Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered their first win of IPL 2023 as the MS Dhoni-led team beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 12 runs on Monday. With this win, Chennai kept their winning record at Chepauk intact. However, it was not an easy win for the hosts as LSG batters did threaten to chase down the total.
Kyle Mayers (53 off 22) got LSG to a flying start while a cameo from Nicholas Pooran (32 off 18) kept them in the chase. However, Moeen Ali ensured CSK don’t lose another game after dominating with the bat in hand. The England all-rounder claimed four wickets to keep LSG in check throughout their innings.
The fielders also did a great job to save crucial runs in the outfield. One of the best fielding moments of the match came in the 19th over of the LSG innings when Ruturaj Gaikwad saved a certain boundary with an acrobatic effort. As Rajvardhan Hangargekar was bowling wide lines in the penultimate over, LSG’s Krishnappa Gowtham tried to improvise and played a ramp over the short third-man fielder.
The ball was racing to the third-man boundary but Gaikwad had another plan. The CSK batter appeared out of nowhere and stopped the ball from touching the ropes. Gaikwad slid a long distance and also got up quickly, exhibiting his superb athleticism.
Watch the video here:
With this effort, Gaikwad saved 26 runs for Tushar Deshpande to defend in the last over. The CSK pacer did err a bit as he bowled a wide and a no-ball, but he eventually helped his side register their first win of the season.
