Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 12 runs in their first game back at Chepauk. Chasing a huge target of 218, Kyle Mayers gave a promising start to LSG, playing a blistering knock of 53 off just 22 balls. But CSK bowlers hampered the opponents’ momentum with regular wickets. Tushar Deshpande successfully defended 29 runs in the final over to seal a thrilling win in front of the Yellow Army.

Put into bat first, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway gave CSK an electrifying start by scoring 110 runs in 9 overs. Gaikwad continued with his terrific form and smashed 3 fours and 4 sixes before departing for 57. In the next over, Mark Wood scalped Conway who batted well for his 47. Shivam Dube played a little cameo of 27 before Ravi Bishnoi sent him back to the dressing room.

Mooen Ali had a good start but failed to convert it into a big score. Ambati Rayudu attacked LSG bowlers and chipped in with an unbeaten 27. CSK captain MS Dhoni smashed two sixes in the final over and helped his side to post a mammoth total of 217/7 in 20 overs. Bishnoi and Wood bagged three wickets each.

In reply, LSG had an excellent start as its skipper KL Rahul and Mayers smoked 79 runs inside the powerplay overs. Moeen gave the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Mayers who was in the beast mode. Mitchell Santner then removed Deepak Hooda (2) while Moeen scalped the big fish Rahul (20). CSK bowlers took regular wickets to slow down LSG’s scoring rate but Nicholas Pooran shifted the momentum by scoring a quick 32. However, CSK bowlers held their nerves to have the last laugh.