In a high-pressure IPL 2025 clash, MS Dhoni’s vintage finishing touch powered Chennai Super Kings to a thrilling five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Chasing a competitive target of 167 runs, Dhoni’s explosive 26 off just 11 balls*, alongside Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 43 off 37 deliveries, sealed a last-over win for CSK, snapping their five-match winless streak.

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CSK Bowlers Lay the Foundation with a Disciplined Effort

After opting to field first, CSK skipper MS Dhoni’s decision paid off immediately. Veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and Purple Cap holder Noor Ahmad (4-0-13-0) delivered exceptional spells to restrict LSG to 166/7. Seamers Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kambhoj also made early breakthroughs, dismissing dangerous batters like Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran cheaply.

Despite a fighting 63 off 49 balls from LSG captain Rishabh Pant, and a gritty knock from Mitchell Marsh (30 off 25), LSG couldn’t build momentum due to consistent breakthroughs by the CSK bowlers.

Rachin Ravindra and Shaik Rasheed Provide CSK a Solid Start

In response, Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22) and debutant Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19) gave Chennai Super Kings a flying start with a 52-run partnership inside five overs. However, LSG’s spinners struck back with key wickets. Ravi Bishnoi (2 wickets) and Aiden Markram (1 wicket) applied pressure in the middle overs, reducing CSK to 96/4 by the 13th over.

Dhoni’s Heroics Under Pressure Steal the Show

With CSK needing 56 runs from the final five overs, the stage was set for MS Dhoni’s magic. Walking in with the game hanging in the balance, Dhoni rolled back the years, smashing three boundaries and a one-handed six to ignite the chase. His impactful knock brought the equation down to 20 runs off 11 balls.

A crucial no-ball six by Shivam Dube, followed by a series of clean hits, ensured CSK crossed the line with three balls to spare. Dube’s calm presence and Dhoni’s fiery cameo combined to deliver a much-needed win for the Chennai side.

Key Highlights:

• MS Dhoni: 26* (11) – Match-winning cameo under pressure
• Shivam Dube: 43* (37) – Anchored the chase
• Ravindra Jadeja: 2/24 – Key wickets in the middle overs
• Noor Ahmad: 4-0-13-0 – Restrictive spell
• Rishabh Pant: 63 (49) – Lone warrior for LSG
• CSK successfully chased 167 with 5 wickets in hand