Chennai Super Kings Survive Gaikwad Scare to Post 210/3 Against Lucknow Super Giants
Chennai, April 23, 2024: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) put up an imposing total of 210/3 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL match at Chepauk Stadium. Riding on a blistering century from their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK overcame some early hiccups to post a daunting target for the opposition.
Opting to bat first, CSK had a shaky start as they lost opener Ajinkya Rahane for just 1, caught by KL Rahul off Matt Henry’s bowling in the very first over. Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell tried to rebuild the innings, but Mitchell fell for 11, with Yash Thakur taking a brilliant catch off his own bowling.
It was then that Gaikwad took charge, playing a masterful knock of 107 off just 59 balls, which included 9 fours and 4 sixes. He brought up his second IPL century and became the first CSK opener to score over 2,000 runs in the tournament.
Gaikwad found an able ally in Shivam Dube, who played a blistering cameo of 66 off just 27 balls, smashing 3 fours and 7 sixes. The duo stitched together a rapid partnership of 109 runs off just 51 balls to take CSK to an imposing total.
Dube’s pyrotechnics towards the end were particularly noteworthy, as he smashed Yash Thakur for three consecutive sixes in the 15th over. His power-hitting left the Lucknow bowlers searching for answers.
For LSG, Mohsin Khan was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 1/50 in his 4 overs. Matt Henry and Yash Thakur also picked up a wicket each, but they leaked runs towards the end.
The highlight of the CSK innings, however, was undoubtedly Gaikwad’s sublime century. The 26-year-old looked in complete control from the start, playing some exquisite shots and pacing his innings to perfection.
As the CSK innings drew to a close, the capacity crowd at Chepauk was treated to a rare sight – MS Dhoni walking out to bat in the final over. Though he didn’t get a chance to face a delivery, the roar from the stands was deafening, a testament to the legend’s enduring popularity.
With a formidable total on the board, CSK will now look to their bowlers to defend the score and start their IPL campaign on a winning note. Lucknow, on the other hand, have their work cut out as they chase a daunting target on a surface that has played true so far.