Chennai Super Kings’ middle order once again misfired. Shivam Dube (43) was struggling, with a strike rate of less than 100. With 56 runs required from the final five overs, MS Dhoni walked in at No. 7 and rolled back the years, scoring 26 not out off 11 deliveries to ease the pressure on Dube and help his team chase down the target of 167 in the final over, with three balls to spare, sealing a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants.
Despite Rishabh Pant’s commendable 63, a strategic oversight proved costly. The LSG skipper did not utilise Ravi Bishnoi’s full quota of overs; Bishnoi was LSG’s most effective bowler, claiming 2 wickets for just 18 runs in his three-over spell.
Debutant Shaik Rasheed made an impressive start for CSK, showcasing elegant wristy strokes en route to a composed 27. Partnering with Rachin Ravindra, the duo laid a solid foundation with a 52-run opening stand, steering CSK to 59 runs in the Powerplay.
However, the momentum shifted when Aiden Markram dismissed Rachin, providing Lucknow Super Giants with a crucial breakthrough. In the subsequent over, Rahul Tripathi fell to Ravi Bishnoi, and Ravindra Jadeja, promoted up the order, couldn’t capitalise, succumbing to spin once again. Digvesh Rathi, after a brilliant three-over spell, was rewarded with the wicket of Vijay Shankar in his final over.
Despite the early promise, CSK’s innings faltered in the middle overs, with LSG’s bowlers tightening the screws and picking up timely wickets. The chase became increasingly challenging as the required run rate climbed, and CSK’s batting line-up struggled to maintain momentum. Dhoni alleviated the pressure with early boundaries. Among LSG bowlers, Shardul Thakur, in particular, was under pressure and conceded too many extras, which ultimately aided CSK’s run chase.
Pant’s fifty goes in vain
Earlier, Khaleel Ahmed struck early with the new ball, as he often has done in this season, removing Markram in the very first over. From the other end, Anshul Kamboj made an impact by dismissing the in-form Nicholas Pooran, the Orange Cap holder, for just 8, courtesy of a sharp review by Dhoni. With two wickets down quickly, LSG found themselves under pressure.
Pant walked in and began the rebuilding process, along with Mitchell Marsh. The pair added 50 runs for the third wicket, but Marsh never quite found his rhythm and eventually fell to Jadeja.
Ayush Badoni was promoted ahead of David Miller and looked to attack Matheesha Pathirana, aiming to put CSK on the defensive. But his aggression got the better of him, as he perished trying to take on Jadeja.
While Jamie Overton leaked runs, Noor Ahmad tightened the screws with a tidy spell. He even created a chance to dismiss Pant, but Dhoni couldn’t hold on. After Badoni’s dismissal, Pant upped the ante, taking advantage of the dew which made life increasingly difficult for the bowlers.
Pant 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 bowlers struggled to grip the ball in the wet conditions.