The match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2023 has been abandoned due to heavy rainfall just a few kilometers away from the stadium. It was a disappointing end to what could have been a thrilling encounter between two top teams in the league.
The rescheduling of this match from May 4 to May 3 due to local elections in Lucknow already suggested that it might not happen. Now, the persistent rain has forced the cancellation of the game. What’s interesting is that this would have been MS Dhoni’s first game at the Ekana Stadium, for which he was supposed to be felicitated by Rajiv Shukla, the Vice-President of BCCI.
The interruption came just four balls before the first innings would have ended, and the covers were brought out for a while. However, the drizzles started coming again, and with thunderstorms expected later in the evening, the chances of resumption were less. The ground staff worked tirelessly to try and make the pitch playable, but the weather gods had other plans.
CSK had a target of 127 in 19 overs if LSG didn’t bat again. The target reduced to 117 in 17 overs, 106 in 15 overs, 89 in 12 overs, and 76 in 10 overs. But it seemed like the match was abandoned due to the unfavorable weather conditions.
The news of the match being abandoned was disappointing for fans who were eagerly waiting to see their favorite teams play. The LSG supporters would have been especially disappointed as their team was in a strong position thanks to an unbeaten knock of 59 runs off just 33 balls by Ayush Badoni. The score of 125 with only four balls remaining in the innings was a score they could hope to defend, but the weather had other plans.
