In the 39th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
LSG won the toss and opted to field first. It was a sensible choice in Chepauk, but the dressing room must have been concerned about it after conceding 210 in the first innings. Though CSK were only 49/2 in the powerplay, the unit made a strong comeback to post over par score on board. Matt Henry was impressive, while Ravi Bishnoi, and Krunal Pandya were also economical.
The chase began with both openers, Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul, failing to provide any significant start. Marcus Stoinis (124*) was the real star of the innings as he scored a match-winning century, which included six sixes and 13 fours. Stoinis’ 124* also became the most runs scored in the chase by any team in the history of the IPL. Nicholas Pooran (34), Devdutt Padikkal (13) and Deepak Hooda (17) also played handy knocks which were equally important in the chase.
With the bat in the first innings, Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (108) smashed an unbelievable ton, which consisted of three sixes and 12 fours. Though the knock was impressive, a 60-ball hundred in today’s modern game looks bit slow. Nonetheless, the captain was helped by Shivam Dube (66) who scored a quickfire half-century at a strike rate of 244.44. In the end, MS Dhoni also hammered a thunderous four to conclude the inning in some fashion.
For LSG with the ball in the first innings, one wicket each was plucked by Matt Henry, Mohsin Khan and Yash Thakur.
While defending, Matheesha Pathirana grabbed two wickets while one each was taken by Deepak Chahar and Mustafizur Rahman.
Marcus Stoinis was awarded with the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting show. With this win, LSG have won their fifth match of the season and are now fourth in the points tally.
Scorecard:
Chennai Super Kings: 210/4, Overs 20, Ruturaj Gaikwad 108, Matt Henry 1/28
Lucknow Super Giants: 213/4, Overs 19.3, Marcus Stoinis 124*, Matheesha Pathirana 2/35