IPL 2024 Match 44, LSG VS RR: Live Ball by Ball Commentary

We are back for Rajasthan's reply! The two Umpires make their way out to the middle. Lucknow players too scatter around the field and take their respective positions after KL Rahul's pep talk in a huddle. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler are the two openers for Rajasthan. Matt Henry is marking his run-up and will bowl the first over of the chase. Let's play…

… THE RUN CHASE …

Right then, Rajasthan has a challenging total to chase and they would be fancying on their brutal opening pair to get them to a good start up front. Lucknow's bowlers will be aiming to prevent the opposition batters from getting into momentum by dominating the Powerplay overs with quick wickets. An exciting chase is up next. Stay tuned.

Deepak Hooda is down for a quick chat. Hooda says that he batted a bit better than last time. Adds that he played like he does in domestic cricket and it works for him to play in the off side. Tells that this is a par score and the wicket is good as well. Mentions that there is a big side and their bowlers will need to use that to defend this one.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan's bowlers, led by Trent Boult, came out all guns blazing. Boult struck early, sending de Kock back to the pavilion. Sandeep Sharma joined the party, showcasing impressive swing and troubling the batters. His delivery to dismiss Stoinis was an absolute peach. With the visitors dominating the Powerplay, Rajasthan's strategy was clear, apply more pressure by introducing spinners into the attack. However, instead of tightening the screws, Rajasthan bowlers went for runs in the next few overs as Ashwin and Chahal couldn't produce any wickets in their first two overs. Ashwin did get a wicket to his name in his next spell but runs kept flowing at a gentle pace as Yuzvendra Chahal was expensive and went wicketless for the first time this year. Sandeep Sharma was called to the rescue and he did get his second wicket and 200th of his career. Two quick wickets did ease off the run rate and Avesh Khan dismissed KL Rahul and exerted more pressure. Trent Boult followed it up with an excellent penultimate over by conceding just six off it and Sandeep Sharma too, stemmed the run rate and kept Lucknow below 200 with an excellent final over. Lucknow just conceded 56 runs in the last five overs.

Lucknow marginally stays below 200. Quite unconventional as just a couple of sixes were hit in this inning. Rajasthan would be quite happy with the way they wrapped up in the backend. Lucknow must have been crossing their fingers for a solid opening partnership, but things just didn't go as expected. Quinton de Kock hit a couple of boundaries, but his stint was short-lived as he departed in the very first over. Then, Marcus Stoinis, the hero of their previous game, failed to make an impact and was dismissed with just a single-digit score. Before they knew it, Lucknow found themselves in a pickle with two wickets down during the Powerplay. Deepak Hooda stepped up to the plate, and forged a resilient partnership alongside KL Rahul who yet again got off to a good start and punished every poor delivery thrown at him, and scored a brilliant half-century. He paced his innings really well by taking a few prior deliveries to settle in. Both steered the innings well and added 115 together before Hooda got out after getting to the half-century. Nicholas Pooran was the next to depart and couldn't quite do the damage. However, Lucknow hovered at 10s an over with the skipper KL Rahul's stay at the crease. After a few quiet overs, KL Rahul tried to up the pace but in that process, he lost his wicket at a very crucial time and Lucknow just couldn't build on the momentum thereafter.

Sandeep Sharma to Krunal Pandya, 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!

Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, 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?

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

Sandeep Sharma to Krunal Pandya, 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.

Sandeep Sharma to Krunal Pandya, 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?

Sandeep Sharma to Krunal Pandya, 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…

Trent Boult to Ayush Badoni, 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!

Trent Boult to Krunal Pandya, 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.

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

Trent Boult to Ayush Badoni, 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.

Trent Boult to Krunal Pandya, 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.

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

Trent Boult to Krunal Pandya, 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.

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

Avesh Khan to Ayush Badoni, 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.

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

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

Krunal Pandya walks in at number 7.

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

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

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

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to Ayush Badoni, 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.

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

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to Ayush Badoni, 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 to Ayush Badoni, 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.

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

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

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

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

Sandeep Sharma to Ayush Badoni, 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.

Sandeep Sharma to Nicholas Pooran, 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.

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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!

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

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

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Avesh Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 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.

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, 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).

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

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

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to Nicholas Pooran, 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.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to Nicholas Pooran, 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.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

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

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Trent Boult to KL Rahul, 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.

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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…

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

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

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

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

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

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Sandeep Sharma to KL Rahul, 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!

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

Sandeep Sharma to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

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

Sandeep Sharma to KL Rahul, 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!

Ravichandran Ashwin to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

Avesh Khan to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Avesh Khan to KL Rahul, 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.

Avesh Khan to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

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

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

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

Trent Boult to Deepak Hooda, 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.

Trent Boult to KL Rahul, 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.

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

Trent Boult to KL Rahul, 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.

Sandeep Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, 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.

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

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

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

Sandeep Sharma to KL Rahul, 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.

Sandeep Sharma to KL Rahul, 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.

Trent Boult to Marcus Stoinis, 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.

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

Trent Boult to Marcus Stoinis, 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.

Trent Boult to Quinton de Kock, 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.

Trent Boult to Quinton de Kock, 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.

Trent Boult to Quinton de Kock, 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.