Marcus Stoinis of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) etched his name into the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books on Tuesday, registering the highest individual score ever during a run-chase. Facing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Chepauk Stadium, Stoinis stood tall amidst a flurry of wickets and a climbing run rate, anchoring his side’s innings with a masterful blend of aggression and calculated risk-taking.
Stoinis’ unbeaten knock of 124 runs came off just 63 deliveries, studded with 13 boundaries and six maximums. His calculated approach saw him strike at an impressive rate of 196.83, guiding LSG to their first victory at the Chepauk fortress this season.
The Australian all-rounder’s record-breaking performance not only eclipsed Punjab Kings batter Paul Valthaty’s previous mark of 120*, set in 2011, but also became the second-highest individual score by an LSG batter. Quinton de Kock holds the highest score for LSG, having smashed an unbeaten 140 in 2022.
Stoinis’ heroics also propelled him to the top of the list of highest individual scores against CSK in IPL history, surpassing the legendary Virender Sehwag’s 122 runs scored in 2014.
In the match, CSK opted to bat first, posting a challenging total of 210/4 on the back of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century (108) and Shivam Dube’s explosive half-century (66). LSG’s bowlers, including Matt Henry, Mohsin Khan, and Yash Thakur, shared the wickets.
LSG’s run-chase began slowly, with the team struggling to find momentum. However, Stoinis’ promotion up the order proved to be a game-changer. The Aussie star kept his side in the hunt with his relentless attacking, providing much-needed support from Nicholas Pooran (34) and Deepak Hooda (17*).
In a thrilling final over, Stoinis blasted 17 runs off just three deliveries to seal a memorable six-wicket win for LSG. His unbeaten 124 earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, further cementing his status as one of the most formidable all-rounders in the IPL.
With this victory, LSG climbs to fourth spot in the standings, while CSK slips to fifth. Stoinis’ record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most remarkable innings in IPL history.
