IPL 16 : CSK vs LSG – Match 6 : Chennai
The MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai was witness to an absorbing run-fest on Monday evening, as Chennai Super Kings ( CSK ) , played host to Lucknow Super Giants ( LSG ), who travelled down south to challenge the Yellow Army. The fans came in hordes to cheer their Team Chennai and were not disappointed as CSK defended their fortress…but only just.
A Rutu-Conway Exposition
A seemingly relaxed KL Rahul invited MS Dhoni to bat first after winning the toss. Ruturaj Gaikwad who is batting like a dream and Devon Conway spared no torment for the lacklustre LSG bowlers. Barring Ravi Bishnoi ( who has been superb with his leg spin ) all other bowlers received great treatment from the CSK batters.( Mark Wood though knocked out 3 of them and is now well and truly in the running for the purple cap). Ruturaj’s sublime form is simply breathtaking. His timing is exquisite, placement perfect and without brute power he is sending the ball deep into the stands.
A Massive Target
On the back of a rampaging opening partnership and with decent contributions from Rayudu, Shivam Dube and Dhoni in the end, CSK amassed a massive 217. Any score above 200 is tough to chase and LSG through tried very hard and put up a strong fight, the target just continued to get away from them.
Moeen-Santner buttress Mayers Heroics
Kyle Mayers has been a revelation of sorts for the LSG. His strike power is phenomenal and has that all so famous Caribbean swag while playing shots. He once again gave a great start to LSG, but the introduction of spin from both ends changed the dynamics of the game. Moeen Ali and Mitchel Santner bowled 8 overs between them for just 47 runs and scalped 5 LSG batters. The middle phase went to CSK pegging back LSG. Though Nicholas Pooran struck superbly and looked to take LSG home, he got out to a sharp catch from Ben Stokes at Long off.
Strange from Badoni
Krishnappa Gowtham did try and scored a 6 as well, but it was all too far for the tailenders. Ayush Badoni, the Impact substitute was surprisingly sedate and did not appear to be forcing the issue. It appeared as if he was trying to preserve his wicket, so that the margin of defeat could be kept at the minimum. It was a bit strange from him. Eventually Mark Wood struck 10 runs of the last 2 balls and LSG finished 12 short.
Some points to ponder for LSG
LSG would be more than happy to have contributions from Deepak Hooda who has started the season rather quietly and Stoinis might make way for Quinton De Kock once he arrives. The West Indian duo of Mayers and Pooran are as of now doing bulk of the scoring and I hope they keep going. Though we might see a KL Rahul special soon, who knows ( I am waiting ).
Impregnable Fortress but Concerns Exist
So the fortress could not be breached at Chennai and CSK further strengthened their home turf advantage. They have won 75% of the games played in Chennai. A mighty record indeed. However there is still a lot to ponder upon for CSK. Their bowling is a weak link and needs both precision and discipline.
Over to Delhi
From Chepauk, the IPL moves to Delhi, where the Delhi Capitals will square up against the Defending Champions Gujarat Titans tonight. Great chance for Delhi to record their first win, however the opponents are not easy to be stifled. A good contest is on the cards.
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Featured Image : Victorious Chennai