IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants score 257 against PBKS, register 2nd highest total in tournament's history

IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants post second highest-ever total of 257/5 in a run-fest against Punjab Kings

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) did a complete 180-degree turn in the ongoing IPL 2023 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), as the team which couldn’t manage to chase down 135 runs in their last match, posted the second-highest-ever total in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history.

LSG was coming off a harrowing loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) in their own home of Lucknow a week ago as they bottled an easy chase of 136 runs as they only managed 128/7 despite needing 30 runs in the last 36 balls with 9 wickets in hand.

This time it was a complete change to LSG batting as they kept the accelerator pressed throughout the innings.

Shikhar Dhawan, who was back as captain of the Punjab Kings, won the toss and chose to bowl first. Apart from him, PBKS also brought Kagiso Rabada and Sikandar Raza into the XI. While in the LSG camp, Yash Thakur came into the side.

Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Mayers and Nicholas Pooran power LSG to 257/5 in 20 overs

Openers KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers showed intent from the second over itself, which was bowled by Arshdeep Singh and went for 17 runs. But then Kagiso Rabada had Rahul caught by Shahrukh Khan for 12 runs.

LSG team management then surprised one and all by promoting Ayush Badoni to no.3 and he contributed 43 in 24 balls with 3 fours and as many sixes. Kyle Mayers continued his good form with 54 in 24 balls with 7 fours and 4 sixes to his name.

But the real carnage came from Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran. Stoinis hammered 72 in 40 balls with 6 fours and 5 sixes and Pooran made 45 in 19 balls with 7 fours and 1 six. The duo made PBKS bowlers pay for every short ball and long hop as the team posted 257/5 in 20 overs.

Arshdeep Singh went for 54/1 and Kagiso Rabada gave 52/2, while debutant Gurnoor Brar gave 42 runs in his 3 overs.

LSG’s 257/5 in only the second total of 250 and more in the Indian Premier League history and only second behind Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 263/5, the match in which Chris Gayle hammered 175* against Pune Warriors India.

Here are the top five team totals in IPL history:

1. 263/5- RCB vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013

2. 257/5- LSG vs PBKS, Mohali, 2023

3. 248/3- RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016

4. 246/5- CSK vs RR, Chennai, 2010

5. 245/6 KKR vs PBKS, Indore, 2018