Despite Lucknow Super Giants only managing to score 159/8 against Punjab Kings, the franchise was overjoyed with KL Rahul’s maiden fifty in the IPL 2023.
Shikhar Dhawan was unable to play due to an injury, and so Sam Curran led the team. Not only did Curran register the best bowling figures on his captaincy debut in the IPL, but he also impressed viewers with his accurate game reading and superb judgment skills.
During the 18th over of the innings, with Marcus Stoinis facing the penultimate ball, Curran bowled a slightly short delivery down the leg. Stoinis attempted to play it fine, but he missed and the ball brushed his pads.
Although the umpire did not rule it wide, Curran immediately appealed for an edge. The umpire did not agree, but Curran backed his judgment and opted for a review.
Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper, was not very confident, but the replay showed a spike when the ball was near the glove. The decision to challenge the umpire’s call turned out to be appropriate.