Yet another impressive batting performance from Mitch Marsh has assisted the Lucknow Super Giants outlast the Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring thriller within the Indian Premier League. With increased tension mounting on cricket icon Ricky Ponting Regarding the ongoing inclusion of Australian duo Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who once more struggled with the bat in Punjab Kings' 18-run victory against Chennai.
Marsh has been performing exceptionally well. With the bat in hand, the seasoned Australian all-rounder delivered yet another impressive performance, notching his fourth half-century in just five outings, aiding Lucknow in securing a thrilling four-run victory over Kolkata in a captivating encounter. Marsh unleashed a powerful knock of 81 runs off only 48 balls, featuring five towering sixes, propelling LSG to a formidable total of 238 for three in their allotted twenty overs.
The Australian batter received strong support from his compatriot Aiden Markram (47 runs off 28 balls), who opened alongside him, forming an impressive 99-run opening stand. Following Markram’s departure, Nicholas Pooran (87 not out off 36 balls), another team member from the West Indies, took over, continuing the aggressive play. Together, Pooran and Marsh accumulated 71 more runs within just five overs until the Australian player was eventually dismissed at deep point.
After his recent outstanding performance pushed him to the pinnacle of the run-scoring rankings for this year’s competition, Marsh temporarily soared to the top spot. His cumulative score now stands at 265 runs with an average of 53 this season. Surprisingly, however, Marsh was surpassed by his fellow team member Pooran within the same match. Pooran’s exceptional play boosted his tally to lead the chart with 288 runs and an average of 72.00.
Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson faced tough times against Marsh, conceding 46 runs from just three overs without taking a wicket. Nevertheless, Kolkata were close to chasing down the substantial target of 239 when skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored an impressive 61 runs off 35 deliveries and Venkatesh Iyer contributed 45 off 29. Despite this strong effort, Kolkata required 24 runs in the final over to win; however, although Rinku Singh managed to hit three fours and a six, they fell narrowly short by only four runs needed.
The highlight of the day emerged in the subsequent game when Priyansh Arya smashed an incredible 100 off only 39 balls, helping Ponting’s Punjab Kings triumph over the Chennai Super Kings. This remarkable performance by Arya masked a concerning slump in both the top and middle order for Ponting’s team, where the remaining batsmen in the top six managed to score merely 23 runs collectively.
Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell face difficulties once more for Punjab
This involved Australian duo Marcus Stoinis (4) and Glenn Maxwell (1), who have had ongoing difficulties with their batting this season. Stoinis was dismissed when he top-edged an attempt to strike seamer Khaleel Ahmed towards the boundary. Meanwhile, Maxwell also fell quickly as he was spectacularly taken catch-and-bowl by Ravi Ashwin for just one run.
Maxwell currently boasts only 31 runs across four matches this season, resulting in an average of 10.33. Meanwhile, Stoinis is struggling even more; his most recent poor performance left him with merely 25 runs in four games, giving him an average of 8.33. Although Maxwell managed to contribute as a bowler by claiming one wicket for 11 runs from two overs at an economy rate of 5.50 per over, Stoinis was less successful, conceding ten runs without taking a wicket in his solitary over.
Thankfully for Ponting’s team, a strong finish from Shashank Singh (52 runs off 36 deliveries) and Marco Jansen (an unbeaten 34) helped propel their score from 5-85 earlier to a more formidable total of 6-219. This proved challenging for CSK, particularly as they needed 68 runs off just 25 balls despite the presence of the renowned MS Dhoni. Even after surviving both an LBW decision review and a close run-out attempt by Stoinis, Dhoni managed two consecutive sixes against Lockie Ferguson; however, during this period, Devon Conway had been dismissed for scoring 69 runs off 49 balls.
Dhoni smashed yet another six, only to be caught soon after for 27 runs from 12 balls, effectively ending CSK’s chances. They ultimately fell far short at 5-201. Even though Ponting's team emerged victorious, their batting problems became glaringly apparent. The poor performances of Stoinis and Maxwell led disgruntled supporters to criticize the Australian coach and debate whether these two players should remain part of the squad.
with AAP
The article was initially published on Yahoo Sports Australia. https://au.news.yahoo.com/mitch-marsh-in-epic-new-ipl-heroics-as-cricket-fans-turn-on-ricky-ponting-over-aussie-flops-233005210.html