IPL 2023: 45th Match LSG vs CSK: May 3, 2023

In a rain-affected match in Lucknow, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) held the upper hand against the Super Giants in the first innings. The CSK spinners dominated the home team’s batting lineup, with Moeen Ali dismissing Kyle Mayers for the second time in the season and Maheesh Theekshana accounting for Manan Vohra and Krunal Pandya in consecutive deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja bowled an exceptional delivery to dismiss Marcus Stoinis, leaving him stunned. At 44 for 5 in the 10th over, the Super Giants were in trouble, but Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran stabilized the innings. Despite the early collapse, Badoni and Pooran showed resilience and built a partnership of 59 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Pooran could only contribute 14 runs while Badoni took charge and displayed his counter-attacking skills. Badoni smashed two sixes off Theekshana and reached his fifty with another six off Deepak Chahar in the 19th over, giving the Super Giants a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, rain interrupted the match in the 20th over of the first innings, forcing the players off the field. The rain did not ease up enough for play to resume, and as a result, the game was called off at 6.56 pm local time. Both teams were awarded one point each from the contest. With this result, both the Chennai Super Kings and the Super Giants reached a total of 11 points after ten games in the season. The fixture was notable for the return of two fast bowlers. Deepak Chahar, who had missed six games due to a hamstring injury, made a comeback for the Chennai Super Kings. Although he went wicketless, Chahar delivered an economical spell, conceding 41 runs in his four overs. On the other side, Mohsin Khan featured in the Super Giants XI for the first time this season after recovering from an injury that kept him out for almost a year. Unfortunately, due to the bad weather, Khan did not get an opportunity to bowl. Overall, the match in Lucknow showcased the dominance of the CSK spinners and the fighting spirit of Ayush Badoni for the Super Giants. The rain played a crucial role in the outcome of the game, preventing any further play and resulting in both teams earning one point each. With the teams now tied on 11 points, the competition in the IPL season remains intense as they strive to secure a spot in the playoffs.