Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants, 6th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Indian Premier League 2023 Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Date & Time: Apr 03, 07:30 PM LOCAL

Ruturaj Gaikwad went berserk in the powerplay. © BCCI

CSK open account

A happy homecoming for CSK as they close out the game to win by 12 runs. LSG did threaten a touch in the end but Tushar Deshpande and Rajyavardhan Hangargekar closed it out to perfection. This was one high-scoring game indeed with more than 420 runs being scored. Moeen stood tall though with a four-wicket haul. CSK will be very pleased with this performance despite the obvious issues in that fast bowling department. They would love Theekshana to join the squad as soon as possible.

(Overs 11-15) - LSG need 68 from 30

CSK have been picking wickets to fight back but this contest is far from over. Young Badoni is a pretty good finisher and Nicholas Pooran is looking in great touch. Moeen Ali had a very good outing as he also removed the dangerous Stoinis to finish with four wickets. But this finish is going to be quite exciting especially if Pooran continues to cause havoc.

(Overs 7-10) -CSK fight back

Wow, the tide has turned big time. LSG smashed 80 in the powerplay but they have managed only 25 runs in the next four overs and more importantly, they have lost key wickets. Moeen has made a huge difference today as he first removed Mayers in the final over of the powerplay before dismissing KL and Krunal. All three batters perished by finding the man at the deep. Santner also got into the act by dismissing Hooda. CSK are in control now.

Carnage in the powerplay

CSK's openers went berserk in the powerplay and LSG's openers replicate that. KL Rahul was pretty much only a spectator as Kyle Mayers went bonkers smashing fours and sixes at will. CSK didn't help their cause with some sloppiness as LSG made 80 in the powerplay. Moeen bowled that final over of the powerplay to dismiss Mayers but the damage is done. He falls for 53.

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Toss - LSG opt to bowl

KL Rahul believes dew will be a factor here tonight and hence opts to bowl. Super Giants have made one change by dropping Jaydev Unadkat for Yash Thakur. CSK on the other hand are unchanged.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): KL Rahul(c), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran(w), Krishnappa Gowtham, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Avesh Khan

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, RS Hangargekar

CSK's homecoming

CSK's return to Chepauk could turn out to be very special given their rich history on home turf. Our correspondent Prakash has more here.

Build up

Chennai's wait to catch a glimpse of the team they adore to bits is finally over. CSK are back in town after almost four years and given this is also likely to be Dhoni's final season as a player, the noise levels are going to go through the roof in all seven games without a doubt. Talking about the roof, the stadium at Chepauk has also undergone a few renovations lately and a full house is expected now for an IPL game after ages.

On the pitch though, CSK have work to do after getting brushed aside in the tournament opener. Ruturaj Gaikwad sizzled but the rest of the batters failed to step up especially at the death even though CSK had a long batting order. They would love to correct it this time and we got to wait and see what their batting order is going to be tonight. If this surface does play to its reputation, expect the hosts to unleash a barrage of spin.

Lucknow Super Giants on the other hand made a convincing start to their campaign. KL Rahul failed to delivery but LSG found a saviour in the form of Kyle Mayers, who absolutely exploded on his IPL debut. He smashed spin to all corners the other night in Lucknow so CSK will have to be vary of him tonight. Not to forget Mark Wood, who absolutely demolished the DC batting order with a five-wicket haul. CSK do have their task cut. Welcome to the live blog for the first clash from Chepauk this season.