Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won their match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by seven wickets at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, May 15.
The host team won the toss and decided to bowl first. Akash Singh, playing his first game of the season, bowled four consecutive overs and dismissed CSK's top three players. His explosion with the new ball forced Karthik Sharma and Dewald Brewis to do a rebuilding job.
The wicketkeeper-batsman gave a brilliant performance, showing maturity beyond his years. He took calculated risks, while Brewis was more aggressive in the middle. Their partnership scored 70 runs off 44 balls to bring CSK back into the game.
After the dismissals of Karthik and Brewis in quick succession, Shivam Dubey played a crucial knock of 32* off 16 balls as CSK finished at 187/5.
In reply, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis gave a great start to LSG. The first was aggressive, hitting boundaries for fun inside the power play. He added 135 runs in 70 balls before being out on consecutive balls.
Marsh was unfortunately run out at the non-striker's end. Abdul Samad also got out cheaply but Nicholas Pooran and Mukul Chaudhary gave the hosts victory in 16.4 overs. Puran ended the match in 16.4 overs by hitting four consecutive sixes off Anshul Kamboj.
talking points:
1)Mitchell Marsh slammed CSK
Mitchell Marsh was in excellent form on Friday, hitting almost every ball he faced. He hit four consecutive sixes in one over of Anshul Kamboj. His 38-ball stay at the crease resulted in 90 runs, as he hit nine fours and seven sixes.
2) Kartik Sharma shines again
Karthik Sharma played a brilliant innings under pressure, which showed that he belongs on this stage. The 20-year-old gave himself some time in the middle and was very aggressive against spinner Shahbaz Ahmed. During his innings of 71 runs in 42 balls, Karthik hit six fours and five sixes.
3) Akash Singh's dominance continues
Left-arm fast bowler Akash Singh played his first match in IPL 2026 and dismissed CSK's top three batsmen. He bowled four consecutive overs and took 3 wickets for 26 runs. Akash's hustle and aggressive attitude was amazing to watch. The 24-year-old swung the ball and also mixed it up with some well-directed bouncers.
who said what?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings (losing captain)
I felt there was something in it for fast bowlers. You know, when we batted, we found it difficult to hit the ball off good lengths, probably because their bowlers executed it really well. But I think we were looking at a target of 160 or 170 and we got 180. So I thought, from a batting point of view we probably couldn't have done any better, but I think credit goes to them. He batted really well and don't know if the pitch got better or not, but I think he played some exceptional shots. (Talking about bowling short balls) We were watching but you know, Josh Inglis, he played differently in the last game. So we have to make a plan and obviously Mitch Marsh is someone who plays the short ball very well. So I think we were just looking to hit that hard length, proper Test match length. We thought there was something, the ball was moving well, but I think he hit some really good shots. We missed execution in certain areas or even on certain balls, but I think he played some exceptional shots. But I think looking back, after the opening batsmen got out, we felt that it became difficult for the coming batsmen to get starts as well. So I think, yes, there was still something in the hard length, both their openers batted brilliantly once again. (When asked about the number of injuries) Well, sometimes the opponent can play better cricket than you, so you have to accept that. I think in the last game they played better cricket than us initially, but we came back really well. So we showed some character. Even today, I think from a batting point of view, it was really good to see a young boy Karthik showing confidence and scoring 70 or 80 runs. So, as a unit, as I said, you know, the middle order was something that we still lacked. But in the last few games of the tournament, I think I am really confident that, from a batting point of view, we have started clicking and bowling, we are doing really well. It's just an off day today, but after a few matches I am really confident about my team. (How will you face the next two matches?) Well, the first challenge is to get Chennai. It's a long flight. After that, just make sure we come back and improve on what areas we need to improve and yes, try to adapt and assess the circumstances as quickly as possible and it's a simple calculation for us. No matter how many games we play, we win every game. So I guess nothing is simple. I mean, it's simple, nothing complicated. It's very easy for us here. Nothing to worry about. Just make sure we have a good day. Anyone who has had a good day, count them out and hope we turn things around.
Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants (winning captain)
It looks good. It definitely feels good to get a win. No matter how our season turns out, there's a lot to play for. He has been working hard throughout the IPL, sometimes it is difficult to give everyone a game, the way he bowled and stuck to the plan, it paid off. The first idea was to send two foreign players to open and Nicky to bat at number three. We are working out, four fast bowlers are working out in home conditions. The team we have is amazing, the only thing that can harm us is overthinking. The idea came to try out players who didn't have much of a chance, I still wanted to be there, but sometimes you have to respect the decisions of the think tank.
Mitchell Marsh, Player of the Match
It felt good to win. Things have been few and far between for us this season. We have great guys in this group, some great young kids. I love it. He takes the pressure off me and having grown up playing for Western Australia, it was a good partnership. As per experience, it is a red clay pitch and it will work a bit in the first 2-3 overs. Cricket is a fun game, isn't it? I'm a little out of luck, I'm enjoying being out there with the boys.
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