LUCKNOW, MAY 15 (PTI): Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 90 off just 38 balls propelled Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL clash on Friday. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, LSG showcased dominance, chasing down CSK’s 187/5 in only 16.4 overs.
CSK’s innings revolved around young Kartik Sharma, who struck a composed 71 off 42 balls after the top order faltered against LSG’s disciplined pace attack. Akash Singh (3/26) set the tone early, removing Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Urvil with hard-length deliveries that cramped the batters for room. Kartik, however, rebuilt the innings alongside Dewald Brevis (25), adding 70 runs for the fourth wicket. His aggressive strokeplay against spinner Shahbaz Ahmed and later against pacer Prince Yadav lifted CSK out of trouble. Shivam Dube’s late cameo (32 off 16) ensured CSK posted a competitive total.
In reply, Marsh and fellow Australian Josh Inglis (36 off 31) dismantled CSK’s bowling with a blistering 135-run opening stand. Marsh, nicknamed ‘Bison,’ feasted on wayward bowling, smashing Anshul Kamboj for 28 runs in a single over, including four consecutive sixes. He reached his fifty in just 21 balls and continued to punish Spencer Johnson with a flurry of boundaries. Inglis fell to Mukesh Choudhary, and Marsh’s innings ended in unfortunate fashion when Nicholas Pooran’s straight drive deflected off Choudhary’s fingers onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
Despite Marsh’s dismissal, Pooran (32 off 17) ensured there were no late jitters. He replicated Marsh’s fireworks, hammering Kamboj for four successive sixes to seal the chase. Kamboj endured a nightmare outing, conceding 63 runs in 2.4 overs without a wicket.
For CSK, Kartik’s knock was a silver lining, displaying maturity against pace after initial struggles. His ability to dominate spin and later adapt against seamers highlighted his growing confidence. Yet, CSK’s bowlers failed to exploit the two-paced surface, relying on ineffective full-length deliveries and misfired bouncers.
The result leaves CSK on 12 points from 12 matches, needing victories in both remaining games and favorable outcomes elsewhere to keep playoff hopes alive. LSG, though out of contention, found consolation in Marsh’s brilliance and Akash Singh’s incisive spell.
Brief Scores
Chennai Super Kings: 187 for 5 in 20 overs (Kartik Sharma 71, Shivam Dube 32 not out; Akash Singh 3/26).
Lucknow Super Giants: 188 for 3 in 16.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 90; Mukesh Choudhary 1/24).
Saturday, May 16, 2026