25 Apr at 4:50 pm

IPL 2024: CSK vs LSG 39th Match Highlights – CSK Falter at Home as Stoinis Powers LSG to Record Chase

Stoinis ton! LSG stuns CSK at Chepauk! © iplt20.com

The mighty Chepauk Stadium, Chennai Super King’s (CSK) fortress, witnessed a stunning upset on Wednesday night as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off a record chase. This match, the 39th of IPL 2024, was a nail-biter filled with brilliant batting displays and a dramatic finish.

Gaikwad’s Heroics Go in Vain

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, in red-hot form this season, continued his rampage with a scintillating 108 off just 60 balls. He found a valuable partner in Shivam Dube, who blasted a quickfire 66 off 27 balls. Thanks to their heroics, CSK posted a comfortable total of 210 for four on the board. However, sloppy fielding by LSG early on in the innings might have them kicking themselves later! Dropped catches from Yash Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi could have easily put CSK in a much stronger position.

Stoinis Steals the Show: A One-Man Army

Chasing a stiff target of 211, LSG needed a special knock, and they found their hero in the unlikely batting position of number 3. Marcus Stoinis, promoted up the order for the first time this season, stole the show with a breathtaking century. His unbeaten knock of 124 runs came off a mere 63 balls, an innings filled with power and precision. He single-handedly took the game away from CSK, leaving the Chepauk crowd stunned into silence.

The Crucial Role of Dew

LSG’s decision to chase earlier, a gamble at the toss, ultimately proved to be a masterstroke. As the night progressed, dew settled on the outfield, making the ball slippery and difficult for CSK spinners to grip. It played perfectly into Stoinis’ hands, allowing him to free his arms and launch the ball to all parts of the ground. The dew factor played a noteworthy role in the match’s outcome.

LSG Clinch a Historic Victory

Despite a valiant effort from the CSK bowlers, who started well by picking up early wickets, they couldn’t contain the Stoinis storm. In the later stages, contributions from Nicholas Pooran (34 runs) and Deepak Hooda (17 runs not out) further propelled LSG towards victory. Stoinis sealed the deal for his team with just three balls remaining, leaving Chepauk in disbelief.

A Turning Point in the Tournament?

This emphatic win for LSG marks their second victory over CSK this season and significantly strengthens their position in the points table. More importantly, it proves that no fortress is genuinely impregnable. CSK, meanwhile, will have to go back to the drawing board and address their bowling concerns, especially in situations with heavy dew.

This match will surely go down as one of the most memorable encounters of IPL 2024. It was a night where a single player’s brilliance overshadowed everything else, reminding us all that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties!