RCB vs LSG, 43rd Match at Lucknow, IPL, May 01 2023 - Match Result

12:01am Phew, that brings us to the end of tonight's coverage. It was filled with drama throughout and once the contest ended, tempers threatened to spill over too. But as far as the cricket is concerned, it was a massive win for RCB, and one that has taken them level on points with CSK, RR and of course, LSG. Hope you enjoyed our coverage as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Until next time, this is me (Shashwat) signing off on behalf of Raghav, Thilak and everyone else at ESPNcricinfo. Goodbye, goodnight and take care!

Faf du Plessis, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain is also the Player of the Match: (On the surface) Complete opposites (comparing it to Bengaluru). To have a fifty partnership in the first six overs was a match-winning partnership in the end. (Decision to bat first) Batting first was important. They had four spinners but it looked like right through, playing spin was hard work. It is a little bit easier for a captain, at the Chinnaswamy, it feels like the ball is going everywhere (smiles). I would have liked 135. In my mind, that was a really good score and we were going towards that score. Once again, if you come in on this pitch, it is really tough to score. Said to the boys that if we get two or three early wickets, it would be hard for them. I am super happy for Karn. One of those guys who does the hard work all the time but does not get the recognition. Playing at Chinnaswamy is tough for a leg-spinner. Unbelievable from him tonight. We have missed Hazlewood's experience. Someone like him brings so much calmness and composure. Nice way to ease him into the competition.

Krunal Pandya, Lucknow Super Giants stand-in captain: We did pretty well in the first half restricting them. It was a great team effort. Really happy with how we have bowled this tournament. 126, at the start of the game, we would have taken. But we just could not execute our plans. (On Rahul's injury) It is a sad thing. He pulled his hip flexor, I guess. I do not know how bad it is. The medical team will assess it.

Josh Hazlewood: (On how it felt returning after long) It has been a long while. Excited more than nervous. It is great to be back here, in front of some good fans. The bowlers really turned up and finished off really well at the end. The wicket was quite slow. The spinners played a huge part for both teams. A few more (runs) would have been nice (smiles). It was super loud for both teams. A few of our guys are quite passionate so it gets the crowd up.

11:38pm Wow, that was some game. At the half-way stage, it felt that RCB were just a little short. But as it turned out, they came home with room to spare. Siraj and Hazlewood set the tone in the powerplay, with Maxwell also picking up the crucial wicket of Krunal. LSG then tried to counter-attack but that ploy fell flat on its face, with Pooran and Stoinis getting out while trying to clear the fence. The run-outs did not help either and RCB were professional enough to seal the deal towards the end. This win, by the way, has taken RCB level on points with LSG, who might be left ruing what was a very presentable opportunity.

Two legitimate deliveries and RCB will be home

Three sixes and we go into a Super Over

23 needed off six balls. Mishra and Rahul need to find a way to get the skipper back on strike. Harshal to bowl the final over.

Right. Rahul is here. LSG need 24 off 8. Four sixes off Rahul's bat will get the job done for them

Hazlewood is back. LSG need 31 off 12