HIGHLIGHTS Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Match 59 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for LSG's response with the bat. The Super Giants use their Impact Sub option by bringing in Josh Inglis, while Prince Yadav is subbed out. The hosts have a tough target to chase as Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh walk out to open. The players of Chennai Super Kings have taken their respective spots on the field. And they too, have opted to use their Impact Sub. Gurjapneet Singh is swapped in for Shivam Dube. Mukesh Choudhary has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Marsh to take the strike. Let's go again...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Another close-affair on the cards? Right then, 188 is what Lucknow Super Giants need to win and hamper Chennai Super Kings' hopes of breaching into the top four. LSG have a couple of in-form batters and we should probably see Josh Inglis come in as the Impact Sub. The CSK bowlers will be looking for early wickets and there is something in it for the new-ball bowlers. Stay tuned as the chase is up next.

Let's now hear from the man himself - Akash Singh has a chat with the broadcasters. Singh says he is happy with his bowling, mentioning that he was practising hard and backed his process. He knew CSK's weaknesses and targeted them. Adds that his mindset is to pick big wickets and dominate. Singh says he's mentally prepared for the batters' league and executes his plans to pick big wickets. About his celebration, he says that it just gives him motivation and that there is no specific reason behind it.

A debut to remember - As for Lucknow Super Giants, their debutant, Akash Singh, was the wrecker-in-chief as he picked up 3 big wickets, including both the CSK openers. He bowled 4 overs on the trot up top and proved to be highly economical as well. LSG had the runs in check in the first half of the innings, but they conceded 116 runs in the final 10 overs, including 34 runs in the last two overs, and that has now made this a bit of a steep chase for a batting lineup that hasn't quite fired consistently throughout the season.

Kartik galvanizes CSK's middle order - CSK came out of the blocks quickly as Sanju Samson picked up three boundaries in the first over itself. However, they lost both their openers before the Powerplay ended and had to rebuild throughout the middle phase. Kartik Sharma was the one who held things together and for a while, Dewald Brevis gave him good company. Kartik went on to score 71 big runs as the likes of Prashant Veer and Shivam Dube laid the finishing touches, with the latter ending on an unbeaten 32 off just 16 balls.

CSK finish with a flourish - End of a well-fought first 20 overs and at mid-innings break, neither team will be too displeased with their efforts. However, given the nature of the pitch, Chennai Super Kings will feel they are a bit in front, having managed to notch up a total in excess of 180 runs. Also, the last two overs have certainly handed the momentum to the visitors.

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, SIX! DISAPPEARED INTO THE STANDS! Dube finishes strongly for the Super Kings. Short and slow from Prince, on middle and leg. Dube stands tall, has all the time in the world to get into a stable position. Nails the pull shot into the crowd behind deep square leg for half a dozen runs. 23 runs from the final over. CSK FINISH AT 187/5!

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, FOUR! BRUTE FORCE! Into the slot just outside off. Dube gets his bat under it and blasts it back over the bowler. It almost takes Prince on its way, but he manages to duck under it as it flies over him, and by the time anyone at long on or long off can move a muscle, it blazes away to the fence for a four.

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Throws everything at it and gets it away! Overpitched delivery, outside off. Shivam Dube swings really hard and because of that, one hand comes off the handle. He still manages to slice it aerially, clears the backward point region and gets a boundary.

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, SIX! A gift and Dube accepts it gleefully! Prince slips in a full toss, on the leg stump line. Shivam Dube makes room by clearing his front leg. A free-flowing hit over deep mid-wicket and that fetches Dube and CSK six crucial runs.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, Oh, what was that from Veer? Not quite sure how to describe this one. It's a slower short ball by Prince, over the leg stump. Prashant Veer first tries to ramp it over short third, but somehow manages to tap it over the short fine leg region. Rishabh Pant runs backwards and dives full length, but the ball stays out of his reach and lands in front of him. One taken.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, Good work by Pooran in the deep. Saves a certain boundary. Full toss at shin height, on middle. Veer gets under it and pumps it over the bowler's head. Nicholas Pooran runs and dives to his right from long on and manages to cut it off. Saves two runs for his team. LSG, overall, have been pretty proactive in the field in this game.

Prince Yadav switches ends, and he'll close out the first innings with the ball. Also, LSG have been penalized for a slow over rate and they can only have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring for the final over.

Mohammad Shami to Prashant Veer, Low full toss, wide outside off. Prashant Veer throws everything left in the tank to slice it into the backward point gap, but ends up hitting it on the bounce towards Mitchell Marsh in the ring at the mentioned position. Marsh gets low to his left and stops it. Just a single. 11 runs from the penultimate over. 4-0-41-1 for Shami this evening.

Mohammad Shami to Shivam Dube, Attempted yorker, on middle and off, at 139.2 kph, Shivam Dube gets his front leg out of the way and carves it down to long on for a single only.

Mohammad Shami to Shivam Dube, FOUR! That's been clubbed! Comes from around the wicket now to Dube. Bowls it short and on top of off. Shivam Dube gets into a good position and pulls it over mid-wicket for a cracking four. Dube's first boundary after a scratchy start.

Mohammad Shami to Prashant Veer, Excellently fielded by Akash Singh! Another uncomfortable short ball by Shami, at the ribs. Prashant Veer tries to pull, but gets a top edge and the ball flies over the keeper. Akash Singh from deep fine leg runs and slides to his right to cut it off. One taken.

Mohammad Shami to Prashant Veer, Good response from Shami! Over the wicket now, and this is banged short, on top of leg. Prashant Veer lines up to play the pull shot. Swings hard, only to miss out.

Mohammad Shami to Prashant Veer, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller from Shami from around the stump, on middle and angling in. Prashant Veer shuffles across, gets low, and scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Change? Nope. Prince Yadav to bowl out. Actually, Rishabh Pant has changed his mind and given the ball to Mohammad Shami.

Mayank Yadav to Shivam Dube, Excellent stuff from Mayank! Just 4 runs from the 18th over. 11 runs from the last 2 overs for CSK. Yorker outside the off stump from Mayank, clocked at 145.6 kph. Dube tries to squeeze it away behind square on the off side, gets a bottom edge that rolls through to Pant.

Mayank Yadav to Prashant Veer, Slams the deck hard, short on middle and leg. Prashant Veer gets inside the line to help it behind, but gets an under edge to the keeper's right. Pant flings himself to that direction, half stops, but manages to take the sting out of the ball as it rolls to the deep. One taken only.

Mayank Yadav to Shivam Dube, Full, on of, Dube opens the bat face and slices it wide of backward point for a single.

Mayank Yadav to Shivam Dube, Two is the call and they will get it! At almost 145 kph, short on middle. Shivam is hurried on the back foot and pulls it off the toe end. The ball barely crosses the inner ring in the mid on region and they hurry back for the second run. Dube is a bit laboured in completing the second run, but reaches before the throw arrives at the keeper. Oh, the umpires want to check whether it's a short run at the bowler's end. But the triple replays show that Dube just about managed to drag his bat inside the crease. So two runs will be counted. 150 up for Chennai Super Kings.

Mayank Yadav to Shivam Dube, Hit hard, but straight to the fielder! Back of a length, around off. Shivam flat bats it hard but the mid off fielder gets across to his left to cut that.

Mayank Yadav to Shivam Dube, Good gas! Short and wide outside off, nipping away further. Shivam Dube stands tall and tries to whack it over cover, but gets beaten comprehensively.

Mayank Yadav is back on.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, Slightly back of a length, on the leg stump. Prashant Veer plays off the back foot and knocks it to the left of long on for a couple of runs. A quiet over, this. Just 7 runs from it. 3-0-26-0 so far for Prince Yadav.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, WIDE! For height! Slower bumper at 117.9 kph, way too short into the pitch. Prashant Veer prepares to ramp it over the keeper but it is high enough to beat the bat. Wide called.

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, Short and slow, on leg. Dube swivels on the toes and pulls it to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, Length ball again, angled outside off. Prashant opens the bat face and runs it to deep third for a single.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, Slash and a miss! Back of a length, just outside off. Veer tries to cut it square off the back foot, but misses out.

Prince Yadav to Prashant Veer, WIDE! Way too short, over the head height. Veer arches back and sees it flying behind to Pant. Wide called for height.

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, Slower full ball, on the leg stump, this is clipped behind square on the leg side for a single by Dube.

Prince Yadav to Shivam Dube, Touch short by Prince on the off stump. Shivam Dube knocks it to the bowler's left.

A sigh of relief in the LSG camp. And the next batter in is Prashant Veer.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! ​​​​Shahbaz Ahamad has the last laugh as he ends his spell. A big wicket in the game's context, as Kartik was going great guns. Full around leg from Shahbaz at 98.8 kmph. Kartik clears the front leg away for room, but does not get under it and airs it aerially down the ground, but fails to generate enough power. Markram at long on moves to his right and takes a good low catch. A fine innings comes to an end for Kartik, as he has put his side into a good position. Chennai Super Kings are 142/5 after 16 overs.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Quicker one, skidding through the shorter length, around off. Kartik tries to force it away, but gets an inside edge to short fine leg.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, FOUR! Hit with venom and pierces the gap! Short in length, on middle and sliding in. Kartik Sharma backs away, and pulls it hard. Bisects the deep mid-wicket and long on fielders for a boundary.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, FOUR! Helped on its way! Wayward from Shahbaz. Short, drifting down leg. Kartik Sharma crouches low and whips it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Nicely dispatched by Kartik.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, SIX! Goodness me, he has picked the bones out of it! Serves it right into the slot, does Shahbaz, on middle and leg. Kartik Sharma clears the front leg to make room, gets down on a knee and nails the slog sweep over cow corner for a 97-meter six.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Shivam Dube, Across and wide of off, short in length. Shivam Dube slaps it off the back foot to deep extra cover for a single.

Change? Nope. Shahbaz Ahamad to bowl out. 3-0-30-0 so far.

Mohammad Shami to Kartik Sharma, FOUR! Expertly played! Goes short and outside off. Kartik Sharma uses the pace, brings his wrists into play, hops off the back foot and uppercuts it over backward point for a one-bounce boundary. A wicket and 12 runs from Shami's third over.

Mohammad Shami to Shivam Dube, Hard length, at the ribs, Dube hops and nudges it wide of square leg for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! A much-needed wicket for the Super Giants just when the partnership between Kartik and Brevis was looking ominous. However, CSK are in a good position to breach the 160-run mark, which has been the par score on this surface. Lucknow Super Giants will need to keep picking up wickets to stop the Super Kings from reaching that figure. The Men in Yellow would hope that Kartik stays till the end and accelerates from here on. A very interesting climax of the first innings is up ahead. Shivam Dube is the new batter in for CSK, at number 6.

Mohammad Shami to Dewald Brevis, OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! Shami outfoxes Brevis and breaks the 70-run partnership. He slams the pitch with a well-directed short ball that kicks up over the chest height of the batter. Dewald Brevis gets inside the line, but is hurried on the pull shot and finds himself cramped for space and in an awkward shape as well. Gets a thick top edge and the ball spoons up behind and between short fine leg and square leg. Akash Singh circles around there, settles under the ball and takes a sharp catch there. Chennai Super Kings are 122/4 in 14.4 overs.

Mohammad Shami to Kartik Sharma, Slightly fuller, and outside off, scythed away to deep point for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Kartik Sharma, SIX! My word, that's a superb stroke! FIFTY FOR KARTIK SHARMA! This is his 2nd half century for Kartik this season. He has played the situation nicely, constructed a solid partnership with Brevis and is looking good for a big one now. Fuller from Shami, outside off. Kartik Sharma lets the ball arrive, hits through the line and smokes it over wide long off for a six to reach to his milestone.

Mohammad Shami to Kartik Sharma, Oh, trying to be cheeky! At 138 kph, Shami slams it short and over the middle stump. Kartik shuffles a long way across to scoop it over fine leg, but misses out.

A relatively quiet over from LSG's perspective. Mohammad Shami (2-0-18-0) is back on. He replaces Prince Yadav.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, Short at 99.5 kph, around off. Dewald Brevis camps back and punches it hard between deep cover and deep backward point. The fielder runs to his left, slides and cuts the ball off to keep it down to a couple.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Not that full, not too short either. On middle and Kartik punches it down to long on for one more.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, At 96.8 kph, this is short and sliding on the pads. Brevis goes back and across and dinks it to widish long on for a single.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Spots the batter charge down the track, Ahamad pushes it full and into the batter. Kartik Sharma adjust to the length and works it to long on for another single.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, Shortish, outside off, slapped off the back foot to deep cover for a run.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Floated fuller, on the leg stump. Kartik Sharma clips it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Shahbaz Ahamad (2-0-23-0) is back on. He replaces Mayank Yadav.

Prince Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Fractionally fuller, on the leg stump. Kartik plays with soft hands and tucks it through mid on for a single.  16 runs off the over. 22 from the last 2 for CSK.

It seems that the ball is not retrieved from the stands. The fourth umpire is out with a box of replacement balls.

Prince Yadav to Kartik Sharma, SIX! Gets the hold of that as well! Short again, at shoulder height of the batter. Comfortable height for Kartik, as he swivels and pulls it comfortably over deep backward square leg for a six. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Kartik and Brevis.

Prince Yadav to Kartik Sharma, SIX! High and handsome! Short from Prince, on top of middle and leg. Kartik Sharma picks the length nicely, lines up for the pull shot. Despite not hitting it off the middle, he manages to clear the deep square leg fence for a six. 100 UP FOR CSK!

Prince Yadav to Dewald Brevis, Just short! Prince Yadav bangs a bouncer on middle. Dewald Brevis looks to take on the delivery as he pulls it to the deep square leg, but the ball flies flat. Aiden Markram is the man at the deep who runs toward the skier and is just short of the catch. One taken.

Prince Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Slanted onto the pads, on a length, at 136.9 kph, this is nudged down to long on for a run.

Prince Yadav to Dewald Brevis, Hit the batter on the other end! Pitches it up, does Prince, on off and middle. Dewald Brevis drives it uppishly, which hits the left thigh of Kartik Sharma, before it deflects off to mid off. Single taken.

Prince Yadav (1-0-3-0) is brought back on. He replaces Shahbaz Ahamad.

Mayank Yadav to Dewald Brevis, Speared fuller, on middle, Dewald Brevis' head falls over as he drills it in front of the mid off fielder. The batters, though, are quick to pinch in a single. Fine over again from Mayank. Just 6 from it.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Just over Rishabh Pant! Hard-length delivery, shaping in, down the leg side. Kartik Sharma attempts to pull it but induces the top edge. The ball loops up and over the left of Rishabh Pant. He runs toward it, dives but it stays out of his reach. The ball bounces off toward the deep fine leg region and the batter gets a single.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Follows the batter as he sees Kartik shuffling outside leg. Mayank bangs it short and angles on the bodyline. Sharma is cramped for room and can only bunt it back to the bowler.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Bouncer now, on off. Kartik Sharma arches back, sways out of the line and makes a leave.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, FOUR! That's a slap, literally! Runs are coming quickly now for CSK. Back of a length, outside off. Enough room to access for Kartik. He hops on the toes and cuts it square, between cover and point for a boundary.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Back of a length, pitching it just outside off and angling down the leg side. Kartik Sharma looks to pull it but misses on the inside edge and gets pinged on his thigh pad.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, SIX! The 'no-look' shot from Brevis and that gets him going! Pitched fuller, around off. Dewald Brevis picks the length in a trice, gets down on a knee and launches it handsomely over the sightscreen for a mammoth six. 15 runs from the over. 2-0-23-0 for Shahbaz Ahamad so far.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, A tad fuller and way outside the off stump, near the tramline. Kartik Sharma stretches his hands and punches it to deep cover for another single.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, Fuller, sliding in with the arm, on leg. Dewald Brevis gently drives it along the ground to long on for a run.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, Flatter and fuller, just outside the off pole. Dewald Brevis strides out and drives it in the gap between deep cover and long off. And they hustle back for the second run.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Into the blockhole, drifting in on middle. Kartik carves it down the ground. Aiden Markram runs to his left from long on and cuts it off. One taken.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, FOUR! Slapped it away! Short of a length, outside off. Kartik Sharma rocks back and punches it over the cover region for four runs.

Much better from Prince this time around. Halfway reached. CSK are 71/3. Shahbaz Ahamad (1-0-8-0) to continue.

Mayank Yadav to Dewald Brevis, Another dot ball to end, just two runs off the over. Short of a length, angled in from outside off. Dewald Brevis takes a step to the off side but gets cramped for room and manages to keep it out into the off side.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, On a hard length, just outside off, Kartik Sharma steers it to deep third for a single.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, The dots keep piling up for Kartik. Dug in short again, bowling it into the deck and right around the rib cage. Sharma awkwardly tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Sharp fielding from LSG! Back of a good length, slanting in, on off. Kartik Sharma has the intention to cut it, but as he sees the ball nipping in, he fends it to the left of the backward point fielder.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Back of a length, angled into the batter, Sharma nudges it down to mid-wicket and looks for the single but Brevis rightly sends him back.

Mayank Yadav to Dewald Brevis, Pitches it up, does Yadav, shaping in, on middle. Dewald Brevis strides out and eases it to long on for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! LSG bossed the Powerplay, thanks to Akash Singh fiery spell where he peppered the hard lengths. He reaped the rewards by fishing out the CSK top three. This does not look like a high-scoring pitch by any stretch of imagination and we believe it might further slow down. CSK need a strong partnership in this middle phase to get around 160-170, which in all fairness would be a challenging total on this sluggish surface. The last 3 overs have gone for 32 runs and the Super Kings would hope that these two bat deep for them. A wicket or two for the Super Giants will certainly tilt the scales towards them. Mayank Yadav (1-0-14-0) is back on.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Bowled quick and flat, at the stumps, Kartik Sharma makes a bit of room and jams it firmly to covers.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, SIX! That has been smoked away by Sharma! A touch fuller, on off. Kartik Sharma opens his stance and swats it well over the deep mid-wicket fence for a humongous six.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Another dot ball. Slower through the air again, floated up on leg stump. Kartik Sharma backs away and eases it out to covers.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Slower through the air, fuller, on off. Kartik Sharma lunges, waits for the delivery to arrive and drives it to the short cover fielder.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Dewald Brevis, A touch short, fired in on off and middle, Brevis backs away and scythes it towards sweeper cover for a run.

Shahbaz Ahamad to Kartik Sharma, Ahamad starts with a fuller delivery, just outside off. Kartik Sharma gets on his front foot and drives it toward the left of the bowler to get a single. Shahbaz dives to his left on the follow-through but the ball evades him for a single.

Ian Bishop informs that these are the best bowling figures for Akash in the IPL. Time for some spin now. Here's Shahbaz Ahamad into the attack, replacing Mayank Yadav.

Akash Singh to Kartik Sharma, End of a fine spell from Akash Singh, and he ends with figures of 26 for 3 in his 4 overs. This is pitched full and on off, Sharma gets a good stride forward and punches it between mid off and extra cover for a run.

Akash Singh to Dewald Brevis, Change of pace, on a good length, on middle. Dewald Brevis prods ahead and tucks it in front of the mid-wicket fielder for a quick single.

Akash Singh to Dewald Brevis, On a good length, on middle and leg, Brevis gets across to cover the line and lays it back towards the bowler.

Akash Singh to Dewald Brevis, WIDE! Attempted slower ball, back of a length and well down the leg side. Brevis leaves it alone.

Akash Singh to Dewald Brevis, SIX! BANG! A thumping start from Dewald Brevis. Short of a length once again from Singh, offering a lot of width outside off. Dewald Brevis frees his arms, gets on the toes and spanks it up and over the deep cover-point fence for half a dozen.

The short ball does the trick yet again for Akash. The Super Kings are in trouble now. They need a steady partnership to reconstruct their innings. Dewald Brevis is the next batter in at number 5. Hasn't had the best of seasons and this is a huge opportunity for him to bail his side out of trouble.

Akash Singh to Urvil Patel, OUT! CAUGHT! The note comes out for a third time as Akash Singh picks up another crucial wicket for his side. Singh goes short and digs it in around off, angling it across the right-hander. Urvil Patel leans across and gets a hold of the pull but hits it flat. The ball sails down to deep mid-wicket and starts to dip, but Mitchell Marsh takes a good low catch and CSK are now reduced to 52 for 3.

Akash Singh to Kartik Sharma, Nearly dragged on! Good-length delivery, angling it away from the right-hander, just outside the off stump. Kartik Sharma looks to steer it to the point region, but gets an inside edge. The ball goes past the off stump and bounces off toward the keeper. Urvil Patel calls and gets the single. Kartik has to dive at the other end as Rishabh Pant throws it at the bowler's end, but Sharma gets inside the crease in time.

A big over for CSK after a while. And interesting. Akash Singh (3-0-16-2) will bowl out. Four overs on the trot for him, then.

Mayank Yadav to Urvil Patel, FOUR! A couple of extras in the over, and the extra ball has cost Mayank Yadav. Full and angled into middle and leg, looking to slip one between bat and pad, but Urvil Patel clips it away firmly between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Mayank Yadav to Urvil Patel, WIDE! Too high this time around. Banged in halfway down the track, over middle, and this one sails over Urvil's head.

Mayank Yadav to Urvil Patel, WIDE! Much fuller but angled down the leg side, and Patel fails to flick it away.

Halt in play. The ball clipped the helmet of Kartik Sharma and he will go through the mandatory concussion test. The physio is out to check him up and Kartik seems fine to continue.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Up in the air... but lands safely! Banged in short outside off, angling into the batter. Kartik looks away as he attempts the pull shot, gets a top edge that thuds into his helmet and lobs towards widish short fine leg. Pant runs across to his left and collects the ball on several bounces. A single is taken, but a mandatory concussion check awaits Kartik.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Much better length from Yadav. Bashes the good length and darts it back in towards the top of off. Sharma presses back to defend.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, Yadav bangs it hard on the length, angling in on leg. Kartik Sharma pulls it down to deep backward square leg and gets a couple of runs.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, FOUR! Kartik takes the aerial route and picks up a boundary. Quick and full, in the slot around off, Sharma picks it up and launches it over wide mid off for a boundary.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, A bit slower than the first ball, on middle, Kartik Sharma hangs back and dabs it to the leg side.

Mayank Yadav to Kartik Sharma, WIDE! Not a great start from Mayank Yadav. He scoots from over the wicket and bowls down the leg stump. Kartik Sharma looks to flick it but misses.

This has been LSG's Powerplay by a distance. There's a variable bounce from that hard length which has made the batters uncomfortable. More pace. Here's Mayank Yadav into the attack, replacing Prince Yadav.

Akash Singh to Urvil Patel, Top over from Akash Singh and CSK are 37/2 at the end of the first 6 overs. That in between length, on off and shapes back in a bit. Kartik Sharma gets forward to drive but gets a big inside edge back onto the pads.

Akash Singh to Kartik Sharma, Tight line on off, short of a length and jammed down to point for a single by Sharma.

Akash Singh to Kartik Sharma, Back of a length again, on off, angling away with extra bounce. Kartik Sharma leans back a bit to ramp it away but misses.

Superb stuff by Akash and the chit is out once more. His hard lengths have troubled the batters and just like that, both CSK openers are dismissed. Kartik Sharma is the new batter in at number 4. There is a wide slip in place.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, OUT! CAUGHT! Akash Singh has done it again! Just back of a length, bowled into the bodyline as well. Sanju Samson hangs back, picks it up and wrists it aerially over square leg. The ball sails down to deep square leg and straight into the clutches of Mukul Choudhary stationed over there. Singh gets the double whammy and this is a big wicket for LSG as Sanju Samson departs now. CSK are 36/2 in 5.3 overs.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, Excellent carry once again. Length ball on off, naturally slanting across, Samson looks to play at it but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, Nicely timed. Bowled fuller and around off, Samson prods ahead and caresses it through covers for a couple of runs.

Double change? Nope. Akash Singh (2-0-13-1) will bowl his third over on the trot.

Prince Yadav to Urvil Patel, That should have been put away. A full toss, speared into the ads, Urvil Patel clips it straight to square leg.

Prince Yadav to Urvil Patel, That's well bowled as well. A proper bumer now, over middle and leg, around the shoulder. Urvil awkwardly looks to pull but the ball sails over the willow.

Prince Yadav to Urvil Patel, High on the bat, and it doesn't go to the fence. A quick short ball, at the batter, Urvil Patel takes it on and muscles the pull over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Prince Yadav to Sanju Samson, Hard length, in and around off stump, Sanju waits back and dabs it behind point for a single.

Prince Yadav to Sanju Samson, Another play and a miss. Dug in a bit short now, just outside off. Samson leans back to pull but fails to connect.

Prince Yadav to Sanju Samson, A beauty to start with from Prince. Good-length delivery, on fourth stump and just nips away off the deck. Samson's feet go nowhere as he pokes at it and gets beaten past the outside edge.

First bowling change by LSG. Prince Yadav is introduced into the attack now, replacing Mohammad Shami.

Akash Singh to Urvil Patel, That's a good ball to the new batter. Shorter and skidding across from the off-stump line. Urvil Patel gets into an awkward position as he tries to ramp and nearly hits it straight to short third.

The CSK skipper is gone in the Powerplay. Akash Singh has been pretty impressive so far, especially with his hard lengths. Urvil Patel walks in at number 3. He went berserk in Chennai when these two sides met previously, and is fresh off the joint-fastest IPL fifty.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, OUT! CAUGHT! Akash Singh gets the first breakthrough for LSG and brings out the 'chit celebration.' Singh peppers the hard length and lands it on middle, angling it away. Ruturaj Gaikwad leans back and tries to force the pull but ends up snatching at it. The ball goes off the higher part of the bat and lobs towards mid on, where Nicholas Pooran takes a straightforward catch. CSK are 31/1.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! Up and over! Too full and too wide outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad holds his shape well and just hoists it over the cover region for a boundary.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, Back of a length, around middle and leg, swung away without much timing through square leg for a single.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, Half an appeal for a caught behind from Rishabh Pant, but that's not much from the bowler, and the umpire turns it down as well. However, Pant has taken the review, interesting. This is a well-directed bumper, over the leg stump and around the front shoulder. The third umpire has a look at it and there's nothing on UltraEdge. It isn't a wide for height either, so LSG lose a review.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On the pads, picked up by Gaikwad and hoicked down to long leg for a single.

Much better from Shami in this over. Two in a row for Akash Singh (1-0-7-0) as well.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, Oh, that's gone past the edge! Good-length delivery, in the corridor of uncertainty, Sanju Samson hangs back and has a half-hearted jab at it, but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, That's a good change-up. Dug in well short and outside off, angling away. Samson just sways away from the line of the ball.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, On a dragged length this time, going away from off stump, Sanju Samson gets on his toes and hits it in front of square on the off side for a couple of runs in the deep.

Mohammad Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good length, on the fifth stump line, hit on the up and through the cover-point region for a third straight single in the over.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, Fuller in length, outside off, shapes further away. Sanju Samson makes room and has to reach for it, slicing it down to deep backward point for another single.

Mohammad Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Width on offer, but there's protection in the deep. Short of a good length, wide outside off, slapped away to deep backward point for a run.

Decent start for Akash. Just 7 runs from the over. Mohammad Shami (1-0-13-0) to continue. Gaikwad vs Shami then. FYI, Gaikwad hasn't been dismissed by Shami in the IPL yet, according to Raunak Kapoor on air.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, Hard length on middle and leg, cramping the batter for room. Sanju hangs back and taps it down the pitch.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Fuller than a good length, around off, played with soft hands and eased towards deep point for another single.

Akash Singh to Sanju Samson, Good-length delivery on off, shaping back in a bit, Samson stays put and punches it with an open bat face through point for one.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Pitched full on off, allowing the ball to swing back in. Gaikwad clips it wide of mid on and picks up a single.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! Down the wrong line. A skiddy bumper, rushing the batter as well, but it's around the leg stump. Gaikwad goes for the hook and gets a top edge that goes down to fine leg for a boundary.

Akash Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Akash starts on the shorter side and bowls it on middle and leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad comes forward and just tucks it down to short mid-wicket.

Shami did get some movement, but overall, it was a very profitable opening over for CSK. Akash Singh, the former Super King, for the first time this season is into the attack.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, A dot to end, but it's a positive first over for CSK, 13 off it. Bowled back of a length and outside off, Samson stands tall and punches it down to cover-point.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, WIDE! That's a wild one from Shami. Pitched full on leg and it is the inswinger that moves down the leg side. Rishabh Pant springs to his left and saves a certain boundary.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Oh, that won't please the bowler one bit. Shami pulls the length back by a few inches and the line is tighter on off. Samson makes room to go through the off side again but gets an inside edge that runs away to the fine leg fence. 12 off the over already.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, FOUR! That's spanked away to the fence. The length is relatively full, bowled outside off and shaping further away. Sanju Samson backs away early and laces the shot square through the off side and the ball races away to the fence.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, Good length, in the chanel around off, stroked away on the up but straight to cover-point.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Samson is off the mark in style. Shami goes full again, on off, no swing this time and Sanju just leans on, punching it through covers for the first boundary off the game.

Mohammad Shami to Sanju Samson, Oh, a lovely outswinger to begin with. Shami lands it fuller on off and middle, gets the ball shaping away from the right-hander. Sanju Samson goes for the drive, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

All set for the 59th match of the season to get underway in Lucknow. Both the umpires have made their way out. Rishabh Pant leads his men to the middle as the Super Giants disperse across to take their spots on the field. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson make their way to the crease to open for CSK. Mohammad Shami has the new ball in hand and will bowl the first over. So it's Samson vs Shami to begin with. A slip in place. Here we go!

Just minutes away from the first ball, but before that the stadium pauses to observe a minute's silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the devastating storms in Uttar Pradesh. Both teams will be wearing black armbands to mark their tributes to the victims.

Impact Player options for LSG - Josh Inglis, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Himmat Singh, and Ayush Badoni.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Mukul Choudhary (In for Josh Inglis), Abdul Samad (In for Himmat Singh), Shahbaz Ahamad, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Yadav (In for Digvesh Singh), Akash Singh (In for Akshat Raghuwanshi), and Prince Yadav.

Impact Player options for CSK - Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan, Matthew Short, and Matt Henry.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer (In for Akeal Hosein), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson (On debut, in for Jamie Overton), and Mukesh Choudhary.

The skipper of Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad says that this is a venue where you have to bat and bowl well. Reckons that a score of around 170-180 could be a good one on this deck. He also says that it is tough with the amount of injuries as they need to find momentum but it is not in their control, and the replacements have helped them, citing the examples of Urvil Patel and Mukesh Choudhary. Mentions that it has been a must-win situation for a while now, but they want to stay focused and assess conditions well. Gaikwad ends by informing that Spencer Johnson is set to make his debut for CSK, and also Gurjapneet Singh comes in place of Akeal Hosein.

The captain of Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says that the wicket is looking a bit tacky, so he says they didn't want to go out and bat themselves. On what objectives they want to achieve from the remaining games, Rishabh says they have a lot to achieve as a team as they are a side that runs on trust. He adds that they are trying a few things with an eye on the next season while giving their absolute best. He does not shy away from the way the season has gone, but insists there are plenty of positives to draw from. Says that they have a good side, but admits that things have not clicked for them this year. He stresses improving daily and adds that they still want to play good cricket. On the team combination, Pant informs that they have a couple of changes in the team.

TOSS - Toss time in Lucknow. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant are out there in the middle for the coin flip. Pant gives it a flick as Gaikwad calls. The coin flip lands in favor of Lucknow Super Giants and they will BOWL first.

Let's now hear from the CSK camp - Akeal Hosein joins for a chat as well. On the team's amazing performance, winning four out of their last five matches, Hosein reckons that they need to work as a unit rather than individual brilliance. On the lesson that they have learned from the previous LSG encounter, he says that the guys understood their role in executing the plan and having a positive attitude on the field. On missing Jamie Overton, he says that it's a massive loss for them, whether it's with bat or ball and he hopes he has a speedy recovery. On Urvil Patel, Hosein says that he is very excited for this match and Hosein believes that he will once again provide a banger performance. About bowling in the Powerplay, he says that it's very difficult to bowl when only two fielders are there outside the inner circle. Also adds that he always does his homework and tries to execute the skills in the match. 

Josh Inglis is up for a chat - On the challenges of playing against CSK, he says that they have some good options in their bowling department. They have two good spinners, Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad, who are in good form and they also have good death bowlers as well. On his tactic of playing against spin, Inglis puts his low stance at the heart of it, feeling that being closer to the ground helps him. He also credits his keeping background for helping him pick length early, and says he relies on soft hands and the ability to manoeuvre the ball into gaps. On being asked about his favourite batting position, he says that he loves playing at the top, where he tries to get the best from the fielding restrictions. About the key to scoring runs in this venue, he stresses the importance of reading conditions quickly and says that good communication is needed in the group so that all the batters stay on the same page. Ends up saying that India has some special young batting stars who have a very bright future ahead.

PITCH REPORT - The cricketing encyclopedia, Ian Bishop, and Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar are inspecting the conditions in Lucknow. Bishop begins by saying that it is warm and humid but thankfully, he says, there's no inclement weather. Walks to the strip, which is pitch number 4, and points out the dimensions, saying that the square boundaries have a six-meter difference, with one side being 57 meters and the other, 63 meters, while the straight hit is 77 meters. Bishop then invites Sunil Gavaskar to give his assessment while highlighting that pitch number 4 has been a very low-scoring surface this year. Gavaskar reckons that there won't be too many runs scored. He observes that there is no grass cover throughout the strip, but points out some bare patches, which he feels could be footmarks left by the bowlers or rough created by batters running on the surface. In Gavaskar's view, if the ball pitches in those indentations, it might keep slightly low and behave awkwardly. He expects a little bit of turn, particularly for the wrist spinners, calling it a very dry surface, and stresses that both teams will have to bat extraordinarily well to get around or above 200. Bishop then adds a reminder that scores here have been below 160 on this red soil surface. He notes that the strike rate against the seamers in the Powerplay is just around 40, owing to the little bit of extra bounce on offer. He adds that scoring runs here will require hard work, but stresses it is not impossible, while also underlining that the bowlers appear very much in the game.

Let's get to the game on hand - Lucknow and Chennai squared off not too long ago at the Chepauk and it was a storm by the name of Urvil Patel that took the game away from the Super Giants, but overall, it was a tightly fought contest. Lucknow have a few players in form, whereas CSK will be without Jamie Overton, who is a big blow, given his all-round impact in recent games. The pitch at the Ekana has generally favored the bowlers more than any other venue, but the last game played here was relatively high-scoring, so it will depend all on the type of surface being used for this game. Should be an interesting watch, stay tuned for the toss and team news.

Qualification scenarios getting tighter - Chennai Super Kings are currently on 12 points with 3 games in hand and they can get to a maximum of 18 points, which should be enough to seal a top-four finish, but a loss here and that maximum number of points that they can reach becomes 16 points, which might not be enough. With as many as 8 teams still in the hunt, every game can turn the tide in terms of the top four, but for now, RCB and GT have the best chance of qualifying and Delhi Capitals are on the brink as they can get to a maximum of 14 points and their Net Run Rate isn't great either.

The Ekana awaits - Hello, and a warm welcome to one and all. We are in Lucknow for Match number 59 of the 2026 IPL season, where Lucknow Super Giants are all set to go up against Chennai Super Kings. The Super Giants are languishing down the table, whereas the Super Kings are chasing a late entry into the top four. With Mumbai Indians beating Punjab Kings last night, this is the perfect opportunity for Chennai to not only do the double over Lucknow but also leapfrog Punjab in the points table. On the other hand, Lucknow have nothing to lose and will be eager for revenge as they look to dent Chennai's aspirations of finishing in the playoff spots.

... MATCH DAY ...

A desperate hunt vs playing for pride - The upcoming IPL 2026 Match 59 at the Ekana Stadium places Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings on opposite ends of the narrative spectrum. Rooted to the bottom of the table in 10th place with just three wins from 11 matches, Lucknow has been mathematically eliminated from the playoff race. Conversely, Chennai Super Kings have orchestrated a phenomenal mid-season resurgence under Ruturaj Gaikwad after a dodgy start. Stringing together three consecutive victories, CSK currently occupies the 5th spot with 12 points. For the Whistle Podu brigade, a victory here is non-negotiable to possibly catapult them up in the table, while a slip-up could prove catastrophic for their aspirations. Awakening the middle-order engine - Chennai’s late-season surge relies heavily on a clinical bowling unit and the emergence of fresh domestic talent. Pacer Anshul Kamboj has provided vital breakthroughs but a big loss for the Men in Yellow is the absence of Jamie Overton due to a right thigh injury, which has brought a premature end to his season. Dian Forrester has been named as the replacement for Jamie by the CSK management. At the top of the order, Urvil Patel has infused a fearless approach into the Powerplay. However, to sustain this momentum in the tournament's most unforgiving phase, CSK desperately needs consistency from its middle-order anchors, including Shivam Dube. Avoiding sudden batting collapses will be critical as senior figures look to find their footing before the playoffs. Flashes of spoilsport potential - Though playing entirely for pride, the Lucknow Super Giants possess the destructive firepower to act as ultimate spoilers. The return of Australian powerhouse Josh Inglis from injury has injected immense Powerplay intent, highlighted by his recent 33-ball 85 against Chennai in the reverse fixture. Mitchell Marsh has also struck form with a commanding century, while local bowling prospect Prince Yadav leads their attack with 16 scalps. For LSG to translate these individual highlights into a team victory, they need disciplined contributions from captain Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran to prevent fatal middle-order collapses. Urvil Patel's Chepauk blitz The psychological backdrop of this contest is dominated by their recent meeting at Chepauk, where Urvil Patel snatched victory from Lucknow's hands. LSG had posted a formidable 203/8 courtesy of a Josh Inglis onslaught, only for Urvil to counter-attack with a historic 13-ball half-century, finishing on 65 off 23 deliveries. This encounter exposed the fundamental dynamics of both teams. CSK excels in six-hitting momentum and death-overs composure but tends to let comfortable games drag on. Meanwhile, LSG possesses a varied bowling structure featuring Mohammed Shami and Shahbaz Ahamad but is hindered by an incredibly low tournament batting strike rate. Crucial tactical battles - The tactical narrative on the slow, spinning turf of the Ekana Stadium will likely be decided by two key battles. In the Powerplay, the explosive and reliable Sanju Samson faces the veteran seamer Mohammed Shami, a duel crucial to setting Chennai's batting tempo. Later in the innings, the focus shifts to how LSG's premier left-handers, Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant, handle the variations of CSK's frontline spinner, Noor Ahmad. Whichever side manages to dictate the run-flow during these specific phases will hold a massive advantage in controlling the game's outcome. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, recent first) - LSG - LWLLL | CSK - WWWLL. Ekana turns Yellow and Red - The anticipation for this Friday night encounter has reached a fever pitch. Local Lucknow fans are eager to witness their team exact vengeance and finish the season on a high, while travelling yellow-clad CSK supporters threaten to turn the Ekana Stadium into a secondary home venue. With Chennai fighting tooth and nail for survival and Lucknow completely unburdened by qualification pressure, the stage is set for a high-octane battle.