Lucknow Supergiants posted a massive total of 257 for 5, which is the second-highest score in the history of IPL. To win, Punjab Kings had to make the greatest chase ever in the league, but despite their efforts, they lost by a margin of 56 runs. The bowlers from both teams had a forgettable day, as the match witnessed the second-highest score ever in an IPL game. Though Punjab Kings fought hard, they couldnt pull off a miracle to win the game.Lucknows and Punjab King Aggression, Supergiants-sizeBefore the Lucknow Supergiants achieved a score of 257 in their innings, only one team in the league had scored over 250 in a single innings, and that was thanks to Chris Gayles outstanding performance where he scored 175 runs off just 66 balls. Although no Supergiants batsman scored as many runs individually, their collective efforts were relentless and ruthless, making it seem cruel on the bowlers from Punjab Kings after a certain point.Kyle Mayers is bringing back memories of Chris Gayle, not just for his batting skills but also his personality, which the IPL seems to be missing. Despite the difference in their builds, with Mayers being stockier and Gayle taller, Mayers performance is reminiscent of the in-form Jamaican. Gayles Rasta locks flowed beyond his shoulders, while Mayers hair only hugged his shoulders.Mayers shares many similarities with Gayle in terms of his fearlessness and nonchalance, which allow him to effortlessly send most balls flying over the boundary ropes. He set the tone and tempo for Supergiants with four Caribbean-style sixes, characterised by his bat-speed and flourish. His thumping six off Rabada could become one of the most memorable moments of this years IPL. Despite attempting to replicate his feat a few balls later, Mayers was dismissed after scoring 54 runs in just 24 balls.If the Punjab Kings thought that Mayers departure would give them some relief and a chance to make a comeback in the game, they were mistaken. Ayush Badoni and Marcus Stoinis continued to maintain the intense pace with a thrilling combination of powerful and skillful shot-making that shattered the morale and composure of Punjabs bowlers. None of them were spared from the humiliation. Even debutant Gurnoor Brar, who was unlucky not to get KL Rahul out with his first ball, ended up giving away 42 runs in three overs before being replaced by Prabhsimran Singh as Impact Player in the ninth over. This happened soon after Badoni and Stoinis had plundered 24 runs from his last over.Stoinis, who had a broad chest, displayed his prowess in flicking and pulling the ball with contempt. He also executed perfectly timed shots effortlessly, as he demonstrated when he used his wrists to guide a well-pitched delivery from Sam Curran between the wicketkeeper and short third man.Badoni, who is shorter and slimmer compared to his teammate Stoinis, has surprising strength despite his appearance and friendly smile. He took advantage of the true bounce of the pitch, hitting Curran for a six with a front-foot pull shot, followed by a sweep for another six off Livingstone. His finesse was on full display when he effortlessly tapped Chahars delivery through a narrow gap between backward point and third man for a boundary. Badoni and Stoinis combined to score 89 runs in just 7.4 overs, and even though Badoni was dismissed for 43 off 24 balls, Lucknows dominance continued.Nicholas Pooran joined the carnage and showed no restraint, hitting three consecutive boundaries and scoring 45 runs from just 19 balls. The scorecard for the Kings bowlers would make for painful reading as all but one of the seven bowlers conceded at least 12 runs per over, with Chahars 7.25 being the only respectable figure. The Supergiants aggressive batting resulted in 27 fours and 14 sixes, which means that almost one in every three balls was a boundary. This collective aggression from the Supergiants exposed the ineptness of the Kings in a season that is quickly falling apart.
