Cricket

Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a crucial 19-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final group stage match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The win keeps DC's hopes of a top-four finish alive, albeit mathematically.LSG, who have one game remaining against Mumbai Indians, are not yet eliminated, but both teams will need favorable results from other matches to qualify for the playoffs.Chasing a challenging target of 209, LSG found themselves in a precarious position at 44 for 4. However, Nicholas Pooran's blistering 61 and Arshad Khan's unbeaten 58 at number eight brought them back into contention.Pooran's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he smashed six fours and four sixes in his 34-ball knock. Khan, meanwhile, played a responsible innings, anchoring the chase and hitting five fours and two sixes in his 41-ball stay.Despite their valiant efforts, LSG fell short in the final over. Rasikh Salam, who had conceded 14 runs in his previous over, defended 20 runs in the final six deliveries to secure the victory for DC.Earlier, DC had posted a competitive total of 208 for 4, thanks to half-centuries from Lalit Yadav (58) and Phil Salt (57). Rovman Powell also chipped in with a quickfire 35 off 18 balls.For LSG, Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 51. Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan also picked up a wicket each.

Lucknow Super Giants' Badoni and Khan Script IPL History with Record-Breaking PartnershipIn a thrilling encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Lucknow Super Giants' Ayush Badoni and Arshad Khan etched their names in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books by forging the highest 8th-wicket partnership in the tournament's history.The duo entered the crease with LSG reeling at 94/7 against Delhi Capitals. However, they displayed remarkable resilience and determination, stitching together an unbeaten 73-run partnership that propelled their team to a competitive total.Badoni, playing in only his second IPL match, played a pivotal role in the partnership. He scored his maiden IPL fifty in just 31 balls, showcasing a blend of caution against spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel before unleashing his attacking strokes against the pacers.Arshad, on the other hand, provided valuable support to Badoni, contributing with crucial runs and showcasing his batting prowess. His innings was particularly impressive considering he was playing in his first IPL match.Their heroic effort with the bat ensured that LSG posted a challenging total of 167/7 in their allotted 20 overs, providing their bowlers with a competitive target to defend.The 73-run partnership between Badoni and Khan not only stands as the highest 8th-wicket stand in IPL history but also ranks as the second-highest partnership for the 8th wicket or below in the tournament's history. The record for the highest partnership in this category belongs to Gujarat Titans' Rashid Khan and Alzarri Joseph, who put on an 88-run stand against Mumbai Indians in the previous edition of the tournament.Following closely behind, the duo of Brad Hodge and James Faulkner holds the third spot with a 69-run partnership for Rajasthan Royals in 2014 against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad.The record-breaking partnership between Badoni and Khan is a testament to their talent and determination. It also highlights the importance of lower-order batsmen in T20 cricket, as they can often make significant contributions to their team's success.