Chennai Super Kings’ middle order faltered once again, with Shivam Dube struggling at a strike rate below 100. With tension mounting and 56 runs needed from the final five overs, MS Dhoni stepped onto the crease at No. 7, turning back the clock with a blistering 26 not out off just 11 balls. His late blitz eased the pressure on Dube and propelled CSK to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, chasing down the target of 167 with three balls to spare.
Despite Rishabh Pant’s valiant 63, a tactical misstep by LSG proved costly. Skipper Pant underutilized Ravi Bishnoi, who was LSG’s most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 2/18 in his three-over spell.
CSK’s debutant Shaik Rasheed made a promising start, displaying elegant wristy strokes in his composed 27. Alongside Rachin Ravindra, the duo laid a solid foundation with a 52-run opening partnership, guiding CSK to 59 runs in the Powerplay.
However, the momentum shifted when Aiden Markram dismissed Rachin, giving LSG a crucial breakthrough. Rahul Tripathi fell to Bishnoi in the next over, and Ravindra Jadeja, promoted up the order, failed to capitalize, falling to spin once again. Digvesh Rathi, after a brilliant three-over spell, claimed the wicket of Vijay Shankar in his final over.
Despite the early promise, CSK’s innings stumbled in the middle overs as LSG’s bowlers tightened their grip, picking up timely wickets. The required run rate climbed, and CSK’s batting line-up struggled to maintain momentum. Dhoni’s early boundaries alleviated the pressure, while Shardul Thakur’s expensive spell, marred by extras, ultimately aided CSK’s chase.
Pant’s Fifty Goes in Vain
Earlier, Khaleel Ahmed struck early, removing Markram in the first over. Anshul Kamboj made an immediate impact by dismissing the in-form Nicholas Pooran for just 8, thanks to a sharp review by Dhoni. With two quick wickets, LSG found themselves under pressure.
Pant walked in and began the rebuilding process alongside Mitchell Marsh. The pair added 50 runs for the third wicket, but Marsh never found his rhythm and eventually fell to Jadeja.
Ayush Badoni, promoted ahead of David Miller, looked to attack Matheesha Pathirana but perished trying to take on Jadeja. While Jamie Overton leaked runs, Noor Ahmad tightened the screws with a tidy spell, even creating a chance to dismiss Pant, which Dhoni couldn’t hold onto.
After Badoni’s dismissal, Pant upped the ante, taking advantage of the dew that made life difficult for the bowlers. He brought up his first fifty of the season, and a crucial 53-run partnership with Abdul Samad propelled LSG to 166. The final five overs yielded 57 runs, aided by several extras as CSK’s bowlers struggled in the wet conditions.
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