Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a perfect homecoming for Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk as MS Dhoni and his boys beat Lucknow Super Giants by 12 runs in the IPL 2023 fixture on Monday. Chasing a daunting 218 runs to win, LSG could manage 205/7.
After being put into bat first, Chennai openers Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad were off to a blazing start as they smashed 79 runs in the powerplay, which is the most for CSK at the venue in the history of IPL. Ruturaj scored 57 off 31 balls while Conway notched up 47 off 29 balls. LSG pulled back by picking wickets in the middle overs. But cameos from Ambati Rayudu (27 off 14) and MS Dhoni (12 off 3) towards the end saw CSK post 217/7. Dhoni also reached the milestone of 5000 IPL runs, becoming only the 7th player to do so. Ravi Bishnoi and Mark Wood picked 3 wickets each.
In reply, LSG too were off to a blistering start with KL Rahul and Kayel Mayers. The West Indian smashed a 21-ball 50 to set the visitors on track to chase the total. However, losing wickets at regular intervals did not help Super Giants cause. Marcus Stoinis (21) and Nicholas Pooran (32) got starts but failed to capitalise. Moeen Ali starred with the ball for Yellow Army, picking up four wickets (4/26).