Captain KL Rahul (77) once again played a crucial knock and so did Deepak Hooda (52). But it was young left-arm quick Mohsin Khan (4/16), who stole the show in Lucknow Super Giants’ six-run win over Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Sunday.
After Lucknow won the toss and opted to bat first, Rahul and Hooda’s half-centuries propelled them to 195 for 3.
Delhi did have the firepower in their batting to chase down the imposing total, especially in such batsmen-friendly conditions. And that’s where 23-year-old Mohsin’s bowling assumes greater significance.
Delhi opener David Warner, captain Rishabh Pant (44) and Rovman Powell (35) were among Mohsin’s four scalps in his spell, which comprised as many as 15 dot balls.
Even Shardul Thakur, his fourth and final victim in the game, was an important wicket, considering the former’s ability to unleash meaty blows. Variation in terms of length and proper execution of cutters worked in Mohsin’s favour.
Such was the impact of his performance that Lucknow had practically sealed the game by the end of the game’s penultimate over itself.
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav’s late blows could only reduce the margin of defeat for Delhi, who finished at 189 for 7. Lucknow are now at No.2 with 14 points, while Delhi (eight points) are sixth.
Earlier, skipper Rahul, churned out yet another innings of elegance, which featured four boundaries and five maximums, and was complemented really well by Hooda.
Apart from the boundaries and sixes, the duo also ran hard during their 95-run stand for the second wicket that laid the foundation for a 190-plus total.
‘Scary’ at nets
Skipper Rahul revealed that left-armer Mohsin has been “scary” at times during nets. “Mohsin has been brilliant. It was a month ago when I played him at nets the first time, and I didn’t want to face him. Seriously,” Rahul said at the post-match presentation.
“He was sharp and has also been scary at times at nets. It’s not just the pace, he has a good brain too along with a great slower one and he knows when to use them.
“He’s eager to learn and eager to play. He has been around with the teams for the last two-three years, but didn’t get a chance. But this time, even under pressure, he has bowled some really big overs for us and performed,” Rahul said.
Shaw fined
Delhi opener Prithvi Shaw has been reprimanded and fined 25 per cent of his match-fee for breaching the IPL code of conduct during Sunday’s game. Shaw admitted to Level I offence under Article 2.2 of the IPL code of conduct and accepted the sanction.
