CSK vs LSG Highlights: Chennai Super Kings Break Losing Streak with Thrilling 5-Wicket Win

CSK vs LSG Highlights: In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snapped their five-match losing streak with a nail-biting five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The match, brimming with drama and late-game heroics, saw MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube steer CSK to a much-needed win with three balls to spare, reigniting hopes for the Yellow Army’s playoff aspirations.

Toss and Lucknow’s Innings: Pant Anchors LSG to 166/7

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CSK captain MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that initially paid dividends as LSG’s top order faltered. Openers Aiden Markram (6) and Nicholas Pooran (8) fell cheaply to disciplined bowling from Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, reducing LSG to 23/2 in the powerplay . However, skipper Rishabh Pant, battling a lean patch, resurrected the innings with a gritty 63 off 49 balls—his first fifty of the season. Supported by Mitchell Marsh’s brisk 30 (25) and cameos from Ayush Badoni (20) and Abdul Samad (22), Pant anchored LSG to a competitive 166/7.

CSK’s bowlers delivered a collective effort, with Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) striking twice in the middle overs, while Matheesha Pathirana’s double-wicket final over curtailed Lucknow’s late surge.

CSK vs LSG Playing 11, Toss and Key Updates

CSK’s Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride

Chasing 167, CSK’s revamped opening pair of Rachin Ravindra and debutant Shaik Rasheed provided a fiery start, amassing 52 runs in just 4.2 overs. Rasheed, playing his first IPL match, impressed with a fearless 27 off 19 balls before falling to Avesh Khan, while Ravindra’s 37 (22) kept the momentum alive . However, LSG’s spinners staged a fightback: Ravi Bishnoi (2/18) removed Rahul Tripathi (9) and Ravindra Jadeja (7), while Aiden Markram trapped Ravindra LBW, triggering a middle-order collapse that left CSK reeling at 111/5.

With 56 needed off 30 balls, Dhoni walked out to a thunderous ovation. The 43-year-old legend, alongside Shivam Dube, engineered a masterclass in death-over batting. Dhoni’s 26* off 11 balls—featuring a one-handed six off Shardul Thakur and two crucial boundaries—shifted the momentum decisively. Dube, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 43 (37), sealed the win with a boundary off Avesh Khan in the final over, sparking wild celebrations.

Turning Points

Dhoni-Dube Partnership: The duo’s 57-run stand off 24 balls dismantled LSG’s bowling plans. Dhoni’s six off Thakur and Dube’s calculated aggression under pressure were pivotal .
Shardul Thakur’s Costly Over: Thakur’s 19th over, leaking 19 runs including a no-ball and a boundary, handed CSK the advantage. Dhoni’s flicked six over mid-wicket epitomized his clutch prowess.
LSG’s Slow Over-Rate Penalty: Restricted to four fielders outside the circle in the final over, LSG struggled to contain Dube, who capitalized on the gap at cover to hit the winning four.
Bishnoi’s Dropped Catch: A missed chance to dismiss Dhoni in the 18th over proved costly, as the CSK veteran plundered 14 runs off the next four deliveries.

IPL 2025 Schedule

Post-Match Reactions

Rishabh Pant (LSG Captain):
“We were 10-15 runs short. Losing wickets at key moments hurt us. The bowlers did well to pull things back, but credit to CSK for holding their nerve”.

Shivam Dube:
“Losing five straight games isn’t our identity. My plan was to bat deep, and Mahi bhai [Dhoni] took the pressure off me. This win means a lot”.

MS Dhoni (Player of the Match):
MS Dhoni shares that it’s always good to win a game, and a result like this gives a lot of confidence to the entire team.

Impact on the Points Table

The victory lifted CSK off the bottom of the table, though they remain in ninth place with two wins from seven games. LSG, despite the loss, held onto fourth spot with four wins, but their net run rate took a hit.

Conclusion: A Season-Defining Win for CSK

CSK’s triumph was more than just two points, it was a statement of resilience. For LSG, the match highlighted the need for sharper death bowling and consistency from their middle order. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, both teams will look to build on this clash’s lessons, with CSK aiming to climb the ladder and LSG seeking to solidify their playoff credentials.

With Dhoni’s heroics and Dube’s maturity shining through, Chennai’s faithful can dare to dream again. As the iconic captain once said, “It’s not over until the last ball is bowled”—a mantra that defined this thrilling encounter.

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