Josh Inglis smashed a blistering 85 off just 33 balls to propel Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 203/8 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, 10 May. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter's pyrotechnics gave LSG their highest powerplay score of the season, even as CSK's bowlers engineered a determined fightback in the middle overs.

Inglis Dominates the Powerplay

Pushed into batting first on the red soil surface, Inglis set the tone from the very first over, lofting, sweeping, and hammering Akeal Hosein for two fours and a six. His innings was studded with ten fours and six sixes, featuring audacious reverse scoops and powerful pulls. He raced to his half-century off just 17 balls — the fastest of LSG's season — and helped the side amass 91 runs in the powerplay, their highest six-over total in IPL 2026.

Mitchell Marsh fell cheaply to Anshul Kamboj early on, but Inglis barely paused. His dismissal eventually came when he was caught by Sanju Samson attempting a paddle off Jamie Overton, departing for 85 off 33 balls.

CSK Bowlers Claw Back

Once the field spread after the powerplay, CSK's bowling unit mounted a disciplined response. Noor Ahmad removed Nicholas Pooran — who slog-swept to deep mid-wicket — finishing with figures of 1-24. Overton was the standout performer with 3-36, having Rishabh Pant chop onto his stumps in the same over he dismissed Inglis. Aiden Markram's run-out and Akshat Raghuwanshi's departure off Overton compounded LSG's slide, as they collapsed from 91/1 to 154/6.

Shahbaz Ahmed's Late Rescue Act

Shahbaz Ahmed and Himmat Singh steadied the innings with a 50-run stand, halting the slide. Shahbaz counter-attacked with inventive strokes, striking boundaries off Overton and Mukesh Choudhary. Kamboj eventually castled Himmat to end the partnership, and Mohammed Shami was run out for a duck. But Shahbaz had the last word — launching the final delivery of the innings over long-on for six to finish unbeaten on 43 off 25 balls and push LSG past the 200-run mark.

Key Performances and Brief Scores

Kamboj claimed 2-47 to go alongside Overton's three-wicket haul, ensuring CSK kept LSG's total within reach. With 203/8 on the board, LSG will look to defend the total in the second half, backed by the momentum of Inglis's explosive start and Shahbaz's crucial late contribution.

Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 203/8 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 85, Shahbaz Ahmed 43*; Jamie Overton 3-36, Anshul Kamboj 2-47) vs Chennai Super Kings.

The chase now awaits, and CSK will need a measured response to overhaul a competitive total at their home fortress.