In the 53rd game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.
After being battered for 15 runs per over early on, the CSK bowlers displayed tremendous spirit in bringing the game back. English seamer Jamie Overton was the “gamechanger”, causing a huge LSG collapse with 3/36, including the prized scalp of the well-set Josh Inglis. Youngster Anshul Kamboj offered terrific support at the death, taking 2/47 and removing Himmat Singh with a blistering yorker. Noor Ahmad was the most economical, surrendering only 24 runs in his four overs and halting LSG’s momentum in the middle innings.
Urvil Patel’s (65) historic performance defined the chase, as he hit his half-century in just 13 balls, equalling the IPL record for fastest-ever fifty. Patel’s knock from 23 balls (including 8 sixes) thoroughly demoralised the LSG attack. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad contributed a solid 42, while Sanju Samson chipped in with a quick 28. Despite a late-innings wobble in which wickets dropped in quick succession, the finishing combo of Shivam Dube and Prashant Veer remained calm and crossed the line in the 20th over.
LSG’s innings consisted of two parts. Josh Inglis (85) had one of the season’s most devastating knocks, hitting more than 50 off only 33 balls. The knock included 10 fours and six sixes to enable LSG to reach a powerplay run rate of more than 15. However, the middle order struggled to capitalise on this start, with players such as Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant falling cheaply. It needed a tenacious late-inning cameo from Shahbaz Ahmed (43*), who helped LSG to lift the total to 203/8.
Defending 203, the LSG bowlers failed to control CSK’s rampaging opening partnership. Mohammad Shami and Avesh Khan were expensive early on, with Avesh allowing 44 runs in four overs. Shahbaz Ahmed was LSG’s most efficient bowler, picking up 2/30 and taking Ruturaj Gaikwad’s vital wicket. Digvesh Rathi also took two wickets, but CSK made the target look quite reachable in the end over.
With this win, CSK now have 12 points and are fifth in the standings.
Scorecard:
Lucknow Super Giants: 203/8, Overs 20, Josh Inglis 85, Jamie Overton 3/36
Chennai Super Kings: 208/5, Overs 19.2, Urvil Patel 65, Shahbaz Ahmed 2/30
