IPL 2022: We wanted to keep wickets in hand – Quinton de Kock

Lucknow Super Giants wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock revealed that the idea was to keep wickets in hand while chasing 150 runs against Delhi Capitals at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Thursday after they won by six wickets.

It was a slow surface and it wasn’t easy for the batters to hit the ground running and thus it was a tricky chase.

KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock added 73 runs for the opening alliance, with the former playing an anchor role whereas the latter was more aggressive in his approach. The chase went down to the wire but LSG always had it under control as they had wickets under their belt.

Quinton de Kock scored a fine knock of 80 runs off 52 balls to help his team get close to the target. Krunal Pandya also played a key knock of 19 runs off 14 balls when the pressure was rising on LSG. 19 runs were needed off the final two overs however LSG was able to score 14 runs off the penultimate over, which was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman.

Thus, the plan of keeping wickets in hand worked wonders for Lucknow Super Giants as they got over the line.

Quinton de Kock was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock. The left-hander’s knock was laced with nine fours and two sixes and he scored his runs at an impressive strike rate of 153.85.

Quinton de Kock said in the post-match presentation, “It was a matter of just playing what’s in front of you, reacting to it. It was a chaseable score. You want a decent start in the powerplay and we didn’t want to get too ahead in the chase. Was important to keep wickets in hand. Prithvi did make it look easy, for me, I also felt that it was a slow surface. Even with the dew, there was a bit of grip. If we were chasing 180, might have been difficult but thanks to our bowlers.”

On the other hand, Ravi Bishnoi returned with impressive figures of 2-22 in his quota of four overs. Bishnoi added that they were confident of chasing down the score.

He said after the game, “We were confident (during the chase), because we have depth in our batting. The game got a little tight towards the end, but we still had Holder and KG to come. Feels good when you take wickets and contribute to the team, the ball is coming off nicely off my hand, feel really pleased. He (Narendra Hirwani) keeps on telling me where I can get better and improve my game. It’s going well so far.”

The KL Rahul-led team will next face Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.