Situated in Lucknow, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium has quickly gained prominence since it became a home to IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Indian Premier League 2022. Known for its slow surface, larger boundaries, and assistance to spinners, the ground has produced several low-scoring thrillers.
Unlike batting-friendly venues, this ground often demands patience and adaptability, making totals around 130–150 also competitive. The lowest total defended at this venue is when Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended 126/9 against LSG in IPL 2023.
RCB defend 126 vs LSG
Speaking of the match, Faf du Plessis-led RCB won the toss and elected to bat first. The Bengaluru-based side kick-started the innings on a positive note with the skipper and Virat Kohli stitching a 62-run stand for the opening wicket. Apart from the duo, none of the batters could really get a good score and RCB were restricted to 126/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, the home team too were seen struggling as wickets kept falling at key intervals. Eventually, the KL Rahul-led LSG were bundled out at the score of 108 in 19.5 overs, resulting in RCB successfully defending the low total and registering an 18-run win. This continues to be the lowest total defended at this ground overall, including the IPL.
Lowest totals defended at Ekana Cricket Stadium in IPL
| Team | Total defended | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 126/9 | Lucknow Super Giants | 1 May 2023 |
| Gujarat Titans | 135/6 | Lucknow Super Giants | 22 April 2023 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 163/5 | Gujarat Titans | 7 April 2024 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 177/3 | Mumbai Indians | 16 May 2023 |
Lowest totals defended at Ekana Cricket Stadium in T20I
| Team | Score | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 147/7 | West Indies | 16 Nov 2019 |
| Afghanistan | 156/8 | West Indies | 17 Nov 2019 |
| West Indies | 164/5 | Afghanistan | 14 Nov 2019 |
| India | 195/2 | West Indies | 6 Nov 2018 |
| India | 199/2 | Sri Lanka | 24 Feb 2022 |
Lowest totals defended at Ekana Cricket Stadium in ODI
| Team | Score | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 229/9 | v England | 29 Oct 2023 |
| West Indies | 247/9 | v Afghanistan | 9 Nov 2019 |
| South Africa | 249/4 | v India | 6 Oct 2022 |
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