The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow witnessed a captivating encounter tonight as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) edged out Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 5 wickets in the 30th match of the Indian Premier League 2025. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, CSK restricted LSG to a modest 166-7 in their 20 overs. In reply, CSK navigated a few hiccups but ultimately chased down the target with 3 balls to spare, finishing at 168-5 in 19.3 overs. Let’s dive into the highlights of this exciting clash!
LSG’s Innings: Pant Anchors but Support Falters
Lucknow Super Giants had a shaky start to their innings, losing Markram early in the very first over to Khaleel Ahmed. Mitchell Marsh and Pooran attempted to build a partnership, but both fell within the powerplay, leaving LSG struggling at 23-2. Rishabh Pant, the LSG captain and wicketkeeper, then took charge, anchoring the innings with a well-compiled 63 off 49 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes.
Ayush Badoni provided some much-needed support with a quickfire 22 off 17 balls, but his dismissal, stumped by the ever-agile MS Dhoni off Ravindra Jadeja, halted LSG’s momentum. Abdul Samad came in and provided a late flourish with a blistering 20 off just 11 deliveries, striking two sixes. However, a sharp piece of fielding from Dhoni resulted in his run-out in the final over. Thakur chipped in with a cameo of 6 before becoming Matheesha Pathirana’s second victim of the night. LSG eventually finished their innings at 166-7, a total that looked slightly below par on a decent batting surface. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the CSK bowlers, bagging two crucial wickets for just 24 runs in his three overs, while Matheesha Pathirana also chipped in with two wickets, albeit being slightly expensive.
CSK’s Chase: Dhoni Finishes in Style After Early Wobbles
Chennai Super Kings’ chase began strongly with Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra putting on a quickfire 52-run opening stand. Rasheed looked particularly aggressive, smashing six boundaries in his 19-ball 27 before falling to Avesh Khan. Rachin Ravindra continued his aggressive intent, scoring a brisk 37 off 22 balls, including five boundaries, before being trapped leg-before by Aiden Markram.
CSK then experienced a mini-collapse, losing Rahul Tripathi and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession to the impressive Ravi Bishnoi, leaving them at 76-3 and then 96-4. Shivam Dube, who was promoted up the order, played a crucial innings, anchoring the chase with a composed 43 not out off 37 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Vijay Shankar provided some support but fell to Digvesh Rathi with CSK still needing runs.
The stage was then set for the master finisher, MS Dhoni. Coming in with the pressure mounting, Dhoni once again showcased his incredible composure and finishing prowess. He smashed a quickfire 26 not out off just 11 balls, including four boundaries and a towering six, to guide CSK to a thrilling victory with three balls to spare. Ravi Bishnoi was the standout bowler for LSG, picking up two crucial wickets for just 18 runs in his three overs.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Rishabh Pant’s Innings: His resilient half-century held the LSG innings together after an early collapse.
- Ravindra Jadeja’s Spell: His two crucial wickets and economical bowling put pressure on the LSG middle order.
- Shaik Rasheed’s Aggressive Start: His quickfire innings gave CSK early momentum in the chase.
- Ravi Bishnoi’s Double Wicket Over: His dismissal of Tripathi and Jadeja put a temporary brake on CSK’s scoring.
- Shivam Dube’s Anchoring Knock: His composed innings held one end for CSK during the middle overs.
- MS Dhoni’s Finish: His explosive cameo at the end sealed the victory for Chennai Super Kings.
Match Summary
Lucknow Super Giants: 166-7 (20 Overs) – Rishabh Pant 63, Mitchell Marsh 30; Ravindra Jadeja 2-24, Matheesha Pathirana 2-45.
Chennai Super Kings: 168-5 (19.3 Overs) – Rachin Ravindra 37, Shivam Dube 43*, MS Dhoni 26*; Ravi Bishnoi 2-18, Avesh Khan 1-32.
Result: Chennai Super Kings won by 5 wickets.
This victory will be a significant morale booster for Chennai Super Kings as they continue their campaign in the Indian Premier League 2025. For Lucknow Super Giants, despite a fighting effort, they will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies. The Ekana Cricket Stadium witnessed a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of the IPL!
| Statistic | Lucknow Super Giants | Chennai Super Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 166-7 (20 Overs) | 168-5 (19.3 Overs) |
| Highest Batter | Rishabh Pant (63) | Shivam Dube (43*) |
| Top Bowler | Ravi Bishnoi (2-18) | Ravindra Jadeja (2-24) |
| Wickets Lost | 7 | 5 |
| Fours | 9 | 16 |
| Sixes | 8 | 3 |
| Result | Lost by 5 wickets | Won by 5 wickets |
