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New Delhi: Kartik Sharma’s impressive 42-ball 75 and Shivam Dube’s sensational finish helpedChennai Super Kings (CSK) to post 187/5 in the IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, May 15.

After being asked to bat first, CSK’s top order stumbled against LSG bowlers’ hard length strategy. Sanju Samson (20), captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (13) and Urvil Patel (6) failed to make big contributions and were removed by Akash Singh.

After three setbacks, Kartik and Dewald Brevis (25) stitched a 70-run partnership for the fourth wicket as CSK recovered from 52/3 after 7.2 overs. Kartik initially struggled against short deliveries but showed grit and determination to stay in the middle.

Brevis, at the other end, provided him with good support, hitting a maximum each off Akash Singh and Ahmed. Kartik completed his fifty in 35 balls, by hitting a maximum against Mohammed Shami. But the veteran Indian pacer made a good comeback and removed Brevis for 25 in the 15th over.

Kartik was also dismissed by spinner Shahbaz Ahmed in the 16th over. He smashed 71 runs off 42 balls with the help of six boundaries and five maximums. Before Kartik showcased his brilliant maturity, left-arm pacer Akash had CSK in a tangle. But CSK recovered from early setbacks thanks to Kartik’s stunning knock, and Shivam Dube smacked an unbeaten 32 runs off 16 balls to help the team finish strongly.

He hit three boundaries and two maximums during his blistering knock and stitched a 45-run partnership with Prashant Veer. Prince Yadav concedes 23 runs in the final over as CSK set an 188-run target for LSG. Akash picked up 3 wickets, while Shami and Shahbaz also took one each.

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