Dhoni rolls back years to end Chennai's losing run

Indian Premier League, Lucknow

Lucknow Super Giants 166-7 (20 overs): Pant 63 (49)

Chennai Super Kings 168-5 (19.3 overs): Dube 43* (37), Ravindra 37 (22)

Chennai Super Kings won by five wickets

Scorecard

MS Dhoni rolled back the years to help Chennai Super Kings end their five-match losing run with a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.

Dhoni, playing in his 18th IPL season aged 43, came in with 56 runs needed from the final five overs in pursuit of 167.

The CSK innings had been stalling badly but the former India skipper ended 26 not out from 11 balls as victory was secured with three balls to spare.

Despite his side playing away in Lucknow, Dhoni was loudly cheered by the crowd as he hit four fours and a remarkable one-handed six over the leg side.

He took the leading role in an unbeaten partnership of 57 with Shivam Dube - showing a reminder of the skills that once had him regarded as one of the world's great white-ball finishers.

The veteran was dropped on 20 at extra cover but by that stage he had swung the momentum with only 12 more runs needed from 10 balls.

"When he came in and started smashing bowlers, from my side it became easier," said Dube, who finished 43 not out.

Dhoni's abilities have been doubted at times during the tournament with CSK coach Stephen Fleming saying he can no longer bat for 10 overs because "his knees aren't what they used to be".

After an injury to skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni was restored as captain last week, however, putting him back in charge of the franchise he has led to five titles.

CSK's bowlers had earlier done well to restrict Lucknow's powerful batting line-up to 166-7, despite Rishabh Pant's 63 from 49. In-form West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran made only eight with spinner Ravindra Jadeja the pick of the bowlers in taking 2-24

Despite the win, CSK stay bottom of the table with two wins from seven matches. Lucknow, who had won three in a row, are fourth.