Pooran’s Lucknow falter against CSK

AP:

POWERED BY an MS Dhoni special under pressure in the run chase, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snapped a five-match winless streak to register a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow.

Chasing 167 on a tricky wicket, Dhoni’s boundary-filled, 11-ball 26 not out and Shivam Dube’s 37-ball 43 not out saw CSK over the line in a chase that went down to the wire.

The platform for the chase was set up by a superb opening stand from Rachin Ravindra and debutant Shaik Rasheed. However, the foundation for the victory was laid by a strong bowling performance, led by Ravindra Jadeja (2-24) and Noor Ahmad (0-13 in four overs), which helped CSK restrict LSG.

Captain MS Dhoni’s decision to field first paid rich dividends early on. In a moment of fielding brilliance amid CSK’s fielding woes so far this season, Rahul Tripathi took a fantastic diving catch, running backwards from cover, to send back the in-form Aiden Markram in the first over. Khaleel Ahmed — who has the most wickets (four) in the opening over this season — struck early once again.

With Orange Cap holder Nicholas Pooran in the middle alongside another highly in-form batter in Mitchell Marsh, LSG would have expected more fireworks. However, the pressure from CSK paid off as they successfully reviewed an LBW decision and Anshul Kambhoj got the prized scalp of Pooran (eight off nine) to leave LSG at 23 for 2 after four overs.

Marsh and skipper Rishabh Pant stabilised the innings with a 50-run partnership, before Ravindra Jadeja cleaned up the former (30 off 25).

Pant, who hit an audacious reverse scoop off pacer Jamie Overton in the seventh over, also smashed a one-handed six over midwicket, en route to a hard-fought 63 (49) to guide LSG to 166 for 7 after 20 overs.

In response, CSK had useful partnerships but were left with an equation of 56 runs to get in five overs.

Walking out to yet another huge reception from the crowd, MS Dhoni provided a much-needed blitz amid the calm for CSK. Three fours and a one-handed six over midwicket from Dhoni in quick time brought the equation down to 20 off 11.

Dube then smashed a six off a no-ball from Shardul Thakur, which turned out to be a defining moment in the game.