IPL 2023: 'I was not happy when I hit 50,' Prerak Mankad after his innings against SRH

Prerak Mankad, who top scored for LSG with 64 runs, was adjudged player of the match against SRH.

Lucknow Super Giants have regained their place in the top 4 of the IPL 2023 points table. Lucknow Super Giants defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 7 wickets in Hyderabad. With a brilliant batting display from Prerak Mankad and Nicholas Pooran, they decimated Sunrisers Hyderabad. Batting first, Sunrisers Hyderabad gave Lucknow Super Giants 183 runs to chase. Opener Anmolpreet Singh (36), Heinrich Klassen (47), and Abdul Samad's (37) contributions were crucial in Hyderabad's score. Lucknow captain Krunal Pandya kept control of Hyderabad's batting as he bowled an economical spell of 24 for 2 in 4 overs. Chasing 183, Lucknow had a decent start but they lost quick wickets in the power play. After that Prerak Mankad (64*), Marcus Stoinis (44) and Nicholas Pooran's (44*) efforts paid off and they provided two important points. 

'We could not build big partnerships'

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Aiden Markaram was disappointed with the team's batting performance. He said, “We thought that it was a decent score, we lacked one big partnership in the innings”. Sunrisers Hyderabad had their only 50-plus partnership in the end. Heinrich Klassen and Abdul Samad added 58 runs in 6 overs to get to 182 runs mark. Abhishek Sharma got smashed brutally by Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran. They both smashed 31 runs with 5 sixes in his third over. Talking about Abhishek, captain Markram said, “Our message was to bowl in the wicket but the pressure is a different thing. When you are put under pressure by big guys and Stoinis and Pooran, you will be tested”. 

Krunal Pandya happy with Lucknow's batting

Lucknow Super Giants captain Krunal Pandya was happy about his team’s performance. He said, “I guess the way SRH were going it would be 200. We pulled it back, especially in the final overs. I saw the characters in Avesh and Yash. It was a good total”. Talking about the team's batting effort, He said, “We had to bat well, still I would have taken 175. What we need as an individual and team is belief”. Nicholas Pooran smashed 44 runs in 13 balls. Pooran smashed 3 fours and 4 sixes. 

Prerak Mankad won POTM

Lucknow’s opener Prerak Mankad was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant anchor of 64 runs in 45 balls. Mankad came in place of Deepak Hooda. Batting at 3, Mankad controlled the chase nicely with his inning. Talking about his performance Mankad said, “It was an important game, score doesn’t matter to me. I wasn’t happy when I reached 50 because I couldn't connect well. After that I was able to hit”. He also thanked Lucknow’s management for providing him the opportunity. "Thanks to the management for giving me this opportunity. I haven't batted a lot at number 3 but have batted in the top four. I back my ability and strength, it worked out in the end. Whatever happens at the other end should not effect me, and because of Stoinis and Pooran we won this game". added Mankad.