CSK vs LSG Review: Happy homecoming for Chennai as they clinch first victory
The sixth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a fiery clash between four-time champions Chennai Super Kings and the KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants. The game saw Chennai register their first win of the 2023 season as they beat Lucknow by 12 runs on the back of Ruturaj Gaikwad half-century and Moeen Ali’s four-for.
Lucknow won the toss and elected to field first but right from the start of the game, MS Dhoni’s yellow army maintained a strong grip on the match. Gaikwad produced yet another brilliant performance with the bat. After scoring 92 runs in the first game, he followed it up by scoring 57 runs in 31 deliveries to give Chennai just the start that they needed.
The 26-year-old found a dependable batting partner in Devon Conway, who amassed 47. In the end, skipper MS Dhoni topped it off with two sixes as Chennai posted a whopping 217 runs on the board after 20 overs. Ravi Bishnoi and Mark Wood put in fabulous bowling performances as both bowlers took three wickets each to somewhat hinder their opponent’s explosive batting.
Coming to bat, Lucknow and KL Rahul’s luck ran out early as the ace Indian batter’s string of poor form continued. Rahul was dismissed after scoring just 20 runs. His batting partner, Kyle Mayers, was once again sensational for his side, scoring 53 runs in just 22 deliveries. However, all came tumbling down for Lucknow as their middle order collapsed during the run chase.
In the end, the bowling attack of Chennai proved to be too much to handle for the KL Rahul-led side, and the four-time champions registered their first win of the season.
Top performers from the match
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Star Chennai opener Ruturaj Gaikwad put in yet another excellent performance for his side, which was integral in their victory. Gaikwad notched up 57 off just 31, hitting four sixes and three fours.
Moeen Ali
Veteran English all-rounder Moeen Ali put in an exceptional spell in Chennai’s encounter against Lucknow. While scoring 19 runs with the bat, Moeen also took four wickets in the second innings, conceding only 26 runs in the process. His spell was integral for the four-time champions in registering their first victory of the IPL 2023 season.
What’s next for both teams:
Lucknow Super Giants will be taking on the 2016 season champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 7 at home while the MS Dhoni-led side will be up against Mumbai Indians on April 8.
