IPL 2023, LSG vs DC | Mayers and Pooran flay Capitals attack, pilot Super Giants to challenging total

Lucknow Super Giants, after posting 193 for six, won by 50 runs to open its campaign on a splendid note at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium.

Lucknow Super Giants celebrate after the dismissal of Delhi Capitals batter Mitchell Marsh during the IPL cricket match between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana cricket stadium, in Lucknow on April 1, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

A dash of Caribbean flair and a fiery Mark Wood proved too hot for Delhi Capitals on Saturday night.

Lucknow Super Giants, after posting 193 for six, won by 50 runs to open its campaign on a splendid note at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium.

IIf South Africa was not playing an ODI series at home against the Netherlands at the moment, Kyle Mayers would probably have had to wait longer for his IPL debut.

Since Quinton de Kock is on national duty, the West Indian got his Super Giants cap.

Brilliant innings

Mayers — he had scored a double hundred on his Test debut — made a brilliant 73 off 38 balls (2x4, 7x6), before Wood’s five-wicket haul destroyed the Capitals batting.

It was a sensational spell by Wood. He struck twice in as many balls to put the brakes on the Capitals chase.

The England quick not merely ended the opening stand of 41 between captain David Warner (56, 48b, 7x4) and Prithvi Shaw, he removed the dangerous Mitchell Marsh with his next ball. Both the batters were beaten by the express pace.

Once Rilee Rossouw (30, 20b, 3x4, 1x6) fell lbw to Ravi Bishnoi, on review, it was going to be an uphill task.

Slow start

Earlier, Super Giants could make only 30 for one from the PowerPlay. With the new ball, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar had been getting some swing.

But before long, it was Mayers who was swinging the bowlers out of the park.

Turning point

The left-handed opener had been dropped on 14, by Khaleel off Chetan Sakariya.

That proved a turning point in the match. Mayers looked majestic, as he displayed timing, power – even outside edges went for the maximum – and the unmistakable Caribbean flair. He also saw his captain K.L. Rahul depart early after flicking Sakariya’s shorter, slower ball to Axar Patel at deep backward square-leg.

The excellent home crowd got to watch more of the left-handed Caribbean flair a little later on, as Nicholas Pooran slammed a 21-ball 36 (2x4, 3x6).

Their flair was complemented by Wood’s fire.

Capitals 113/7 in 16 overs

Capitals were 113 for seven in 16 overs with Axar (1) and Kuldeep Yadav (0) batting. Warner (56) and Rossouw (30) were the major contributors