda stays leg side of the ball and cuts it past backward point for a boundary. 100-run stand comes up between the two.

FOUR! Gee, Hooda is looking in a good nick! Back of a length, at off, Deepak Hooda stays inside the crease and firmly punches it through covers for a boundary.

Back of a length, on leg, Deepak Hooda works it to backward point for a brace.

FIVE WIDES! Oh, dear! Bangs it too short, aiming the body of the batter. The ball further climbs after pitching and goes over the batter. Deepak Hooda arches back and lets the ball go. It travels over the keeper and runs down for a boundary. Also, 100 up for Lucknow.

Around the wicket, on a length, around off, KL Rahul pushes it to short cover and sets off for a quick single. Trent Boult runs to his left and picks the ball.

A slower one, short and on off, Deepak Hooda waits on the back foot and cuts it through point for a single.

Trent Boult (2-0-17-1) is back on.

More flight, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda uses his feet and forces it wide of long on for on more.

Fligthed, full and on off, KL Rahul drills it towards sweeper covers for one.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR RAHUL! A fine knock from the skipper and his team needed this to get out of a troubling situation. Yuzvendra Chahal drags his length back, on middle, KL Rahul picks up the length early, gets on top of it and smacks it away through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Flatter, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda drives it through covers for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda goes down and sweeps it wide of deep square leg, Sandeep Sharma runs to his left and does well to stop it. Two runs taken.

FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda goes inside out and lifts it nicely over extra covers for a lovely boundary.

Spin in tandem now. Yuzvendra Chahal (1-0-8-0) replaces Avesh Khan.

Shortish and on middle, Deepak Hooda uses his feet and clips it through mid-wicket for one more.

Goes a bit short and on off, KL Rahul pushes it towards covers for one.

Fires this one down the leg side, and way before the bowling crease as well, KL Rahul leaves it alone. Wided.

Quicker, full and on leg, Deepak Hooda drills it towards long on for another run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda gets beaten on the flight and knocks it back to the bowler.

Short again and outside off, KL Rahul cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Short and on middle, Deepak Hooda stays back and punches it down to long on for a single.

Strategic Break! Well, again it was that man for Rajasthan providing a crucial breakthrough in the very first over. Trent Boult got the better of Quinton de Kock and Sandeep Sharma dismissed the hero of the previous game, Marcus Stoinis on a very cheap score. Rajasthan was on the top inside the Powerplay with a couple of wickets. KL Rahul has paced his innings pretty well and has taken his chances to attack the poor deliveries in the last over before this break. He has got a brilliant start once again and will aim to compound it with a big score. Deepak Hooda alongside him will target to keep the scorecard ticking as well. Rajasthan bowlers will look to get these two out as quickly as possible and dominate the mid-over phase. Another change in bowling. Ravichandran Ashwin (1-0-10-0) is back into the attack.

Pulls his length back, on middle, KL Rahul flicks it through mid-wicket for two more runs. 21 runs off the over!

FOUR! KL Rahul makes full use of it! Pitched up and on middle, KL Rahul clears his front leg away and heaves it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

NO BALL AND SIX! That will hurt Rajasthan! Avesh Khan loses his grip and bowls a very high full toss, on leg, KL Rahul gets buried but does well to scoop it over the fine leg fence for a biggie. It was comfortable above the waist height and is a No Ball. Free Hit coming up...

On a length and on middle, KL Rahul nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Good comeback from Avesh Khan! He bangs this hard into the pitch, on off, KL Rahul tries to cut but misses it.

SIX! BANG! KL Rahul goes big now! Avesh Khan goes full again, on middle, KL Rahul steps across, picks it up nicely and whips it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Fuller and on off, KL Rahul mistimes his drive to short covers.

Avesh Khan (1-0-6-0) is back. He replaces Sandeep Sharma.

Looped up, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda drives it straight to extra covers.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Deepak Hooda clips it with soft hands towards the vacant mid-wicket region and comes back for the second run.

Flatter, short and on middle, KL Rahul backs away and punches it through covers for one.

FOUR! Nicely played! Yuzvendra Chahal floats this up, full and around middle, KL Rahul goes down and sweeps it fine and wide of deep square leg, Trent Boult in the deep runs to his left and dives but the ball wins the race to the boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Deepak Hooda eases it towards long off for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal starts with a short delivery, on off, Deepak Hooda pats it back to the bowler.

Just one over for Ashwin from this end, as Yuzvendra Chahal comes into the attack for Rajasthan.

FOUR! Glorious shot! Pitched up and on off, KL Rahul leans on to his drive nicely and creams it wide of mid off for another boundary. Lucknow are 46/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Another full toss, on middle, Deepak Hooda drills it down to long on for a run.

FOUR! Nice shot! Sandeep Sharma misses his length this time and bowls a juicy full toss, on the pads, Deepak Hooda comfortably flicks it over mid-wicket for an easy boundary.

On a length and on middle, KL Rahul uses his feet and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Full again and on middle, KL Rahul tucks it straight to mid-wicket.

So, so close! Sandeep Sharma serves this full and just around off, KL Rahul moves a long way across to scoop it, gets a thin bottom edge as the ball just goes past the off-pole. Very lucky escape for Rahul!

FOUR! Streaky but will do for Hooda. Length ball, outside off, Deepak Hooda goes for a cut off the back foot but gets a thickish outside edge that flies just through the right of the keeper and races away to the fence for a boundary to end the over.

On a dragged length at off, KL Rahul stands tall and punches it to cover for one.

FOUR! Good execution! Carrom ball on offer this time on off, full and overpitched, KL Rahul goes for a sweep and connects it well but he falls as his front boot slips on the deck, but successfully gets it through square leg for a boundary.

Dragged length, on middle, KL Rahul steps out and punches it to cover.

Full, on off, drifting a bit as well with no visible turn, KL Rahul gets forward and closes the bat's face early trying to work it to the leg side. The ball catches the leading edge and falls just ahead of the cover fielder.

Floats it on the stumps, full and on off, Deepak Hooda leans ahead and pushes it through mid off for a single.

Back of a length clocking 141, shaping in from outside off, KL Rahul goes for a cut but misses and gets beaten to end the over.

Around off on a hard and tight length, Deepak Hooda punches it through covers. The two fielders from cover and point chase the ball. The ball doesn't have much steam to breach the fence and the batters cross for the third as the fielder throws the ball back to the keeper.

Attacks the off stump on a fuller length, KL Rahul prods forward in the line of the ball and drives it to pierce the cover-point gap. Yashasvi Jaiswal slides and stops the ball but the batters cross in the meantime.

Short in length, nips back in around off, Deepak Hooda climbs on the ball and pushes it in front of mid on and runs a quick single.

Hard length, outside off, Deepak Hooda stands tall and taps the ball to the point fielder.

On the back of a length, at off, KL Rahul hops back and guides the ball past short third for a single.

WHAT A PEACH OF A BALL! Angles it on the off stump line, pitches on the fuller length and gets the lateral movement away from the batter. Deepak Hooda plays inside the line of the ball anticipating it to swing into him and gets beaten on the outside edge. Sanju Samson collects the ball at his chest level. Another ripper of an over from Boult.

Identical length, but the line is closer to the batter on off, Deepak Hooda drives straight to cover.

FOUR! Excellent shot by Hooda! Just a bit of width around off on a length, Deepak Hooda gets forward and presents the full face of the blade before creaming it off the middle of the blade through covers for a stylish boundary.

On a slightly fuller length, around middle and leg, KL Rahul pushes it toward mid off with soft hands and quickly hurries for a single.

At off, full in length, KL Rahul drives it straight to mid off.

FOUR! Nice shot! Swings into the batter on a fuller length, on middle and leg, KL Rahul flicks it through mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary. The ball beats Yuzvendra Chahal at mid on for a boundary.

Deepak Hooda comes out to the middle now with his side in a spot of bother.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! THROUGH THE GATES! Sandeep Sharma is in the form of his life and Rajasthan can do no wrong! Sandeep gets the ball to shape in and presents a perfect seam that tails into the off-stump line, on a fuller length, Marcus Stoinis gets totally deceived by the huge inswinger and plays completely over the line. Gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball sneaks through the wide gap between the bat and the pads to rattle the stumps in a jiffy.

Full in length, at the stumps, KL Rahul drives past the bowler straight down the ground for a single.

Outside off on a length, KL Rahul covers the off stump and drives it to covers for none.

Aims the stumps on a length, KL Rahul presents the full face of the bat and pats it underneath the eyes solidly.

Sprays it on the pads, keeps the full, KL Rahul flicks it nicely with the wrists past square leg for a double. The fielder from the deep backward square leg sprints to the left and collects the ball.

Tails in around off, on a length, KL Rahul covers his off stump and pushes it back to the bowler.

Sandeep Sharma to share the new ball.

Length ball on the pads with a movement again, Marcus Stoinis tucks it to square leg for none. End of the first over. A successful one for Rajasthan and Boult.

On a length shaping into the middle, Marcus Stoinis presents a full face of the bat and pushes it to the bowler.

An appeal for LBW but the Umpire is unmoved. Seams back in from the angle on a shade fuller length on the middle, Marcus Stoinis misses to flick but gets beaten and the ball rolls beside the pitch.

Marcus Stoinis walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Trent Boult again with a crucial breakthrough in his very first over! On the back of a length, swings a bit as well on the off stump line, Quinton de Kock looks to push the ball to the off side but gets an inside edge that breaks into the stumps. Trent Boult is on cloud nine and why not! First one down for Lucknow.

FOUR! This time he has timed it to perfection! Targets on the pads, with a bit of a movement on a fuller length at the stumps, Quinton de Kock prods a bit and flicks it through mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

EDGED AND FOUR! Two slips in place and Boult starts off right on the money getting a huge outward swing, outside off and full in length, Quinton de Kock throws his bat at it and catches the leading edge that flies over the slips for a boundary. Lucky escape early on.

We are all set to begin! The two umpires are making their way out to the middle followed by the Rajasthan players. Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul are the two openers for Lucknow. Trent Boult is marking his run-up with the new ball in his hand. Let's play...

Quinton de Kock is up for a flash interview. He says the T20 format is growing immensely and this year it has taken a big leap forward as big runs are coming constantly. Adds the pressure is on them to get good starts and get big scores. Also adds 250 is the new normal and pressure is on the top-order batters. Ends up saying that it's just about adapting and innovating.

KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow says that the wicket seems pretty good and there is not much dew here so the pitch will not change much. Adds that they will look to start well and post a good total. Tells that it will be nice to score 200 plus but the dimensions here are a bit different with one side being bigger. Mentions that it becomes more interesting when both the bowlers and batters get some help from the wicket. Says that every player goes through a run when he runs are just not there and it is the case for Devdutt Padikkal as well but you saw Bairstow was out of touch but scored a fine ton. Informs they are also unchanged.

Sanju Samson, the skipper of Rajasthan wins the toss and elects to BOWL first. Says it looks like a decent wicket to bowl first. Also says that this season has been pretty good for them. Also says that they have got enough rest days between the games and now they are looking forward to playing on the road. He thinks the Indian T20 League is doing well with runs being stacked up massively. Says they just need to focus and look at their strengths and weaknesses. On being asked about Ravichandran Ashwin's form, he adds that Ashwin is a seasoned campaigner and has been a crucial asset for the side. Informs that there's no change in the side. Ends up by saying that roles are defined for all of them and is hopeful of winning the game

Impact Players for Lucknow - Amit Mishra, Arshin Kulkarni, Krishnappa Gowtham, M. Siddharth, Yudhvir Singh.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (C/WK), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur (In place of Devdutt Padikkal).

Impact Players for Rajasthan - Riyan Parag, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Shubham Dubey, Navdeep Saini, Tanush Kotian.

Rajasthan (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler (In place of Riyan Parag), Sanju Samson (C/WK), Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Sanju Samson and Rajasthan have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop and Matthew Hayden are at the 22 yards. Bishop first updates about the dimensions of the ground by saying it is 66 meters and 73 meters on the squares and 84 meters long down the ground. Matthew Hayden joins him and says it's a lush green outfield and the pitch is of black soil which should help the spinners. States there are chequered cracks but overall it's pretty hard. Reckons the pitch will hold together as it is a relaid surface. He expects a run fest.

Turning to Rajasthan, they've practically left the others in the dust, cruising ahead in the points table. With just one more win, they'll almost secure their place in the Playoffs. This team has been a picture of solidity and consistency throughout this tournament. Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been tormenting bowlers left and right, each being the centurions. Skipper Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag's top-notch form has only boosted the team's spirits. Shimron Hetmyer too, can't be overlooked as those strong levers can prove to be lethal. On the bowling front, Trent Boult has been a force to be reckoned with, consistently providing crucial breakthroughs within the first six. Sandeep Sharma adds another layer of strength to the attack with his deceptive cutters, effectively stemming the flow of runs. The showdown to watch out for is between Yuzvendra Chahal and Marcus Stoinis, given their past face-offs. Although Ravichandran Ashwin hasn't found much luck with the ball, his contributions with the bat have been clutch for Rajasthan. Will Rajasthan upset Lucknow in their backyard or will Lucknow maintain a strong home record? Would be interesting to see. But first, toss and teams are up next in a few. Stay tuned.

First, let's talk about the hosts, Lucknow. Just a few moons ago, a brute force named Marcus Stoinis robbed the match from Chennai's clutches by mounting an unbeaten century and helped his team to win by chasing a challenging total of 211. Lucknow's been a model of consistency in the league, no surprises there. Although they've had their fair share of inconsistencies at the top, their middle order has been the backbone, stepping up and getting the job done when needed the most. And then there's Nicholas Pooran, adding to the firepower as well. Also, Deepak Hooda seems to have hit his stride at precisely the right moment. It's like they're hitting their peak form when it matters most. Although skipper KL Rahul has scored a fair amount of runs, the team will expect him and Quinton de Kock to contribute more with the bat, especially from the latter who has had a relatively quiet tournament this time. When it comes to bowling, the inclusion of Matt Henry has given this pace attack an extra edge, complementing the talents of Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur, and company. However, they'll be looking to tighten up the screws and shore up their fielding, especially after dropping some easy grabs in the last game.

Greetings and a hearty welcome to all ardent cricket enthusiasts to our live coverage of Match number 44 of the Indian T20 League 2024. It's a clash between two teams carrying winning momentum, where Rajasthan, the undisputed leaders of the tournament, distantly sitting at the top of the points table with 14 points face off against the hosts, Lucknow, who currently hold the fourth spot in the standings and have flourished in their home conditions at the very Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

... MATCH DAY ...

The Indian T20 League sees the league leaders, Rajasthan, back in action, aiming to extend their winning streak against a resurgent Lucknow side. The battleground shifts to the Ekana Sports City in Lucknow, where the hosts come off a double triumph over Chennai. Marcus Stoinis' sensational century at Chepauk not only secured a remarkable run chase but also set a new record for the highest individual score while chasing. While the opening duo of KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock has been consistent, the middle order, led by Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda ​​​​​​, and Nicholas Pooran, adds depth and firepower. Ayush Badoni and Krunal Pandya complete a formidable batting lineup. Despite some inconsistency, the bowling unit, spearheaded by Matt Henry and Mohsin Khan with the return of Mayank Yadav, aims to improve. Yash Thakur adds strength to the pace attack, while Ravi Bishnoi and Pandya handle the spin department adeptly. Rajasthan, with just one loss this season, presents a formidable challenge. Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent century against Mumbai erased concerns about his form, complementing Jos Buttler's terrific run at the top. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag have contributed with valuable knocks, supported by Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell's firepower. Trent Boult's exceptional bowling often provides crucial breakthroughs, while Sandeep Sharma's return with a fifer boosts the bowling attack. Avesh Khan's excellence in the death overs further strengthens the lineup. The experienced duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal bolsters their spin department, with Chahal recently becoming the first player to claim 200 wickets in the league. With Rajasthan eyeing to maintain their top spot and Lucknow eager to halt their winning streak, the stage is set for an intense showdown. Both teams are hungry for victory, making it a thrilling contest to anticipate. Let's wait and watch who emerges triumphant in this battle of giants.