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Chennai Super Kings’ playoff aspirations suffered a major blow after Lucknow Super Giants delivered a commanding seven-wicket win at Ekana Stadium.

With the defeat, CSK’s road to the playoffs has become far more difficult. Their next two matches have now become must-win encounters, and another slip-up could all but end their hopes of lifting a sixth IPL title.

Mitchell Marsh makes light work of 188-run chase

Chasing 188, LSG made a mockery of the target as Mitchell Marsh tore into the CSK attack with a brutal assault.

Known as Bison, Marsh smashed 90 off just 38 deliveries, hammering nine fours and seven sixes. He dominated the chase from the outset and never allowed Chennai’s bowlers to settle.

He was well supported by Josh Inglis, who played another valuable hand with 36 off 32 balls. The pair added 135 for the opening wicket in only 70 deliveries, effectively taking the contest away from CSK in the first half of the chase.

Nicholas Pooran finishes in style as Anshul Kamboj endures nightmare spell

After the opening stand, Nicholas Pooran ensured there were no late twists.

The left-hander finished the chase emphatically, smashing four consecutive sixes off Anshul Kamboj to seal victory in just 16.4 overs.

Kamboj endured a disastrous outing, leaking 63 runs in 2.4 overs — one of the most disastrous spells in IPL history. It was a harsh night for a bowler who had been one of CSK’s bright spots in recent games.

Mukesh Choudhary and debutant Spencer Johnson picked up one wicket each, but overall it was a poor showing from the Chennai bowling unit.

Kartik Sharma powers CSK to competitive total

Earlier, CSK posted 187 for 5, largely thanks to a quality innings from Kartik Sharma.

The right-hander struck 71 off 42 balls, including six fours and five sixes, and held the innings together after the early damage.

Sanju Samson got a start but failed to convert, scoring 20 off 20 deliveries. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel also departed cheaply as Chennai slipped to 52/3.

Shivam Dube then provided the late push with 32 off just 16 balls, helping CSK reach what looked a competitive total at the halfway stage.

Akash Maharaj Singh shines in first game of season

For LSG, Akash Singh impressed in his first appearance of the season.

The left-arm pacer dismantled CSK’s top order with figures of 3/26 in four overs and put Chennai under pressure early.

Mohammed Shami and Shahbaz Ahmed picked up one wicket each as LSG backed up the batting with a disciplined bowling effort on a flat surface.

Already out of the playoff race, LSG produced one of their best all-round displays of the season, while CSK were left with very little room for error from here.

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