In the Qualifier 1 match of ECL 2025, Chennai Smashers clinched a 4-wicket victory over Lucknow Lions to sail into the finals. Lucknow posted 118 runs with notable knocks from Harpal Saikia (28 off 8 balls) and Vikash Singh (22 off 8 balls), but Chennai’s bowlers, led by Ankit Nagar and Mahesh Keshwala with three wickets each, restricted them.
In response, Chennai chased the target with ease in 8.3 overs, scoring 123/6. Abhishek Kapur (23 off 11 balls) and Lakshay Kaushik (22 not out off 13 balls) provided crucial contributions, with Kaushik hitting a game-winning flat six. Despite losing quick wickets to Bobby Yadav’s three-wicket haul, Chennai’s aggressive batting ensured their victory. This win advances Chennai to the finals of the tournament. However, now Lucknow again have one more chance, they will play against the winner of the eliminator game to again find a spot in the finals.
ECL 2025 playoff LIVE
Chennai Smashers advance to the final after a well deserved thrilling win, showing some remarkable teamwork. Stay tuned for more ECL action!
Chennai wins
Chennai Smashers seal the victory by 4 wickets, reaching 123 in just 8.3 overs at an impressive run rate of 14.47. Lakshay Kaushik's powerful flat six off Anurag Dwivedi in the final over brings up the win.
Chennai near win
The Chennai Smashers reach the hundred mark as Lakshay Kaushik slams a boundary off Bhat’s delivery. No 16 needed in 16 balls.
Wait! Lucknow is alive in this match
Back-to-back blows for Chennai Smashers as Bhat strikes twice in quick succession. Abhishek Kapur departs first, attempting a big shot but edging to the keeper.
Immediately after, Nishaant Williams edges Bhat’s delivery to the keeper as well, leaving without scoring. The two quick wickets put the team in a tight spot.
Chennai need 33 runs in 27 balls. They are taking it easy now. Overall, an easy chase.
Wicket
Eshaan Duggal joins Abhishek Kapur at the crease with Chennai Smashers at 82/4 after five overs. Bobby Yadav claims his third wicket, dismissing Shubham Matta, who scored 19.
Mahender Tanwar and Ankit Nagar both fall to Bobby Yadav, it's a comeback. Yadav takes two wickets in two balls.
2 overs done
Bobby Yadav takes over the bowling as Chennai Smashers reach 39/1 in 2 overs. Ankit Nagar is in great form, hitting two sixes and a four off Ashish Kumar Meena, including a six from a no-ball. Abhishek Kapur is at the other end with 1 run.
Strong start
Abhishek Kapur and Rahul Bisht opening for their side. Deepak Kumar Meena starts the bowling attack. Bisht hits two consecutive sixes after a couple of wides, setting an aggressive tone for the innings.
Lucknow All-out
Lucknow Lions are all out for 118 before 10 overs, with Ashish Kumar Meena being the final wicket. He mistimed a shot off Nishaant Williams, sending it to long-on. Chennai Smashers bowled superbly, wrapping up the innings with five balls remaining in Qualifier 1.
Where to watch ECL qualifier 1
Fans can enjoy ECL qualifier match between Chennai Smashers and Lucknow Lions Live on Youtube channel of ECL and Waves OTT. Fans can watch the match live on TV on Sony Ten Sports 5 as well.
Chennai Smashers vs Lucknow Lions squads
Chennai Smashers Squad: Mahesh Keshwala (C), Rahul Bisht, Love Kataria, Shubham Matta, Mahender Tanwar, Ankit Nagar, Taran Singh, Lakshay Kaushik, Aayush Sapra, Shravan Kshirsagar, Pankaj Sharma, Mohit Gupta, Nadeem, Abhishek Goel, Eshaan Duggal, Arun Meshetty, Abhishek Kapur, Shashwat Arvind, Yash, Gulshan Nain, Nishaant Williams
Lucknow Lions Squad: Anurag Dwivedi (C), Deepak Meena, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Singh Rajput, Mohd Amir, Alpha Singh, Rachit Rojha, Nazim Ahmed, Ubaid Khan, Om Chouksey, Ashish Meena, Zia Kamal, Anas Siddique, Anubhav Dubey, Bobby Yadav, Harpal Saikia, Vikash Singh, Sitaram Jat, Balram Mandal, Manohar Kumar Bhat, Akash Yadav
