LSG vs CSK First Innings Highlights: Dhoni’s Brilliance, Jadeja’s Strikes Restrict Lucknow to 166

Key Highlights:

LSG vs CSK First Innings: Jadeja and Dhoni Lead Clinical Bowling Effort as CSK Restrict LSG to 166.
The stage was set at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) hosted Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 30th match of IPL 2025. The pitch looked ideal for batting, but CSK’s experienced bowling attack, backed by MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast glovework and field presence, ensured that LSG could only muster 166/7 in their 20 overs.

This was LSG’s lowest total at home this season, and it came despite a gritty half-century from Rishabh Pant, who looked in sublime touch before falling to Pathirana in the 19th over.

Powerplay Drama: CSK Strike Early

Opting to field first, CSK made their intentions clear with early breakthroughs in the powerplay.

• 0.6 Over: Aiden Markram fell for just 6, thanks to a blinding catch from Rahul Tripathi running backwards at midwicket off Khaleel Ahmed’s delivery.
• 3.6 Over: Nicholas Pooran was dismissed LBW by the ever-impressive Anshul Kamboj, as DRS showed three reds and confirmed the ball hitting the leg stump. Pooran went for 8.

Powerplay Score: 42/2 in 6 overs

Middle Overs: Jadeja and Kamboj Shift Momentum

The middle phase saw LSG struggling to build momentum as CSK kept up the pressure:

• 9.3 Over: Mitchell Marsh (30 off 25) was cleaned up by Ravindra Jadeja, who skidded one in from around the wicket and shattered the stumps. The score now read 73/3.
• 13.4 Over: Ayush Badoni, trying to charge down the track, was stumped brilliantly by Dhoni off Jadeja’s bowling. He scored 22 off 17.
• 13.1 Over: Just before that, Jadeja had a loud appeal for stumping which was upheld after DRS confirmed Badoni had overstepped.

The wickets kept tumbling and boundaries dried up as Jadeja ended with figures of 2/20 in 4 overs, once again proving his value as CSK’s spin spearhead.

Rishabh Pant’s Gritty Fifty

The lone warrior in LSG’s innings was Rishabh Pant, who scored a fighting 63 off 49 balls. He paced his innings well:

• Rotated strike smartly through the middle overs.
• Targeted the pacers towards the end.
• Struck 4 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing power and placement.

However, his innings ended on 19.2 overs, when he top-edged a slower ball from Matheesha Pathirana, with Dhoni completing yet another catch behind the stumps.

Final Overs Collapse – LSG vs CSK

LSG looked poised for a 180+ total at one point, but a series of quick wickets triggered a collapse:

• Abdul Samad, after a quickfire 20 (11), was run out on a brilliant piece of fielding and throw from MS Dhoni.
• Shardul Thakur (6 off 4) fell to Pathirana on the final ball of the innings.
• LSG managed just 57/3 in the last 5 overs, losing their way completely after Pant’s departure.

Bowling Analysis – CSK’s Best of the Night

• Ravindra Jadeja was the most economical and impactful, taking 2 vital wickets.
• Matheesha Pathirana was expensive but picked 2 important wickets — including the prized scalp of Pant.
• Kamboj continued to impress with his control and variations.

Fielding Highlights: Vintage Dhoni and Agile Tripathi

• Rahul Tripathi’s catch to remove Aiden Markram was arguably the best in the tournament so far.
• MS Dhoni, at 43, proved age is just a number — 2 dismissals, 1 stumping, and a smart run-out added to his legacy.
• Jadeja and Dhoni combined like a well-oiled machine to dismiss Badoni with a perfectly executed plan.

Match Flow Recap

• Overs 0.1 – 6.0: LSG 42/2 (Markram, Pooran dismissed)
• Overs 6.1 – 13.0: LSG recover to 105/4 (Marsh, Badoni fall)
• Overs 13.1 – 20.0: CSK dominate death overs, Pant, Samad, and Shardul fall

Final Score: LSG – 166/7 in 20 overs

Innings Verdict: Competitive or Below Par?

While 166 is defendable, it seems below-par on a Lucknow surface that has offered runs in previous games.

• CSK’s bowling unit executed their plans well.
• LSG’s failure to finish strongly could hurt them, especially with dew expected to come into play in the second innings.
• With CSK’s strong top order and Ruturaj Gaikwad in form, the chase should be within reach — but early wickets will be crucial.

What to Watch in Second Innings

• Can LSG’s bowlers compensate for the underwhelming finish with early strikes?
• Will CSK open aggressively or preserve wickets against the swinging new ball?
• Who will emerge as the game-changer in this nail-biting IPL clash?

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