By Robert 
Chennai Super Kings broke a five-match losing streak and brought an end to Lucknow Super Giants’ three-game winning run with a nervy win at the Ekana Stadium. A disciplined bowling performance led by spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad set the tone, before a composed, unbeaten 57-run partnership between Shivam Dube (43* off 37) and MS Dhoni (26* off 11) saw CSK chase down 166 with three balls to spare.
Where Was the Game Won?
The toss proved crucial in this encounter. CSK opted to field first on a pitch that offered variable bounce and grip early on. The ball stopped on the surface in the first half, making strokeplay difficult, and LSG could manage only 42 runs in the PowerPlay. CSK capitalized on the improved conditions under lights and, despite an early wobble, rode on strong contributions from debutant Shaik Rasheed and their experienced finishers.
PowerPlay: Rasheed Shines, CSK Take the Early Edge
| Parameter | LSG | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 42/2 | 59/1 |
| Run Rate | 7.00 | 9.83 |
| 4s/6s | 5/2 | 11/0 |
For LSG, early wickets hurt their momentum. CSK’s bowlers, particularly Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, applied the brakes with disciplined lines. Kamboj’s wicket of Nicholas Pooran via a successful review was a key moment.
In response, CSK made a blazing start. Shaik Rasheed, on debut, impressed with six well-timed boundaries, punishing both seam and spin. His elegant leg-side flicks and quick footwork stood out before he fell for a brisk 37. Rachin Ravindra also chipped in with a quick 25.
Middle Overs: Jadeja and Noor Apply the Squeeze; Bishnoi Responds
LSG’s Middle Overs (7-15): 67/2 (RR: 7.44)
Jadeja, returning to form, broke the back of LSG’s innings. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh with a skiddy delivery and then outfoxed Ayush Badoni, who had survived a dramatic series of events — including a no-ball reprieve and overturned LBW decision — before being stumped. Noor Ahmad was brilliant, conceding just 10 runs from his three overs during this phase.
CSK’s Middle Overs: 52/4 (RR: 5.78)
LSG fought back with spin of their own. Ravi Bishnoi and Aiden Markram choked CSK’s middle order. Bishnoi removed both Rahul Tripathi and Ravindra Jadeja, while Digvesh Rathi chipped in with the wicket of Vijay Shankar. The tight spell left CSK needing 56 runs off the final five overs.
Death Overs: Pant Lifts LSG, Dhoni-Dube Finish in Style
LSG’s Death Overs (16-20): 57/3 (RR: 11.40)
Rishabh Pant, after a stuttering middle phase, exploded in the death overs. Having struggled to 38 off 38 balls, he launched into Pathirana and Khaleel to push past fifty, eventually finishing with 63 off 49. His late blitz gave LSG a fighting total of 166.
CSK’s Death Overs: 57/0 (RR: 12.67)
With 56 needed off the final five, CSK banked on experience—and it paid off. Dhoni’s late cameo was vintage: clever edges, powerful drives, and calm under pressure. Dube played the perfect foil, dispatching Thakur for a four and a six in the 19th over. With dew complicating things for LSG’s bowlers, their execution faltered, and CSK cruised home with three balls to spare.
Final Takeaway
This match had everything—tactical battles, breakout performances, and a vintage MS Dhoni finish. CSK not only halted their losing streak but also found promising new talent in Shaik Rasheed. For LSG, it was a reminder that even a strong start to the season can be derailed by small margins and missed opportunities.