The crowd at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai roared on Tuesday night as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snatched victory from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a thrilling match. The 39th match of IPL 2024 was a true nail-biter, with LSG eventually clinching the win by a mere 6 wickets with just 3 balls to spare.
CSK put on a batting masterclass first, setting a massive target of 210 runs after losing just 4 wickets in their 20 overs. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway got them off to a flying start, building a strong foundation with a 78-run partnership. Even after Gaikwad departed, the experienced Ambati Rayudu stepped up, adding another 63 runs with Conway before the latter fell for a well-made 47.
While MS Dhoni couldn’t quite get going this time, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja provided the late fireworks. His explosive 20-ball knock of 43, studded with two sixes and three fours, propelled CSK to a seemingly commanding total.
Chasing a daunting 211, LSG openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock started cautiously but weren’t afraid to take their chances when the bowling offered some width. However, both departed within the power play, putting pressure on the middle order.
Enter Marcus Stoinis, who paved the path for LSG’s victory with his knock of 124 runs in just 63 deliveries, and Deepak Hooda provided him great support with his crucial knock of 47 runs off 26 balls, Their 107-run partnership for the third wicket put LSG firmly in control of the chase.
But the tension grew during the final overs when the wickets started to fall for LSG, and despite that, Ayush Badoni ensured the victory with just 3 balls remaining.
Stoinis, for his match-winning century, was rightfully declared the Player of the Match. This victory keeps LSG’s playoff hopes alive, while CSK will be looking to bounce back stronger from this narrow defeat.
