Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL, 2026 May 15 Full score card

SIX! Done and dusted, Lucknow Super Giants win by 7 wickets! Kamboj bowls it just back of a length, a bit straighter too, but Nicholas Pooran is waiting for it. Pooran hangs back and lays into the shot, heaving it across the line and beyond the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. For the second time tonight, Kamboj has conceded four sixes on the trot.

SIX! Wow, Nicholas Pooran is in a hurry now. Again, it is in the slot, just outside off. Nicky P stays low and slaps it flat and straight down the ground for a third six in a row.

DROPPED AND SIX! High and just long enough, but Kartik Sharma probably should have done better. Hard length on off, Nicholas Pooran swings through the line but gets plenty of height, not quite the desired distance. Sharma settles himself at the cow corner fence and tries to take the catch to his right, but he spills it over the fence, completely misjudging the trajectory.

SIX! That's gone many a mile! A nothing delivery from Kamboj, just a regulation length ball, right in the slot on off and middle. Nicholas Pooran lines it up and whacks it over deep mid-wicket for a massive biggie. Just 18 needed now off 23 balls.

STRATEGIC BREAK! It should be a stroll for the Super Giants from this position as they need run-a-ball 24. The Super Kings have managed to make things somewhat interesting, but with the likes of Pant and Markram yet to come, they won't be able to turn this around without picking wickets. But as we have seen so often in this competition, you cannot rule out any possibility until the final ball is bowled. An uphill battle for CSK, LSG in the driving seat. Anshul Kamboj (2-0-39-0) is back on.

Hard length, on middle and leg, Mukul Choudhary flicks it over backward square leg. Kartik Sharma runs to his right and does well near the fence. Keeps it to a couple of runs. 24 runs needed from 24 balls now.

Another dot. Beaten again. A tad fuller this time, outside off, Mukul Choudhary swings hard but misses again.

Beaten! Slightly shorter again, outside off, Mukul Choudhary tries to pull it but misses.

FOUR! 26 needed from 27 balls now! Back of a length, outside off, Mukul Choudhary shimmies down the track and slaps it over backward point for a boundary. One bounce and into the fence.

Fuller and down the leg side, Nicholas Pooran looks to flick it, but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards backward square leg. They collect a leg bye.

Mukesh Choudhary slows it up, on off, Mukul Choudhary pushes it through right of mid off for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary (2-0-17-1) returns to the attack.

FOUR! Good shot from Nicholas Pooran! Short and wide, Nicholas Pooran latches onto it and slaps it past the diving fielder at backward point for a boundary. That will ease some pressure from the batters.

Hard length, on off, Mukul Choudhary nudges to to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Streaky, but they will take it! Back of a length, on off, Mukul Choudhary hops a bit and looks to block it. Gets a thick inside edge as the ball goes through Sanju Samson, who dives to his left to take the catch. The ball races to the fence. 150 UP FOR LSG!

Oh! Much fuller, on off, Mukul Choudhary pushes it to mid off. Nicholas Pooran runs for a single but Mukul Choudhary sends him back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

A stifled appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. Hard length, on leg, Mukul Choudhary looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. Seemingly there's height on this one, or maybe it pitched slightly outside leg. Hence, CSK do not review.

Gurjapneet Singh goes full, outside off, Nicholas Pooran uses the pace of the ball and guides it to third man for just a single.

Gurjapneet Singh (2-0-24-0) is back on.

Spencer Johnson bangs it short, on off, Nicholas Pooran hops a bit and looks to pull it but gets a bottom edge. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket as the batters collect a quick single.

Good length, targeting the stumps, Nicholas Pooran dabs it with soft hands towards the keeper. Dot.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length, outside off, and it bounces a bit extra off the deck. Nicholas Pooran tries to slap it but misses.

Hard length, outside off, Mukul Choudhary opens the face of his bat and guides it towards short third for a single.

Mukul Choudhary walks out to bat at number 5. Still, no Pant or Markram.

OUT! TIMBER! Spencer Johnson has the last laugh, and CSK still believe. Hard length, on middle, Abdul Samad stays back and looks to loft it, but misses it completely as the ball goes through Abdul Samad's bat and his pad and rattles over the middle pole behind. Abdul Samad makes his way back into the shed and cannot make the most of his promotion up the order. 135/0 becomes 144/3 for the Super Giants.

SIX! Superb from Abdul Samad! Spencer Johnson bowls it on a length, on off, Abdul Samad stays in his crease and powers it downtown for a biggie over long on. That's gone a long way.

Just 2 runs off the over. Noor Ahmad slows it up, on middle, Nicholas Pooran covers his line and blocks it back to the bowler. 50 needed from 42 balls now.

Brilliant over so far! Short, outside off, Nicholas Pooran looks to slog it but wears it on his pads. The ball bounces to the fielder at backward point. Dot again.

Drags his length back a bit, on off, Nicholas Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.

Too full, outside off, Nicholas Pooran tries to slap it but gets a bottom edge. The ball bounces to the right of the keeper. Dot.

Fired in, on middle and leg, Abdul Samad stays back and knocks it to long on for a single.

Noor Ahmad bowls a quicker one, on middle, Nicholas Pooran gets low and sweeps it through backward square leg for a run.

Slower short ball, at the bodyline. Pooran swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a single. Two wickets off the over, along with 7 runs as well.

Goodness me, what an unfortunate end to Mitchell Marsh's knock. CSK are back in with a sniff, but it should still be comfortable for LSG as Abdul Samad walks out to bat, not Aiden Markram or Rishabh Pant.

OUT! MARSH IS RUN OUT AT THE BOWLING END! What an unfortunate way to get dismissed. And probably, the way he was batting tonight, this was perhaps the only way anyone was ever going to stop him. Full on the stumps at 138.8 kph, Pooran leans into the drive and hits it straight. Mukesh, in his follow-through, stretches out his left hand and gets his fingertips to it. The ball deflects onto the stumps at the bowler's end, and Marsh, backing up too far, has no chance of getting back in time. In fact, he doesn't even attempt to retreat and throws his head back in disappointment before taking the long walk back. Departs agonisingly short of what would have been a well-deserved ton. Lucknow Super Giants are 135/2 in 11.5 overs, needing 53 runs off 49 balls.

The next batter is in. It's Nicholas Pooran in at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Finally, finally a wicket for CSK, but it feels too little, too late for them. Mukesh deceives Inglis by bowling the off cutter, short and outside off. It seemingly kicks up from the pitch as Josh Inglis prepares to whack it over covers, but ends up slicing it towards deep backward point. Urvil Patel walks in off the ropes and takes a comfortable catch. A good hand from Josh Inglis as he walks back into the dugout. The mighty opening partnership of 135 runs is broken. LSG need 53 runs from 50 balls.

Very full, wide on off, Marsh carves it away to deep extra cover for a single.

FOUR! Muscled into the gap! Off-pace delivery, short into the pitch, outside off. Mitchell Marsh fetches it and pulls it into the deep square leg and deep mid-wicket gap for a boundary. He was on to it in a flash.

Back of a length, angling from leg to middle. Inglis stands deep in the crease and whips it on the bounce to the right of Noor at deep square leg. One taken.

Mukesh Choudhary is now brought back into the attack. Just the one over so far for 10 runs.

Dishes out the googly, short, on off. Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it along the ground to long off for a single. LSG need 59 runs from 54 balls, with all wickets intact.

Tad short, spinning in from off. Marsh goes deep in the crease and works it across to deep mid-wicket for another easy single.

Overpitched, on middle and leg, easily clipped towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Beaten! Full and the wrong'un dished out in and around off. Josh Inglis looks to sweep, but fails to connect. Sanju Samson collects the ball cleanly behind the stumps and whips the bails off, but Inglis' back leg never lifted off the pitch.

Floated up, on off, Marsh opts to play off the back foot and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Short, on leg, Inglis backs away and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Lucknow Super Giants are icing this chase right now. Chennai Super Kings need a plethora of wickets to get back into the game.

FOUR! Marsh mayhem continues in Lucknow! A real loosener by Gurjapneet. It's a low full toss, outside off. Truckloads of width for someone like Marsh. He walks out of the crease, stands tall, hits it through the line and smashes it to the left of long off for a cracking boundary. LSG are making it look like a stroll in the park now as they are 124/0 at halfway.

Much fuller, on leg, Inglis chips it off the toe end. It goes on the bounce and to the left of Ruturaj Gaikwad at mid on for a quick single.

Full and wide outside off, angling across. Josh tries the reverse scoop, but misses to put his bat on the ball.

FOUR! Gloriously struck by the Aussie! Slower delivery, full and around the off stump. Josh Inglis uses the bottom hand and whips it into the vast deep mid-wicket gap for a boundary.

Back of a length, and a deceptive off-pace delivery, on top of off at 111 kph. Inglis arches back to ramp it over short third, but gets beaten all ends up.

Wide full toss, outside off. Marsh scythes it away to deep cover for a single.

Bowling change? Nope. Gurjapneet Singh to continue. He went for 14 runs in his first over. Also, CSK have been handed a first official warning for not starting the new over in the stipulated time period.

Very full, on middle, at 95.5 kph. Mitchell Marsh leans forward and creams it past extra cover for an easy single. LSG need 74 runs from 66 balls.

Googly, short, on off. Inglis plays off the back foot and steers it behind mid-wicket for a single.

Drops it short on middle. Marsh hangs back and knocks it gently through mid on for a single.

Full and drifting on the pads, Inglis gets across and leans on before clipping it to the right of short fine leg for a single.

The googly, on a length dragged back by Noor, around off. Inglis sits down to sweep, but inside edges on the back thigh and the ball rolls to the off side.

From around the stump. Full and on middle, sliding in. Marsh slog sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Hard length, on middle, Mitchell Marsh rocks back this time and pushes it to wide of mid off for a single.

SIX! What an extraordinary innings this has been so far from Mitchell Marsh! Gurjapneet Singh bowls it on a length, outside off. Mitchell Marsh moves forward, turns it into a half-volley, and powers it over extra covers for a biggie.

Slows it up, on middle, Josh Inglis hops a bit and tucks it to backawrd square leg for another single.

Good length, angling in, on off. Mitchell Marsh stays in his crease and pushes it to mid off for a run.

FOUR! There is no stopping Mitchell Marsh tonight! 100 comes up for Lucknow Super Giants in a flash. Hard length, on middle, Mitchell Marsh looks to pull it but gets a bottom edge. The ball still races through backward square leg for a boundary.

Gurjapneet Singh starts with a length ball, on middle, Josh Inglis pulls it on the bounce towards deep square leg for a single.

Gurjapneet Singh is brought into the attack now.

Nice and full again, on middle, Josh Inglis lunges and turns it to mid-wicket for one more.

Noor Ahmad goes full, on off, Mitchell Marsh leans on and taps it to the right of backward point for a quick single.

SIX! That's a flat six! Short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh gets down on one knee and slogs it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a flat six.

Fired in, on leg, with some turn. Mitchell Marsh looks to slog it, but wears it on his pads. The ball rolls towards the point fielder. Dot.

Short and wide, Josh Inglis stays back and slaps it through cover for a single.

Noor Ahmad bowls a quicker one, on off, Josh Inglis cuts it but finds the fielder at backward point.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Wow, what a Powerplay for the Super Giants and Mitchell Marsh has broken the back of the chase, especially in those last two overs. With 102 needed in 84 balls, LSG now have the opportunity to milk the runs in the middle overs and not take many risks. For the Super Kings, they desperately need a breakthrough and then some to wrestle back some momentum. There's still a long way to go, but if CSK fail to pick up wickets regularly, this game could soon be out of their reach. Also, Noor Ahmad comes into the attack now, right after the Powerplay.

SIX! What a Powerplay for LSG! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh swivels and pulls it. He doesn't connect that well, but the ball still flies over fine leg for a biggie. Lucknow Super Giants end the Powerplay at 86 for no loss.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Mitchell Marsh! Fifty up in just 21 balls for Mitchell Marsh. Hard length, angling in, on off. Mitchell Marsh stays back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary to get to his milestone. He has taken the best of CSK bowlers to the cleaners and has put LSG firmly in the driving seat.

FOUR! The onslaught continues from Mitchell Marsh! Good length, on off, Mitchell Marsh frees his arms and chips it over mid off for a boundary.

Hard length, on middle, Josh Inglis tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. Gets the dangerous Mitchell Marsh back on strike.

Spencer Johnson bangs it short, on off, Josh Inglis tries to pull it but misses.

FOUR! Josh Inglis joins the party! Spencer Johnson bowls it on a length, on off, Josh Inglis takes a step forward and steers it magnificently through backward point for a boundary.

Well, that over has got LSG flying in this chase. Anshul Kamboj has gone off the field, receiving some attention to the foot because it was struck hard by that straight drive from Marsh. Hopefully, he is fine.

FOUR! 28 runs off the over! Anshul Kamboj errs his line down leg, Mitchell Marsh uses the pace of the ball and helps it through fine leg for a boundary.

Oh, that has hit Anshul Kamboj straight on his leg. Hard length, on off, Mitchell Marsh drills it back to the bowler with a straight bat. Anshul Kamboj sticks out his left leg, and the ball deflects away to the fielder at cover. A rare dot in the over.

SIX AGAIN! Four sixes in a row! Just clean hitting and pure timing. On a good length this time, on off, Mitchell Marsh clears his front leg and flicks it effortlessly over deep backward square leg for the fourth six in a row.

SIX MORE! Three in a row from Mitchell Marsh! He is in some mood. Mitchell Marsh bowls a back-of-a-length delivery again, Mitchell Marsh stays in his crease and pulls it over square leg for yet another biggie. A hat-trick of sixes now.

SIX! This one is even bigger! Back of a length, on middle, Mitchell Marsh swivels and pulls it all the way over deep mid-wicket for yet another six. 50 UP FOR LSG in just 4.2 overs!

SIX! Hammered away from Mitchell Marsh! Anshul Kamboj bangs it short, outside off, Mitchell Marsh makes great use of his feet and slaps it powerfully over extra covers for a biggie.

Will Anshul Kamboj continue? Yes, he will. Went for 11 from his first over.

Johnson goes for the one-two punch as he follows up the short ball with a full and straight one. However, Marsh is ready for it and just checks the drive, punching it past the bowler, to his left and picks up a single.

That's flown through to the keeper as well. Back of a length, at 142.4 kph, and darted across the right-hander. Marsh looks to fetch and pull but is well beaten.

Back of a length and outside off, tapped away wide of point for a single.

A spicy bumper now from Spencer Johnson and the battle between the two Aussies is heating up. Banged in over middle stump, at 141.2 kph, and that's flown past the attempted pull from Josh Inglis.

That's a good comeback from the bowler. Dug in a bit short and fairly straight over middle and leg, Inglis tries to make room and carve it away but the ball bounces over the blade.

SIX! That's nailed! Pitched fuller and angled across off and middle, Josh Inglis hangs back and low, gets across a bit and climbs into the heave, launching it wide of long on for the first biggie of the chase.

Good comeback in the second half of the over from Kamboj. But still a profitable one for the hosts. Spencer Johnson (1-0-4-0) to continue.

Three dots to end the over, still 11 runs off it. A bit shorter and around off, Marsh stays upright and dabs it down towards backward point.

Good length, in the channel outside off, and patted down towards cover.

Oh, that's swung late. Just full of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh comes forward but opts to leave it late, and the ball swings back in after leaving the batter. Good take from Sanju Samson behind the stumps as well.

FOUR! Smashed away! Not a bad ball, landed on a hard length and over middle. Marsh charges a bit ahead, backs away and scythes it away behind point for a boundary.

Aerial again from Inglis, not timed well enough though. Back of a length, straighter in line, Inglis gets inside the line and heaves it over mid-wicket. The fielder from inside the ring hunts it down and keeps it down to three runs.

FOUR! Pummeled through the gap. A bit too full and wide outside off, swinging further away. Josh Inglis lunges across and hammers it through covers for a boundary.

LSG need 168 from 108 balls. And here's Anshul Kamboj into the attack, replacing Mukesh Choudhary.

A string of three dots to end the over, just five runs off it. Johnson hits the deck hard and darts it across the right-hander. Mitchell Marsh goes after the width but fails to connect.

No room on offer this time. Just back of a length, on middle and leg, shapes back in with some extra bounce. Marsh hops up and fends it away.

Johnson keeps the length relatively full and spears it well across the off stump. Marsh goes for the booming drive but mistimes it to extra cover.

WIDE! Pitched fuller but angled well down leg. Marsh fails to get a bat on it and a wide is called.

That's a peach of a delivery. The in-between length, on middle and leg, shaping back in. Inglis is beaten through the gate but Sanju Samson spills the ball and the batters manage to pinch a bye.

Hoicked away but without much timing and Josh Inglis gets away with it. Back of a length, shaping into the body, Inglis goes for the pull but ends up snatching at it. The ball clears Noor Ahmad at mid-wicket, and Inglis picks up a brace.

Bowled on a good length and pushed well across the right-hander, Inglis reaches out and toe-ends it towards cover.

WIDE! A false start for Spencer Johnson as well. Quick and short but sprayed down the leg side for a wide.

Quite an eventful first over. But LSG would be happy with the start. Now then, it's time for Spencer Johnson to bowl for the first time this season.

That's rattled Inglis! A skiddy short ball, in and around off, angles in sharply off the deck. Inglis cannot move out of the way and gets hit on the arm guard as the ball rolls behind point for a leg bye. 15 off the first over of the chase.

FOUR LEG BYES! Josh Inglis is up to his antics already. Good-length delivery, angled in from around the wicket. Inglis shuffles to the off side, looking for the scoop, but the ball brushes the pads and goes down to fine leg for a third boundary in that region. Gaikwad has a long chat with the bowler and the keeper for an LBW review, but Samson is not too confident and they do not go upstairs. Ball Tracking later shows that the ball would have missed the stumps on height.

Better line from Mukesh. Hard length around off, tapped away towards backward point for a single.

FOUR MORE! That's begging to be put away. Shortish length again, on leg stump, Marsh hops inside the line and tickles it past the keeper for another boundary towards fine leg.

FOUR! Wrong line again, and Marsh is off the mark. A tad shorter, swinging into the hips, Mitchell Marsh tucks it down fine of fine leg and picks up a boundary to get going.

On the money this time! Good length, on off and middle, angling away. Mitchell Marsh gets a big stride out and blocks it off.

WIDE! Starts with a loosener, does Mukesh Choudhary. Lands it full and on leg, shaping it down the leg side for a wide.

SIX! DISAPPEARED INTO THE STANDS! Dube finishes strongly for the Super Kings. Short and slow from Prince, on middle and leg. Dube stands tall, has all the time in the world to get into a stable position. Nails the pull shot into the crowd behind deep square leg for half a dozen runs. 23 runs from the final over. CSK FINISH AT 187/5!

FOUR! BRUTE FORCE! Into the slot just outside off. Dube gets his bat under it and blasts it back over the bowler. It almost takes Prince on its way, but he manages to duck under it as it flies over him, and by the time anyone at long on or long off can move a muscle, it blazes away to the fence for a four.

FOUR! Throws everything at it and gets it away! Overpitched delivery, outside off. Shivam Dube swings really hard and because of that, one hand comes off the handle. He still manages to slice it aerially, clears the backward point region and gets a boundary.

SIX! A gift and Dube accepts it gleefully! Prince slips in a full toss, on the leg stump line. Shivam Dube makes room by clearing his front leg. A free-flowing hit over deep mid-wicket and that fetches Dube and CSK six crucial runs.

Oh, what was that from Veer? Not quite sure how to describe this one. It's a slower short ball by Prince, over the leg stump. Prashant Veer first tries to ramp it over short third, but somehow manages to tap it over the short fine leg region. Rishabh Pant runs backwards and dives full length, but the ball stays out of his reach and lands in front of him. One taken.

Good work by Pooran in the deep. Saves a certain boundary. Full toss at shin height, on middle. Veer gets under it and pumps it over the bowler's head. Nicholas Pooran runs and dives to his right from long on and manages to cut it off. Saves two runs for his team. LSG, overall, have been pretty proactive in the field in this game.

Prince Yadav switches ends, and he'll close out the first innings with the ball. Also, LSG have been penalized for a slow over rate and they can only have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring for the final over.

Low full toss, wide outside off. Prashant Veer throws everything left in the tank to slice it into the backward point gap, but ends up hitting it on the bounce towards Mitchell Marsh in the ring at the mentioned position. Marsh gets low to his left and stops it. Just a single. 11 runs from the penultimate over. 4-0-41-1 for Shami this evening.

Attempted yorker, on middle and off, at 139.2 kph, Shivam Dube gets his front leg out of the way and carves it down to long on for a single only.

FOUR! That's been clubbed! Comes from around the wicket now to Dube. Bowls it short and on top of off. Shivam Dube gets into a good position and pulls it over mid-wicket for a cracking four. Dube's first boundary after a scratchy start.

Excellently fielded by Akash Singh! Another uncomfortable short ball by Shami, at the ribs. Prashant Veer tries to pull, but gets a top edge and the ball flies over the keeper. Akash Singh from deep fine leg runs and slides to his right to cut it off. One taken.

Good response from Shami! Over the wicket now, and this is banged short, on top of leg. Prashant Veer lines up to play the pull shot. Swings hard, only to miss out.

FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller from Shami from around the stump, on middle and angling in. Prashant Veer shuffles across, gets low, and scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Change? Nope. Prince Yadav to bowl out. Actually, Rishabh Pant has changed his mind and given the ball to Mohammad Shami.

Excellent stuff from Mayank! Just 4 runs from the 18th over. 11 runs from the last 2 overs for CSK. Yorker outside the off stump from Mayank, clocked at 145.6 kph. Dube tries to squeeze it away behind square on the off side, gets a bottom edge that rolls through to Pant.

Slams the deck hard, short on middle and leg. Prashant Veer gets inside the line to help it behind, but gets an under edge to the keeper's right. Pant flings himself to that direction, half stops, but manages to take the sting out of the ball as it rolls to the deep. One taken only.

Full, on of, Dube opens the bat face and slices it wide of backward point for a single.

Two is the call and they will get it! At almost 145 kph, short on middle. Shivam is hurried on the back foot and pulls it off the toe end. The ball barely crosses the inner ring in the mid on region and they hurry back for the second run. Dube is a bit laboured in completing the second run, but reaches before the throw arrives at the keeper. Oh, the umpires want to check whether it's a short run at the bowler's end. But the triple replays show that Dube just about managed to drag his bat inside the crease. So two runs will be counted. 150 up for Chennai Super Kings.

Hit hard, but straight to the fielder! Back of a length, around off. Shivam flat bats it hard but the mid off fielder gets across to his left to cut that.

Good gas! Short and wide outside off, nipping away further. Shivam Dube stands tall and tries to whack it over cover, but gets beaten comprehensively.

Mayank Yadav is back on.

Slightly back of a length, on the leg stump. Prashant Veer plays off the back foot and knocks it to the left of long on for a couple of runs. A quiet over, this. Just 7 runs from it. 3-0-26-0 so far for Prince Yadav.

WIDE! For height! Slower bumper at 117.9 kph, way too short into the pitch. Prashant Veer prepares to ramp it over the keeper but it is high enough to beat the bat. Wide called.

Short and slow, on leg. Dube swivels on the toes and pulls it to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

Length ball again, angled outside off. Prashant opens the bat face and runs it to deep third for a single.

Slash and a miss! Back of a length, just outside off. Veer tries to cut it square off the back foot, but misses out.

WIDE! Way too short, over the head height. Veer arches back and sees it flying behind to Pant. Wide called for height.

Slower full ball, on the leg stump, this is clipped behind square on the leg side for a single by Dube.

Touch short by Prince on the off stump. Shivam Dube knocks it to the bowler's left.

A sigh of relief in the LSG camp. And the next batter in is Prashant Veer.

OUT! CAUGHT! ​​​​Shahbaz Ahamad has the last laugh as he ends his spell. A big wicket in the game's context, as Kartik was going great guns. Full around leg from Shahbaz at 98.8 kmph. Kartik clears the front leg away for room, but does not get under it and airs it aerially down the ground, but fails to generate enough power. Markram at long on moves to his right and takes a good low catch. A fine innings comes to an end for Kartik, as he has put his side into a good position. Chennai Super Kings are 142/5 after 16 overs.

Quicker one, skidding through the shorter length, around off. Kartik tries to force it away, but gets an inside edge to short fine leg.

FOUR! Hit with venom and pierces the gap! Short in length, on middle and sliding in. Kartik Sharma backs away, and pulls it hard. Bisects the deep mid-wicket and long on fielders for a boundary.

FOUR! Helped on its way! Wayward from Shahbaz. Short, drifting down leg. Kartik Sharma crouches low and whips it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Nicely dispatched by Kartik.

SIX! Goodness me, he has picked the bones out of it! Serves it right into the slot, does Shahbaz, on middle and leg. Kartik Sharma clears the front leg to make room, gets down on a knee and nails the slog sweep over cow corner for a 97-meter six.

Across and wide of off, short in length. Shivam Dube slaps it off the back foot to deep extra cover for a single.

Change? Nope. Shahbaz Ahamad to bowl out. 3-0-30-0 so far.

FOUR! Expertly played! Goes short and outside off. Kartik Sharma uses the pace, brings his wrists into play, hops off the back foot and uppercuts it over backward point for a one-bounce boundary. A wicket and 12 runs from Shami's third over.

Hard length, at the ribs, Dube hops and nudges it wide of square leg for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! A much-needed wicket for the Super Giants just when the partnership between Kartik and Brevis was looking ominous. However, CSK are in a good position to breach the 160-run mark, which has been the par score on this surface. Lucknow Super Giants will need to keep picking up wickets to stop the Super Kings from reaching that figure. The Men in Yellow would hope that Kartik stays till the end and accelerates from here on. A very interesting climax of the first innings is up ahead. Shivam Dube is the new batter in for CSK, at number 6.

OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! Shami outfoxes Brevis and breaks the 70-run partnership. He slams the pitch with a well-directed short ball that kicks up over the chest height of the batter. Dewald Brevis gets inside the line, but is hurried on the pull shot and finds himself cramped for space and in an awkward shape as well. Gets a thick top edge and the ball spoons up behind and between short fine leg and square leg. Akash Singh circles around there, settles under the ball and takes a sharp catch there. Chennai Super Kings are 122/4 in 14.4 overs.

Slightly fuller, and outside off, scythed away to deep point for a single.

SIX! My word, that's a superb stroke! FIFTY FOR KARTIK SHARMA! This is his 2nd half century for Kartik this season. He has played the situation nicely, constructed a solid partnership with Brevis and is looking good for a big one now. Fuller from Shami, outside off. Kartik Sharma lets the ball arrive, hits through the line and smokes it over wide long off for a six to reach to his milestone.

Oh, trying to be cheeky! At 138 kph, Shami slams it short and over the middle stump. Kartik shuffles a long way across to scoop it over fine leg, but misses out.

A relatively quiet over from LSG's perspective. Mohammad Shami (2-0-18-0) is back on. He replaces Prince Yadav.

Short at 99.5 kph, around off. Dewald Brevis camps back and punches it hard between deep cover and deep backward point. The fielder runs to his left, slides and cuts the ball off to keep it down to a couple.

Not that full, not too short either. On middle and Kartik punches it down to long on for one more.

At 96.8 kph, this is short and sliding on the pads. Brevis goes back and across and dinks it to widish long on for a single.

Spots the batter charge down the track, Ahamad pushes it full and into the batter. Kartik Sharma adjust to the length and works it to long on for another single.

Shortish, outside off, slapped off the back foot to deep cover for a run.

Floated fuller, on the leg stump. Kartik Sharma clips it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Shahbaz Ahamad (2-0-23-0) is back on. He replaces Mayank Yadav.

Fractionally fuller, on the leg stump. Kartik plays with soft hands and tucks it through mid on for a single.  16 runs off the over. 22 from the last 2 for CSK.

It seems that the ball is not retrieved from the stands. The fourth umpire is out with a box of replacement balls.

SIX! Gets the hold of that as well! Short again, at shoulder height of the batter. Comfortable height for Kartik, as he swivels and pulls it comfortably over deep backward square leg for a six. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Kartik and Brevis.

SIX! High and handsome! Short from Prince, on top of middle and leg. Kartik Sharma picks the length nicely, lines up for the pull shot. Despite not hitting it off the middle, he manages to clear the deep square leg fence for a six. 100 UP FOR CSK!

Just short! Prince Yadav bangs a bouncer on middle. Dewald Brevis looks to take on the delivery as he pulls it to the deep square leg, but the ball flies flat. Aiden Markram is the man at the deep who runs toward the skier and is just short of the catch. One taken.

Slanted onto the pads, on a length, at 136.9 kph, this is nudged down to long on for a run.

Hit the batter on the other end! Pitches it up, does Prince, on off and middle. Dewald Brevis drives it uppishly, which hits the left thigh of Kartik Sharma, before it deflects off to mid off. Single taken.

Prince Yadav (1-0-3-0) is brought back on. He replaces Shahbaz Ahamad.

Speared fuller, on middle, Dewald Brevis' head falls over as he drills it in front of the mid off fielder. The batters, though, are quick to pinch in a single. Fine over again from Mayank. Just 6 from it.

Just over Rishabh Pant! Hard-length delivery, shaping in, down the leg side. Kartik Sharma attempts to pull it but induces the top edge. The ball loops up and over the left of Rishabh Pant. He runs toward it, dives but it stays out of his reach. The ball bounces off toward the deep fine leg region and the batter gets a single.

Follows the batter as he sees Kartik shuffling outside leg. Mayank bangs it short and angles on the bodyline. Sharma is cramped for room and can only bunt it back to the bowler.

Bouncer now, on off. Kartik Sharma arches back, sways out of the line and makes a leave.

FOUR! That's a slap, literally! Runs are coming quickly now for CSK. Back of a length, outside off. Enough room to access for Kartik. He hops on the toes and cuts it square, between cover and point for a boundary.

Back of a length, pitching it just outside off and angling down the leg side. Kartik Sharma looks to pull it but misses on the inside edge and gets pinged on his thigh pad.

SIX! The 'no-look' shot from Brevis and that gets him going! Pitched fuller, around off. Dewald Brevis picks the length in a trice, gets down on a knee and launches it handsomely over the sightscreen for a mammoth six. 15 runs from the over. 2-0-23-0 for Shahbaz Ahamad so far.

A tad fuller and way outside the off stump, near the tramline. Kartik Sharma stretches his hands and punches it to deep cover for another single.

Fuller, sliding in with the arm, on leg. Dewald Brevis gently drives it along the ground to long on for a run.

Flatter and fuller, just outside the off pole. Dewald Brevis strides out and drives it in the gap between deep cover and long off. And they hustle back for the second run.

Into the blockhole, drifting in on middle. Kartik carves it down the ground. Aiden Markram runs to his left from long on and cuts it off. One taken.

FOUR! Slapped it away! Short of a length, outside off. Kartik Sharma rocks back and punches it over the cover region for four runs.

Much better from Prince this time around. Halfway reached. CSK are 71/3. Shahbaz Ahamad (1-0-8-0) to continue.

Another dot ball to end, just two runs off the over. Short of a length, angled in from outside off. Dewald Brevis takes a step to the off side but gets cramped for room and manages to keep it out into the off side.

On a hard length, just outside off, Kartik Sharma steers it to deep third for a single.

The dots keep piling up for Kartik. Dug in short again, bowling it into the deck and right around the rib cage. Sharma awkwardly tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Sharp fielding from LSG! Back of a good length, slanting in, on off. Kartik Sharma has the intention to cut it, but as he sees the ball nipping in, he fends it to the left of the backward point fielder.

Back of a length, angled into the batter, Sharma nudges it down to mid-wicket and looks for the single but Brevis rightly sends him back.

Pitches it up, does Yadav, shaping in, on middle. Dewald Brevis strides out and eases it to long on for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! LSG bossed the Powerplay, thanks to Akash Singh fiery spell where he peppered the hard lengths. He reaped the rewards by fishing out the CSK top three. This does not look like a high-scoring pitch by any stretch of imagination and we believe it might further slow down. CSK need a strong partnership in this middle phase to get around 160-170, which in all fairness would be a challenging total on this sluggish surface. The last 3 overs have gone for 32 runs and the Super Kings would hope that these two bat deep for them. A wicket or two for the Super Giants will certainly tilt the scales towards them. Mayank Yadav (1-0-14-0) is back on.

Bowled quick and flat, at the stumps, Kartik Sharma makes a bit of room and jams it firmly to covers.

SIX! That has been smoked away by Sharma! A touch fuller, on off. Kartik Sharma opens his stance and swats it well over the deep mid-wicket fence for a humongous six.

Another dot ball. Slower through the air again, floated up on leg stump. Kartik Sharma backs away and eases it out to covers.

Slower through the air, fuller, on off. Kartik Sharma lunges, waits for the delivery to arrive and drives it to the short cover fielder.

A touch short, fired in on off and middle, Brevis backs away and scythes it towards sweeper cover for a run.

Ahamad starts with a fuller delivery, just outside off. Kartik Sharma gets on his front foot and drives it toward the left of the bowler to get a single. Shahbaz dives to his left on the follow-through but the ball evades him for a single.

Ian Bishop informs that these are the best bowling figures for Akash in the IPL. Time for some spin now. Here's Shahbaz Ahamad into the attack, replacing Mayank Yadav.

End of a fine spell from Akash Singh, and he ends with figures of 26 for 3 in his 4 overs. This is pitched full and on off, Sharma gets a good stride forward and punches it between mid off and extra cover for a run.

Change of pace, on a good length, on middle. Dewald Brevis prods ahead and tucks it in front of the mid-wicket fielder for a quick single.

On a good length, on middle and leg, Brevis gets across to cover the line and lays it back towards the bowler.

WIDE! Attempted slower ball, back of a length and well down the leg side. Brevis leaves it alone.

SIX! BANG! A thumping start from Dewald Brevis. Short of a length once again from Singh, offering a lot of width outside off. Dewald Brevis frees his arms, gets on the toes and spanks it up and over the deep cover-point fence for half a dozen.

The short ball does the trick yet again for Akash. The Super Kings are in trouble now. They need a steady partnership to reconstruct their innings. Dewald Brevis is the next batter in at number 5. Hasn't had the best of seasons and this is a huge opportunity for him to bail his side out of trouble.

OUT! CAUGHT! The note comes out for a third time as Akash Singh picks up another crucial wicket for his side. Singh goes short and digs it in around off, angling it across the right-hander. Urvil Patel leans across and gets a hold of the pull but hits it flat. The ball sails down to deep mid-wicket and starts to dip, but Mitchell Marsh takes a good low catch and CSK are now reduced to 52 for 3.

Nearly dragged on! Good-length delivery, angling it away from the right-hander, just outside the off stump. Kartik Sharma looks to steer it to the point region, but gets an inside edge. The ball goes past the off stump and bounces off toward the keeper. Urvil Patel calls and gets the single. Kartik has to dive at the other end as Rishabh Pant throws it at the bowler's end, but Sharma gets inside the crease in time.

A big over for CSK after a while. And interesting. Akash Singh (3-0-16-2) will bowl out. Four overs on the trot for him, then.

FOUR! A couple of extras in the over, and the extra ball has cost Mayank Yadav. Full and angled into middle and leg, looking to slip one between bat and pad, but Urvil Patel clips it away firmly between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

WIDE! Too high this time around. Banged in halfway down the track, over middle, and this one sails over Urvil's head.

WIDE! Much fuller but angled down the leg side, and Patel fails to flick it away.

Halt in play. The ball clipped the helmet of Kartik Sharma and he will go through the mandatory concussion test. The physio is out to check him up and Kartik seems fine to continue.

Up in the air... but lands safely! Banged in short outside off, angling into the batter. Kartik looks away as he attempts the pull shot, gets a top edge that thuds into his helmet and lobs towards widish short fine leg. Pant runs across to his left and collects the ball on several bounces. A single is taken, but a mandatory concussion check awaits Kartik.

Much better length from Yadav. Bashes the good length and darts it back in towards the top of off. Sharma presses back to defend.

Yadav bangs it hard on the length, angling in on leg. Kartik Sharma pulls it down to deep backward square leg and gets a couple of runs.

FOUR! Kartik takes the aerial route and picks up a boundary. Quick and full, in the slot around off, Sharma picks it up and launches it over wide mid off for a boundary.

A bit slower than the first ball, on middle, Kartik Sharma hangs back and dabs it to the leg side.

WIDE! Not a great start from Mayank Yadav. He scoots from over the wicket and bowls down the leg stump. Kartik Sharma looks to flick it but misses.

This has been LSG's Powerplay by a distance. There's a variable bounce from that hard length which has made the batters uncomfortable. More pace. Here's Mayank Yadav into the attack, replacing Prince Yadav.

Top over from Akash Singh and CSK are 37/2 at the end of the first 6 overs. That in between length, on off and shapes back in a bit. Kartik Sharma gets forward to drive but gets a big inside edge back onto the pads.

Tight line on off, short of a length and jammed down to point for a single by Sharma.

Back of a length again, on off, angling away with extra bounce. Kartik Sharma leans back a bit to ramp it away but misses.

Superb stuff by Akash and the chit is out once more. His hard lengths have troubled the batters and just like that, both CSK openers are dismissed. Kartik Sharma is the new batter in at number 4. There is a wide slip in place.

OUT! CAUGHT! Akash Singh has done it again! Just back of a length, bowled into the bodyline as well. Sanju Samson hangs back, picks it up and wrists it aerially over square leg. The ball sails down to deep square leg and straight into the clutches of Mukul Choudhary stationed over there. Singh gets the double whammy and this is a big wicket for LSG as Sanju Samson departs now. CSK are 36/2 in 5.3 overs.

Excellent carry once again. Length ball on off, naturally slanting across, Samson looks to play at it but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

Nicely timed. Bowled fuller and around off, Samson prods ahead and caresses it through covers for a couple of runs.

Double change? Nope. Akash Singh (2-0-13-1) will bowl his third over on the trot.

That should have been put away. A full toss, speared into the ads, Urvil Patel clips it straight to square leg.

That's well bowled as well. A proper bumer now, over middle and leg, around the shoulder. Urvil awkwardly looks to pull but the ball sails over the willow.

High on the bat, and it doesn't go to the fence. A quick short ball, at the batter, Urvil Patel takes it on and muscles the pull over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Hard length, in and around off stump, Sanju waits back and dabs it behind point for a single.

Another play and a miss. Dug in a bit short now, just outside off. Samson leans back to pull but fails to connect.

A beauty to start with from Prince. Good-length delivery, on fourth stump and just nips away off the deck. Samson's feet go nowhere as he pokes at it and gets beaten past the outside edge.

First bowling change by LSG. Prince Yadav is introduced into the attack now, replacing Mohammad Shami.

That's a good ball to the new batter. Shorter and skidding across from the off-stump line. Urvil Patel gets into an awkward position as he tries to ramp and nearly hits it straight to short third.

The CSK skipper is gone in the Powerplay. Akash Singh has been pretty impressive so far, especially with his hard lengths. Urvil Patel walks in at number 3. He went berserk in Chennai when these two sides met previously, and is fresh off the joint-fastest IPL fifty.

OUT! CAUGHT! Akash Singh gets the first breakthrough for LSG and brings out the 'chit celebration.' Singh peppers the hard length and lands it on middle, angling it away. Ruturaj Gaikwad leans back and tries to force the pull but ends up snatching at it. The ball goes off the higher part of the bat and lobs towards mid on, where Nicholas Pooran takes a straightforward catch. CSK are 31/1.

FOUR! Up and over! Too full and too wide outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad holds his shape well and just hoists it over the cover region for a boundary.

Back of a length, around middle and leg, swung away without much timing through square leg for a single.

Half an appeal for a caught behind from Rishabh Pant, but that's not much from the bowler, and the umpire turns it down as well. However, Pant has taken the review, interesting. This is a well-directed bumper, over the leg stump and around the front shoulder. The third umpire has a look at it and there's nothing on UltraEdge. It isn't a wide for height either, so LSG lose a review.

On the pads, picked up by Gaikwad and hoicked down to long leg for a single.

Much better from Shami in this over. Two in a row for Akash Singh (1-0-7-0) as well.

Oh, that's gone past the edge! Good-length delivery, in the corridor of uncertainty, Sanju Samson hangs back and has a half-hearted jab at it, but gets beaten past the outside edge.

That's a good change-up. Dug in well short and outside off, angling away. Samson just sways away from the line of the ball.

On a dragged length this time, going away from off stump, Sanju Samson gets on his toes and hits it in front of square on the off side for a couple of runs in the deep.

Good length, on the fifth stump line, hit on the up and through the cover-point region for a third straight single in the over.

Fuller in length, outside off, shapes further away. Sanju Samson makes room and has to reach for it, slicing it down to deep backward point for another single.

Width on offer, but there's protection in the deep. Short of a good length, wide outside off, slapped away to deep backward point for a run.

Decent start for Akash. Just 7 runs from the over. Mohammad Shami (1-0-13-0) to continue. Gaikwad vs Shami then. FYI, Gaikwad hasn't been dismissed by Shami in the IPL yet, according to Raunak Kapoor on air.

Hard length on middle and leg, cramping the batter for room. Sanju hangs back and taps it down the pitch.

Fuller than a good length, around off, played with soft hands and eased towards deep point for another single.

Good-length delivery on off, shaping back in a bit, Samson stays put and punches it with an open bat face through point for one.

Pitched full on off, allowing the ball to swing back in. Gaikwad clips it wide of mid on and picks up a single.

FOUR! Down the wrong line. A skiddy bumper, rushing the batter as well, but it's around the leg stump. Gaikwad goes for the hook and gets a top edge that goes down to fine leg for a boundary.

Akash starts on the shorter side and bowls it on middle and leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad comes forward and just tucks it down to short mid-wicket.

Shami did get some movement, but overall, it was a very profitable opening over for CSK. Akash Singh, the former Super King, for the first time this season is into the attack.

A dot to end, but it's a positive first over for CSK, 13 off it. Bowled back of a length and outside off, Samson stands tall and punches it down to cover-point.

WIDE! That's a wild one from Shami. Pitched full on leg and it is the inswinger that moves down the leg side. Rishabh Pant springs to his left and saves a certain boundary.

FOUR! Oh, that won't please the bowler one bit. Shami pulls the length back by a few inches and the line is tighter on off. Samson makes room to go through the off side again but gets an inside edge that runs away to the fine leg fence. 12 off the over already.

FOUR! That's spanked away to the fence. The length is relatively full, bowled outside off and shaping further away. Sanju Samson backs away early and laces the shot square through the off side and the ball races away to the fence.

Good length, in the chanel around off, stroked away on the up but straight to cover-point.

FOUR! Samson is off the mark in style. Shami goes full again, on off, no swing this time and Sanju just leans on, punching it through covers for the first boundary off the game.

Oh, a lovely outswinger to begin with. Shami lands it fuller on off and middle, gets the ball shaping away from the right-hander. Sanju Samson goes for the drive, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

All set for the 59th match of the season to get underway in Lucknow. Both the umpires have made their way out. Rishabh Pant leads his men to the middle as the Super Giants disperse across to take their spots on the field. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson make their way to the crease to open for CSK. Mohammad Shami has the new ball in hand and will bowl the first over. So it's Samson vs Shami to begin with. A slip in place. Here we go!

Just minutes away from the first ball, but before that the stadium pauses to observe a minute's silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the devastating storms in Uttar Pradesh. Both teams will be wearing black armbands to mark their tributes to the victims.

Impact Player options for LSG - Josh Inglis, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Himmat Singh, and Ayush Badoni.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Mukul Choudhary (In for Josh Inglis), Abdul Samad (In for Himmat Singh), Shahbaz Ahamad, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Yadav (In for Digvesh Singh), Akash Singh (In for Akshat Raghuwanshi), and Prince Yadav.

Impact Player options for CSK - Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan, Matthew Short, and Matt Henry.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer (In for Akeal Hosein), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson (On debut, in for Jamie Overton), and Mukesh Choudhary.

The skipper of Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad says that this is a venue where you have to bat and bowl well. Reckons that a score of around 170-180 could be a good one on this deck. He also says that it is tough with the amount of injuries as they need to find momentum but it is not in their control, and the replacements have helped them, citing the examples of Urvil Patel and Mukesh Choudhary. Mentions that it has been a must-win situation for a while now, but they want to stay focused and assess conditions well. Gaikwad ends by informing that Spencer Johnson is set to make his debut for CSK, and also Gurjapneet Singh comes in place of Akeal Hosein.

The captain of Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says that the wicket is looking a bit tacky, so he says they didn't want to go out and bat themselves. On what objectives they want to achieve from the remaining games, Rishabh says they have a lot to achieve as a team as they are a side that runs on trust. He adds that they are trying a few things with an eye on the next season while giving their absolute best. He does not shy away from the way the season has gone, but insists there are plenty of positives to draw from. Says that they have a good side, but admits that things have not clicked for them this year. He stresses improving daily and adds that they still want to play good cricket. On the team combination, Pant informs that they have a couple of changes in the team.

TOSS - Toss time in Lucknow. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant are out there in the middle for the coin flip. Pant gives it a flick as Gaikwad calls. The coin flip lands in favor of Lucknow Super Giants and they will BOWL first.

Let's now hear from the CSK camp - Akeal Hosein joins for a chat as well. On the team's amazing performance, winning four out of their last five matches, Hosein reckons that they need to work as a unit rather than individual brilliance. On the lesson that they have learned from the previous LSG encounter, he says that the guys understood their role in executing the plan and having a positive attitude on the field. On missing Jamie Overton, he says that it's a massive loss for them, whether it's with bat or ball and he hopes he has a speedy recovery. On Urvil Patel, Hosein says that he is very excited for this match and Hosein believes that he will once again provide a banger performance. About bowling in the Powerplay, he says that it's very difficult to bowl when only two fielders are there outside the inner circle. Also adds that he always does his homework and tries to execute the skills in the match. 

Josh Inglis is up for a chat - On the challenges of playing against CSK, he says that they have some good options in their bowling department. They have two good spinners, Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad, who are in good form and they also have good death bowlers as well. On his tactic of playing against spin, Inglis puts his low stance at the heart of it, feeling that being closer to the ground helps him. He also credits his keeping background for helping him pick length early, and says he relies on soft hands and the ability to manoeuvre the ball into gaps. On being asked about his favourite batting position, he says that he loves playing at the top, where he tries to get the best from the fielding restrictions. About the key to scoring runs in this venue, he stresses the importance of reading conditions quickly and says that good communication is needed in the group so that all the batters stay on the same page. Ends up saying that India has some special young batting stars who have a very bright future ahead.

PITCH REPORT - The cricketing encyclopedia, Ian Bishop, and Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar are inspecting the conditions in Lucknow. Bishop begins by saying that it is warm and humid but thankfully, he says, there's no inclement weather. Walks to the strip, which is pitch number 4, and points out the dimensions, saying that the square boundaries have a six-meter difference, with one side being 57 meters and the other, 63 meters, while the straight hit is 77 meters. Bishop then invites Sunil Gavaskar to give his assessment while highlighting that pitch number 4 has been a very low-scoring surface this year. Gavaskar reckons that there won't be too many runs scored. He observes that there is no grass cover throughout the strip, but points out some bare patches, which he feels could be footmarks left by the bowlers or rough created by batters running on the surface. In Gavaskar's view, if the ball pitches in those indentations, it might keep slightly low and behave awkwardly. He expects a little bit of turn, particularly for the wrist spinners, calling it a very dry surface, and stresses that both teams will have to bat extraordinarily well to get around or above 200. Bishop then adds a reminder that scores here have been below 160 on this red soil surface. He notes that the strike rate against the seamers in the Powerplay is just around 40, owing to the little bit of extra bounce on offer. He adds that scoring runs here will require hard work, but stresses it is not impossible, while also underlining that the bowlers appear very much in the game.

Let's get to the game on hand - Lucknow and Chennai squared off not too long ago at the Chepauk and it was a storm by the name of Urvil Patel that took the game away from the Super Giants, but overall, it was a tightly fought contest. Lucknow have a few players in form, whereas CSK will be without Jamie Overton, who is a big blow, given his all-round impact in recent games. The pitch at the Ekana has generally favored the bowlers more than any other venue, but the last game played here was relatively high-scoring, so it will depend all on the type of surface being used for this game. Should be an interesting watch, stay tuned for the toss and team news.

Qualification scenarios getting tighter - Chennai Super Kings are currently on 12 points with 3 games in hand and they can get to a maximum of 18 points, which should be enough to seal a top-four finish, but a loss here and that maximum number of points that they can reach becomes 16 points, which might not be enough. With as many as 8 teams still in the hunt, every game can turn the tide in terms of the top four, but for now, RCB and GT have the best chance of qualifying and Delhi Capitals are on the brink as they can get to a maximum of 14 points and their Net Run Rate isn't great either.

The Ekana awaits - Hello, and a warm welcome to one and all. We are in Lucknow for Match number 59 of the 2026 IPL season, where Lucknow Super Giants are all set to go up against Chennai Super Kings. The Super Giants are languishing down the table, whereas the Super Kings are chasing a late entry into the top four. With Mumbai Indians beating Punjab Kings last night, this is the perfect opportunity for Chennai to not only do the double over Lucknow but also leapfrog Punjab in the points table. On the other hand, Lucknow have nothing to lose and will be eager for revenge as they look to dent Chennai's aspirations of finishing in the playoff spots.

... MATCH DAY ...

A desperate hunt vs playing for pride - The upcoming IPL 2026 Match 59 at the Ekana Stadium places Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings on opposite ends of the narrative spectrum. Rooted to the bottom of the table in 10th place with just three wins from 11 matches, Lucknow has been mathematically eliminated from the playoff race. Conversely, Chennai Super Kings have orchestrated a phenomenal mid-season resurgence under Ruturaj Gaikwad after a dodgy start. Stringing together three consecutive victories, CSK currently occupies the 5th spot with 12 points. For the Whistle Podu brigade, a victory here is non-negotiable to possibly catapult them up in the table, while a slip-up could prove catastrophic for their aspirations. Awakening the middle-order engine - Chennai’s late-season surge relies heavily on a clinical bowling unit and the emergence of fresh domestic talent. Pacer Anshul Kamboj has provided vital breakthroughs but a big loss for the Men in Yellow is the absence of Jamie Overton due to a right thigh injury, which has brought a premature end to his season. Dian Forrester has been named as the replacement for Jamie by the CSK management. At the top of the order, Urvil Patel has infused a fearless approach into the Powerplay. However, to sustain this momentum in the tournament's most unforgiving phase, CSK desperately needs consistency from its middle-order anchors, including Shivam Dube. Avoiding sudden batting collapses will be critical as senior figures look to find their footing before the playoffs. Flashes of spoilsport potential - Though playing entirely for pride, the Lucknow Super Giants possess the destructive firepower to act as ultimate spoilers. The return of Australian powerhouse Josh Inglis from injury has injected immense Powerplay intent, highlighted by his recent 33-ball 85 against Chennai in the reverse fixture. Mitchell Marsh has also struck form with a commanding century, while local bowling prospect Prince Yadav leads their attack with 16 scalps. For LSG to translate these individual highlights into a team victory, they need disciplined contributions from captain Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran to prevent fatal middle-order collapses. Urvil Patel's Chepauk blitz The psychological backdrop of this contest is dominated by their recent meeting at Chepauk, where Urvil Patel snatched victory from Lucknow's hands. LSG had posted a formidable 203/8 courtesy of a Josh Inglis onslaught, only for Urvil to counter-attack with a historic 13-ball half-century, finishing on 65 off 23 deliveries. This encounter exposed the fundamental dynamics of both teams. CSK excels in six-hitting momentum and death-overs composure but tends to let comfortable games drag on. Meanwhile, LSG possesses a varied bowling structure featuring Mohammed Shami and Shahbaz Ahamad but is hindered by an incredibly low tournament batting strike rate. Crucial tactical battles - The tactical narrative on the slow, spinning turf of the Ekana Stadium will likely be decided by two key battles. In the Powerplay, the explosive and reliable Sanju Samson faces the veteran seamer Mohammed Shami, a duel crucial to setting Chennai's batting tempo. Later in the innings, the focus shifts to how LSG's premier left-handers, Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant, handle the variations of CSK's frontline spinner, Noor Ahmad. Whichever side manages to dictate the run-flow during these specific phases will hold a massive advantage in controlling the game's outcome. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, recent first) - LSG - LWLLL | CSK - WWWLL. Ekana turns Yellow and Red - The anticipation for this Friday night encounter has reached a fever pitch. Local Lucknow fans are eager to witness their team exact vengeance and finish the season on a high, while travelling yellow-clad CSK supporters threaten to turn the Ekana Stadium into a secondary home venue. With Chennai fighting tooth and nail for survival and Lucknow completely unburdened by qualification pressure, the stage is set for a high-octane battle.