Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opened their winning account in the ongoing Indian Premier League (PSL) season as they defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 12 runs at Chepauk on Monday (April 3).

Invited to bat first, CSK piled up a mammoth 217/7 on the board. Ruturaj Gaikwad top scored with 57 off 31 balls while his opening partner Devon Conway made 47 in 29 balls. Ambati Rayudu (27* off 14) and Shivam Dube (27 off 16) also chipped in with handy contributions.

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was the stand-out bowler for LSG, picking up three wickets by conceding 28 runs in four overs.

In reply, the visitors got off to a blazing start as Kyle Mayers took the CSK attack to the cleaners, adding 79 runs for the opening wicket in just 5.3 overs. Moeen Ali drew the first blood for the hosts, dismissing Mayers for 53 off 22 balls.

Mayers’ wicket triggered a collapse as the Super Giants were reduced to 105/4 with Moeen claiming three more scalps to return with the figures of 4 for 26 in four overs. While Nicholas Pooran played a cameo of 18-ball 32, he didn’t get the desired support from other end.  

Pooran’s dismissal in the 16th over was the final nail in the coffin. While Ayush Badoni (23), Krishnappa Gowtham (17*) and Mark Wood (10*) reduced the margin of defeat, LSG’s innings was eventually restricted to 205/7.

For his stunning spell in a high-scoring affair, off-spinner Moeen Ali received rich praise from the cricket fraternity on Twitter.

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