Lucknow Super Giants delivered one of their strongest performances of the IPL 2026 season as they defeated Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Chasing 188 on a lively surface, LSG completed the target with 20 balls remaining thanks to a sensational innings from Mitchell Marsh and a clinical finish from Nicholas Pooran.
The result gave LSG an important victory in front of their home fans, while Chennai Super Kings slipped further in the tightly contested playoff race.
Akash Singh Gives LSG Early Control
Lucknow’s strong performance began with the ball. Young left-arm pacer Akash Singh made an immediate impact in his first appearance of the season and produced his best IPL figures. Bowling against his former franchise, Akash used the bounce available on the red-soil surface brilliantly and kept the CSK batters under pressure throughout the powerplay.
He dismissed key top-order batters and finished with impressive figures of 3 for 26 in four overs. His disciplined hard-length bowling prevented Chennai from getting the quick start they wanted.
CSK managed only 37 runs for the loss of two wickets inside the powerplay, allowing LSG to stay ahead in the contest.
Kartik Sharma Leads CSK Recovery
After early setbacks, young batter Kartik Sharma played a mature innings to bring Chennai Super Kings back into the game. The right-hander mixed caution with aggression and showed excellent control against both pace and spin.
Kartik struck 71 runs from 42 deliveries and built useful partnerships in the middle overs. His clean hitting against the spinners helped CSK regain momentum after a difficult start. Dewald Brevis added a quick contribution, while Shivam Dube provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 32 off just 16 balls.
Dube accelerated brilliantly at the death, helping CSK post a competitive total of 187 for 5.
Mitchell Marsh Takes the Game Away
Lucknow Super Giants came out with aggressive intent during the chase, and Mitchell Marsh completely changed the direction of the match in the powerplay. The Australian all-rounder attacked the CSK bowlers from the first over and never allowed them to settle.
Marsh smashed boundaries all around the ground and raced to 90 runs from only 38 balls. His innings included powerful hitting against both fast bowlers and spinners, putting the CSK attack under enormous pressure.
Josh Inglis played the supporting role perfectly with a composed 36 as the pair added a massive opening partnership that almost sealed the match inside the first half of the chase.
Pooran Finishes in Style
After Marsh fell short of a century, Nicholas Pooran made sure there were no late problems for the home side. The left-hander played another explosive cameo and finished the game in trademark fashion.
Pooran struck four consecutive sixes during the final phase of the innings and remained unbeaten on 32 as Lucknow crossed the target comfortably.
CSK Playoff Hopes Under Pressure
The defeat pushed Chennai Super Kings down the points table and increased pressure ahead of their remaining league matches. Despite promising knocks from Kartik Sharma and Shivam Dube, CSK struggled to control LSG’s aggressive batting approach.
For Lucknow Super Giants, the victory was a positive sign in a difficult season. Mitchell Marsh’s explosive innings, Akash Singh’s disciplined bowling and Pooran’s finishing touch combined to give LSG a memorable win at home.
Brief Score
- Chennai Super Kings: 187/5 (Kartik Sharma 71, Shivam Dube 32*; Akash Singh 3/26)
- Lucknow Super Giants: 188/3 in 16.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 90, Josh Inglis 36, Nicholas Pooran 32*)
Lucknow Super Giants won by 7 wickets
