Lucknow Super Giants registered a dominant seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash on Friday in Lucknow, chasing down a target of 188 in just 16.4 overs with a blistering batting display.
Despite the emphatic win, LSG remain at the bottom of the points table with eight points from 12 matches and are already out of playoff contention. CSK, meanwhile, suffered a major setback in their playoff race after recording their sixth defeat of the season.
Marsh, Inglis Power LSG To Comfortable Chase
Chasing 188, LSG openers Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis gave the hosts a flying start with a massive 135-run opening partnership in just 11.3 overs.
Marsh led the charge aggressively, smashing 90 runs off only 38 deliveries, while Inglis provided solid support with 36 off 32 balls.
CSK briefly fought back by dismissing both openers on consecutive deliveries, while Abdul Samad also departed cheaply for seven runs. However, Nicholas Pooran remained unbeaten on 32 off 17 balls and Mukul Choudhary added 13 not out off 10 deliveries to guide LSG home comfortably.
Although LSG have won two of their last three matches, their late resurgence came too late after a damaging six-match losing streak earlier in the season ended their playoff hopes.
CSK’s Playoff Chances Take Major Hit
Earlier, batting first, CSK lost skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for 13 and Sanju Samson for 20 during the powerplay. Urvil Patel also departed early, leaving CSK struggling at 52/3.
A crucial partnership between Kartik Sharma and Dewald Brevis revived the innings. Kartik played an impressive knock of 71 runs, while Brevis contributed 25 as the duo added 70 runs for the fourth wicket.
However, CSK lost both batters within a short span and slipped to 142/5 in the 16th over.
Shivam Dube then provided late momentum with an unbeaten 32 off 16 balls, while Prashant Veer remained not out on 13 as CSK finished at 187/5 in 20 overs.
CSK Face Tough Qualification Scenario
The defeat leaves CSK sixth on the IPL 2026 points table with 12 points from 12 matches. The five-time champions now need to win both of their remaining league games and depend on favourable results from other teams to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Meanwhile, LSG’s dominant victory served as a reminder of their batting firepower despite an inconsistent campaign that saw them crash out of the playoff race early.
