Marcus Stoinis was dubbed ‘Hulk’ after his 89-run knock against Mumbai Indians (Sportzpix)
Marcus Stoinis’ incredible 89 against Mumbai Indians helped Lucknow Super Giants post 177/3
Marcus Stoinis scored an unbeaten 89 off just 47 balls against Mumbai Indians to propel Lucknow Super Giants to a total of 177/3 in their must-win game at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, May 16.
Stoinis was dubbed the ‘Incredible Hulk’ after his stellar performance allowed LSG to reach a fight-worthy total against Mumbai Indians on a difficult track.
The Australian all-rounder hit 4 fours and 8 sixes and while he missed his century by just 11 runs, Stoinis made sure Lucknow recovered from a slow start as they lost three quick wickets but skipper Krunal Pandya managed to steady the ship. Played an inning of 49 runs for.
Live Score LSG vs MI, IPL: Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma lead Mumbai Indians’ 178-run chase
Pandya was knocked out in 42 balls and the LSG skipper had to retire hurt after Nicholas Pooran joined Stoinis in the middle, though it was the Aussie batsman’s day as he cleaned up Chris Jordan and other MI bowlers.
The 33-year-old scored 54 runs in the last 3 overs to help LSG post a competitive total.
Watch the best reactions after Marcus Stoinis’ flamboyant knock against Mumbai Indians:
18th over – 24 runs. 19th over – 15 runs. 20th over – 15 runs. Lucknow Supergiants scored 54 runs in the last 18 balls – credit to Marcus Stoinis’ incredible innings! pic.twitter.com/zVF4GkupjD
– Cricketman 2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 16, 2023
Stoinis ensured that Lucknow reached 177/3, scoring the maximum off the last ball of the innings, and had also reached his half-century earlier with a six.
Earlier, Rohit won the toss and decided to bowl first, while Kunal insisted that he wanted to bat first anyway. However, Lucknow didn’t start well as they lost Deepak Hooda and Prerak Mankad off consecutive balls and Jason Behrendorff missed out on a hat-trick by a narrow margin.
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Piyush Chawla dismissed Quinton de Kock for 16 to sound the danger bells for the LSG, however, Pandya played a sensible rebuilding innings with Stoinis, who started off slow, but once found his boundary , then there was no stopping the Australian all-rounder.
Pandya retired hurt on 49, after which Stoinis found himself in his side as MI’s death bowling woes continued.