Lucknow Super Giants speedster Mayank Yadav powered Lucknow Super Giants to a comfortable 28-run victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Yadav unleashed his fury on the pitch, hurling the fastest ball of the new IPL season at a staggering 156.7 km/h (97.4 mph).
Lucknow's triumph was anchored by Quinton De Kock's blistering 56-ball 81 and an unbeaten 40 from Nicholas Pooran, propelling them to a formidable total of 181-5 at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Yadav, the new sensation in pace bowling, intensified the onslaught with his thunderous deliveries, claiming impressive figures of 3–14. His scalps included the prized wickets of Glenn Maxwell for a duck and Cameron Green for nine.
Despite Bengaluru's efforts, they faltered and were dismissed for 153, marking their third loss in four matches this season. Meanwhile, Lucknow clinched their second consecutive victory following an initial setback.
The 21-year-old Yadav surpassed his own record, previously clocking a top speed of 155.8 km/h on his IPL debut during Lucknow's earlier triumph in the season.
Shaun Tait's record-breaking delivery in 2011, registering at 157.71 km/h, still stands as the fastest ball ever bowled in the IPL.
Bengaluru's hopes were dashed as they lost crucial wickets to Virat Kohli, skipper Faf du Plessis, and Maxwell in quick succession. Left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth, substituting for De Kock, claimed Kohli's wicket on his debut, while Yadav's blistering pace accounted for Du Plessis and Maxwell.
Despite brief resistance from Rajat Patidar (29) and Mahipal Lomror (33 off 13 balls), Bengaluru's chase fizzled out.
De Kock's aggressive innings, adorned with eight fours and five sixes, laid the foundation for Lucknow's victory. His partnership with Marcus Stoinis (24 off 15 balls) proved pivotal.
Bengaluru managed to stall Lucknow's momentum briefly with disciplined bowling, but Pooran's onslaught, which included three sixes off Reece Topley, ensured Lucknow's dominance.
