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Ruturaj’s Young Brigade Faces Upbeat Punjab at Chepauk (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings aim to revive their home magic at the MA Chidambaram Stadium after a crushing opening loss. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad's young side faces an uphill battle against a confident, upbeat Punjab Kings team missing injured legend MS Dhoni.
The Punjab Kings have stormed the Chepauk fortress, completing a clinical chase of 210 with 5 wickets and 8 balls to spare.
The 19th over began with Shashank Singh showing his trademark composure, collecting a boundary and a couple of nerveless runs to bring the target within striking distance. A desperate wide review from Ruturaj Gaikwad—more in hope than expectation—summed up the frustration in the Chennai camp as the game slipped away.
The final blow came from Marcus Stoinis, who dispatched Anshul Kamboj for a boundary to trigger celebrations in the PBKS dugout. It was a chase defined by the explosive start from Priyansh Arya ($354.55$ strike rate) and anchored by a captain's knock from Shreyas Iyer.
Final Result: Punjab Kings (212/5) beat Chennai Super Kings (209/5) by 5 wickets.
| Player | Status | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Priyansh Arya | b Matt Henry | 39 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 354.55 |
| Prabhsimran Singh | run out (Sarfaraz/Gaikwad) | 43 | 34 | 6 | 1 | 126.47 |
| Shreyas Iyer (C) | c Chahar b Kamboj | 50 | 29 | 4 | 3 | 172.41 |
| Cooper Connolly | c Henry b Kamboj | 36 | 22 | 6 | 0 | 163.64 |
| Shashank Singh | not out | 11 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 220.00 |
| Marcus Stoinis | not out | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 300.00 |
Bowling (CSK):
Anshul Kamboj: 3.4-0-42-2
Matt Henry: 4-0-54-2
Noor Ahmad: 4-0-38-0
Points Table Impact: Punjab Kings secure their second win of the 2026 season, while Chennai will look to address their death-bowling concerns before the next fixture.
The tension at Chepauk is reaching a fever pitch. Matt Henry started the over with a massive breakthrough, dismissing Nehal Wadhera (caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad) to leave Punjab five down. However, the new pair of Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh refused to let the pressure mount.
Stoinis got off the mark with a thick outside edge that flew past short third for four, followed by a miscalculated single off a full toss. Shashank Singh then showed his nerves of steel, surviving an aerial shot that landed in no man's land before finishing the over with a defiant boundary over short third. Despite the wicket, PBKS plundered 12 runs, bringing the equation down to a run-a-ball.
PBKS: 198/5 (18 Overs)
Shashank Singh: 7 (3)
Marcus Stoinis: 5 (2)
Matt Henry: 4-0-54-2
Required: 12 runs from 12 balls (6.00 RPO) Current Rate: 11.00 RPO
The Final Countdown: Punjab needs just 12 runs from the final two overs. Chennai needs a miracle—likely in the form of a double-wicket over from Khaleel Ahmed—to defend their fortress now.
An absolute rollercoaster of an over from Anshul Kamboj has injected a late dose of tension into this chase. The over began with Shreyas Iyer in total control, moving across his stumps to whip a boundary toward cow corner.
The drama peaked mid-over:
16.2: Punjab burned a review on a wide call that stayed with the umpire.
16.3: Matt Henry dropped a sharp chance at short third/fly slip, giving Iyer a massive reprieve.
16.4: Iyer capitalized immediately, slicing a wide yorker for four to bring up a vital 50 (28 balls).
However, Kamboj had the last laugh. After surviving a no-ball scare, Iyer tried to slash at a wide delivery angled across him. The extra bounce induced a thick edge, and Rahul Chahar made no mistake with the catch. The skipper departs just as the finish line appeared, leaving the door slightly ajar for CSK.
PBKS: 186/4 (17 Overs)
Nehal Wadhera: 10 (8)
Marcus Stoinis: 0 (0)
Anshul Kamboj: 3-0-31-2
Required: 24 runs from 18 balls (8.00 RPO) Current Rate: 10.94 RPO
The Equation: Punjab needs 24. With Marcus Stoinis joining Wadhera, the Kings still have the firepower, but the loss of the set captain has given the Chepauk crowd a reason to find their voices again!
A massive over for PBKS as they move into a position of absolute dominance at Chepauk. Rahul Chahar struggled to find his rhythm, starting with a loose delivery that Shreyas Iyer promptly dispatched for four.
But the real highlight came from Nehal Wadhera, who decided it was time to join the party. Facing a tossed-up delivery in the slot, Wadhera unleashed a towering hit down the ground that left the long-on fielder a mere spectator as it sailed into the stands for six.
With 14 runs coming off the over and the 50-run partnership brought up, the Kings have effectively broken the back of this chase. Rahul Chahar finishes a tough spell as the fielders look increasingly dejected.
PBKS: 177/3 (16 Overs)
Shreyas Iyer: 42 (22)
Nehal Wadhera: 10 (8)
Rahul Chahar: 4-0-46-0
Required: 33 runs from 24 balls (8.25 RPO) Current Rate: 11.06 RPO
With the required rate now well below the current rate and seven wickets in hand, Punjab is favorites to secure their second win of the season. Will Ruturaj Gaikwad bring back Khaleel Ahmed to find a late twist?
The pendulum swings back to Punjab Kings as Shreyas Iyer tears into Matt Henry. After a couple of early doubles—aided by a fumble from Shivam Dube at long-off—Iyer showcased his range against the veteran seamer.
He first outmaneuvered the bowler with a cheeky ramp over short third man off a slower ball. He then followed it up by absolutely punishing a short-of-length delivery, clobbering it flat over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. 15 runs from the over has brought the equation down to a very manageable run-a-ball territory for the final five.
PBKS: 163/3 (15 Overs)
Shreyas Iyer: 36 (19)
Nehal Wadhera: 3 (5)
Matt Henry: 3-0-42-1
Required: 47 runs from 30 balls (9.40 RPO) Current Rate: 10.87 RPO
Chennai needs wickets, and they need them now. With the required rate under 10 and a well-set Iyer at the crease, the pressure is squarely on the CSK death bowlers. Gaikwad will likely look to Khaleel Ahmed or Anshul Kamboj to provide the breakthrough.
A masterful final over from Noor Ahmad has applied the brakes just as Punjab looked to be cruising. Mixing his googlies with subtle variations in pace, the Afghan spinner conceded only 5 runs, frustrating both Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera.
Despite a wide and an early play-and-miss from the PBKS skipper, Noor's tight lines prevented any boundaries, finishing his spell without a wicket but having played a crucial role in keeping the required rate climbing.
PBKS: 148/3 (14 Overs)
Shreyas Iyer: 21 (13)
Nehal Wadhera: 3 (5)
Noor Ahmad: 4-0-38-0
Required: 62 runs from 36 balls (10.33 RPO) Current Rate: 10.57 RPO Phase Shift: With the spinners finishing up, the pace battery of CSK will return for the death overs. Who will Gaikwad turn to next?
A massive over for the Punjab Kings as Shreyas Iyer decisively wins his individual battle against Rahul Chahar. Entering the over with a dismal record against the leg-spinner, Iyer flipped the script by launching two towering sixes. The first was a calculated loft with the spin over extra cover, followed by a punishing pull over deep square leg to end the over.
Iyer’s aggression has injected fresh life into the chase, yielding 16 runs and bringing the required rate back under control. Nehal Wadhera is happy to rotate the strike as the PBKS skipper finds his groove at a crucial juncture.
PBKS: 143/3 (13 Overs)
Shreyas Iyer: 19 (10)
Nehal Wadhera: 1 (2)
Rahul Chahar: 3-0-32-0
Required: 67 runs from 42 balls (9.57 RPO) Current Rate: 11.00 RPO
An incredibly high-octane over from Anshul Kamboj that ultimately swung the momentum back to the Chennai Super Kings. Cooper Connolly looked to be running away with the game, starting the over with back-to-back boundaries—a clever cut over the infield followed by a clinical lap sweep that exploited a field change by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
However, the "gift" of a juicy full toss on the fifth delivery proved to be Connolly's undoing. Looking to dispatch it into the stands, he mistimed the lofted drive, finding Matt Henry at long-off. The young Australian departs for a well-played 36, leaving Punjab's middle order with a mountain to climb. Nehal Wadhera survives the final ball, but the pressure is firmly back on the Kings.
PBKS: 127/3 (12 Overs)
Shreyas Iyer: 4 (5)
Nehal Wadhera: 0 (1)
Anshul Kamboj: 2-0-22-1
Required: 83 runs from 48 balls (10.38 RPO) Current Rate: 10.58 RPO
CSK have struck gold just as the game was tilting toward the visitors. Anshul Kamboj provided a major breakthrough, though he'll admit it wasn't his best delivery. A "juicy" full toss wide of off tempted Cooper Connolly into a big lofted drive, but the young Australian mistimed the hit, getting it high on the blade.
The ball hung in the air for an eternity before Matt Henry settled under it at long-off for a regulation catch. Connolly’s promising knock of 36 off 22 ends just as he was looking to shift gears.
Cooper Connolly is quickly becoming the linchpin of this chase, taking 14 runs off Noor Ahmad’s third over. The young Australian took full advantage of a marginally short delivery, cutting it behind square for four. To make matters worse for the Afghan spinner, he overstepped, conceding a no-ball and a subsequent free-hit.
While the free-hit only resulted in a couple, Connolly’s aggressive approach has kept Punjab neck-and-neck with Chennai's first-innings score (CSK were 101/1 at this stage). Shreyas Iyer is playing a calculated secondary role, wary of his historical struggles against leg-spin as the required rate hovers just above 10.
PBKS: 117/2 (11 Overs)
Cooper Connolly: 27 (18)
Shreyas Iyer: 3 (4)
Noor Ahmad: 3-0-33-0
Required: 93 runs from 54 balls (10.33 RPO) Current Rate: 10.64 RPO
Despite the crushing run-out of Prabhsimran, Cooper Connolly isn't letting the required rate climb. He greeted Rahul Chahar in the 10th over with a thunderous straight drive, drilling a full delivery back over the bowler's head for four.
New man and skipper Shreyas Iyer started cautiously, picking up a couple of singles as he looked to settle in on a surface where the spinners are beginning to find more purchase. Punjab enters the final ten overs needing exactly 107 runs—a stiff task, but one made easier by the strong foundation laid by the openers.
PBKS: 103/2 (10 Overs)
Cooper Connolly: 15 (13)
Shreyas Iyer: 2 (2)
Rahul Chahar: 2-0-16-0
Required: 107 runs from 60 balls (10.70 RPO) Current Rate: 10.30 RPO
A moment of pure chaos at Chepauk has handed Chennai Super Kings a massive breakthrough. Prabhsimran Singh, who looked set for a big score, has been found short of his crease after a brilliant piece of teamwork in the field.
After tucking the ball away for what seemed a routine second run, a sharp throw from Sarfaraz Khan was collected expertly by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who whipped off the bails with Prabhsimran still diving to make his ground. The set batter falls for a well-made 43, leaving the Punjab chase in a precarious position just as the required rate begins to climb.
Prabhsimran Singh run out (Sarfaraz Khan/Ruturaj Gaikwad) 43 (34)
PBKS: 95/2 (8.4 Overs)
Cooper Connolly: 11 (8)
Marcus Stoinis: 0 (0)
Noor Ahmad: 1.4-0-19-0
Turning Point: Punjab Kings lose their second set batter to a self-inflicted wound. With Marcus Stoinis walking out, the pressure is now on the international stars to rebuild.
Required: 115 runs from 68 balls (10.15 RPO)
Rahul Chahar began his spell with a testing over, immediately challenging Prabhsimran Singh with a sharp appeal for LBW on a reverse-sweep attempt. Replays suggested the impact was safely outside the line of off-stump, but it served as a warning for the set batter.
While the first five balls yielded only singles, Cooper Connolly managed to ruin the over's economy on the final delivery. Pouncing on a slightly wider ball, the young Australian cracked it through deep extra cover for four, helping Punjab keep the required rate exactly at 10.
PBKS: 88/1 (8 Overs)
Prabhsimran Singh: 38 (31)
Cooper Connolly: 7 (6)
Rahul Chahar: 1-0-8-0
Required: 122 runs from 72 balls (10.17 RPO) Current Rate: 11.00 RPO
The introduction of Noor Ahmad into the attack immediately ratcheted up the intensity. Prabhsimran Singh started the battle with intent, clubbing a flatter delivery over mid-wicket for a massive six. However, Noor nearly had his man two balls later; a sliding delivery deceived Prabhsimran on the slog-sweep, striking his forearm before ricocheting painfully off his helmet.
After a brief pause for the concussion protocol, Prabhsimran responded with flair, executing a delicate reverse sweep for four to end the over. Despite the boundaries, Noor’s ability to find the edge and beat the bat suggests this middle-over battle is far from over.
PBKS: 80/1 (7 Overs)
Prabhsimran Singh: 35 (28)
Cooper Connolly: 1 (3)
Noor Ahmad: 1-0-12-0
Required: 130 runs from 78 balls (10.00 RPO) Current Rate: 11.43 RPO
Khaleel Ahmed managed to salvage his Powerplay figures with a disciplined final over, despite an early boundary. Prabhsimran Singh started the over by thumping a wide slower ball over the cover region for four, but Khaleel responded brilliantly. He beat the bat with a sharp cutter and followed up with a delivery that drew a loud appeal for caught behind; while Khaleel was certain, Sanju Samson correctly advised against the review.
The Powerplay concludes with Punjab Kings in a strong position, though the dismissal of the dangerous Priyansh Arya has forced a slight consolidation. New man Cooper Connolly is yet to get off the mark as the field spreads.
PBKS: 68/1 (6 Overs)
Prabhsimran Singh: 25 (23)
Cooper Connolly: 0 (2)
Khaleel Ahmed: 3-0-28-0
Required: 142 runs from 84 balls (10.14 RPO) Current Rate: 11.33 RPO
Matt Henry has provided the breakthrough Chennai desperately needed! After Priyansh Arya started the over in typical fashion with a massive six over mid-wicket, the bowler outsmarted the youngster.
Seeing Priyansh charge down the track, Henry held his length and angled it across. Priyansh, clearly looking to clear the ropes again, missed it entirely as the ball sent his off-stump cartwheeling. A blistering knock of 39 off just 11 balls comes to an end, but he has already put PBKS in a commanding position.
The drama continued as Prabhsimran Singh survived a very close LBW shout. Henry convinced Ruturaj Gaikwad to take the review, and while ball-tracking showed it was clipping the leg-stump, it stayed Umpire's Call, much to the frustration of the CSK faithful.
PBKS: 63/1 (5 Overs)
Prabhsimran Singh: 20 (18)
Cooper Connolly: 0 (1)
Matt Henry: 2-0-27-1
Impact Player: Priyansh Arya departs with a strike rate of 354.55, having helped PBKS record the fastest team 50 against CSK in IPL history (3.2 overs).
The introduction of Anshul Kamboj didn't slow the Punjab Kings' charge. Prabhsimran Singh, who had been playing second fiddle to Priyansh Arya, found his groove by smashing three boundaries in the over. He started by drilling a full delivery straight through the bowler's hands and followed it up with a powerful smash back over the bowler's head.
Kamboj nearly had a miraculous breakthrough on the fifth ball, sticking a hand out to a sharp return catch, but the ball didn't stick. Despite the close call and some extra bounce to finish the over, Punjab has raced to a dominant position, crossing the 50-run mark in just 3.1 overs.
PBKS: 55/0 (4 Overs)
Prabhsimran Singh: 19 (15)
Priyansh Arya: 33 (9)
Anshul Kamboj: 1-0-12-0
Target: 210 | Required Rate: 9.69 RPO Current Rate: 13.75 RPO
Khaleel Ahmed seemed to have pulled things back after a discipline-heavy start to the over, conceding only 3 runs off the first five deliveries. However, Priyansh Arya had the final word. Despite Khaleel cramping him for room with a sharp short ball, Arya showcased his lightning-fast hands, swiveling to deposit the final ball over mid-wicket for a massive six.
The Impact Sub is in "demolition mode," already racing to 33 at a strike rate of over 360. While Prabhsimran Singh is happy to play second fiddle and rotate the strike, the Kings are comfortably ahead of the required curve.
PBKS: 43/0 (3 Overs)
Priyansh Arya: 33 (9)
Prabhsimran Singh: 7 (9)
Khaleel Ahmed: 2-0-22-0
Target: 210 | Required Rate: 9.82 RPO Powerplay Overs Remaining: 3
An absolute demolition job from Priyansh Arya as he takes Matt Henry apart for 20 runs in his opening over. The Impact Sub is batting like a man possessed, starting with a lucky edge for four before finding the middle of the bat for a massive six over mid-wicket.
Arya’s timing was on full display with a gorgeous cover drive for four, and Prabhsimran Singh joined the party by swivel-pulling a short ball to the boundary to end the over. Punjab Kings have raced to 34 in just two overs, significantly ahead of the required rate.
PBKS: 34/0 (2 Overs)
Priyansh Arya: 26 (7)
Prabhsimran Singh: 5 (5)
Matt Henry: 1-0-20-0
Target: 210 | Required Rate: 9.78 RPO Current Rate: 17.00 RPO
A massive first over for the Punjab Kings as they begin their hunt for 210. Priyansh Arya made his intentions clear from the very first legal delivery, dismissing Khaleel Ahmed’s inswinger back past the non-striker for four. He followed it up with a monstrous swivel-pull over mid-wicket for six, immediately putting the pressure on the CSK spearhead.
Khaleel struggled with his radar early, conceding two wides, but managed to claw back some control against Prabhsimran Singh with a couple of beautiful outswingers to end the over. Despite the late dot balls, 13 runs off the first over is exactly the start Shreyas Iyer's men needed.
PBKS: 13/0 (1 Over)
Priyansh Arya: 11 (3)
Prabhsimran Singh: 0 (3)
Khaleel Ahmed: 1-0-13-0
Target: 210 | Required Rate: 10.37 RPO
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Shivam Dube provided the perfect finish for the Chennai Super Kings, turning a decent total into a formidable one. After Arshdeep Singh started with a wide—which PBKS unsuccessfully reviewed, burning their final challenge—Dube wasted no time. He Muscled a length delivery to the mid-wicket boundary to bring up the CSK 200.
Despite two pinpoint yorkers from Arshdeep that resulted in dots, Dube finished with a flourish, dispatching a low full toss and a final-ball boundary to long-on. Arshdeep struggled with his lines under pressure, ending a wicketless and expensive spell.
CSK: 209/5 (20 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 45* (28)
Prashant Veer: 6* (6)
Arshdeep Singh: 4-0-41-0
The story of the innings was undoubtedly the youth and experience combination. Ayush Mhatre set the stage with a brilliant 73 (43), supported by Ruturaj Gaikwad. While PBKS fought back in the middle overs through Vyshak and Chahal, the late-inning fireworks from Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube ensured Chennai crossed the 200-mark comfortably.
Punjab Kings need 210 runs to win.
Shivam Dube has shifted into top gear, taking 13 runs off Xavier Bartlett’s final over. He started with a classily timed chip over the infield for four and followed up with a powerful slice for two. Despite Bartlett’s attempts to cramp him for room, Dube found the boundary again with a well-placed shot to backward square leg.
Prashant Veer survived a nasty bouncer that rattled his helmet, scurrying for a single to keep the senior pro on strike.
CSK: 195/5 (19 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 33 (22)
Prashant Veer: 6 (6)
Xavier Bartlett: 4-0-48-1
The Final Over: Chennai needs just 5 runs in the last 6 balls to cross the psychological 200-run barrier. Who will Arshdeep Singh be bowling to?
Shivam Dube finally broke the shackles in the 18th over, taking a liking to Marco Jansen's missed yorker and depositing it deep into the mid-wicket stands for a six. Young Prashant Veer also earned his first IPL runs with a cheeky lap over the keeper that raced away for four.
The over was punctuated by a desperate review from Punjab Kings for an LBW against Veer, but the ball clearly pitched outside leg, leaving PBKS without any reviews for the final two overs. Despite the wayward start, Jansen limited the damage with slower balls to finish his spell.
CSK: 182/5 (18 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 22 (17)
Prashant Veer: 5 (5)
Marco Jansen: 4-0-43-1
The Final Push: CSK need 18 more runs to reach the 200-mark. With Dube finding his timing, all eyes are on the death-over specialists for PBKS.
Sarfaraz Khan played a high-octane cameo that shifted the pressure back onto the Punjab Kings, smashing three consecutive boundaries to start the over. He showcased his trademark cheeky ramps and late steers, even surviving a wild top-edge that flew for four.
However, Vijaykumar Vyshak had the final say. After moving third man back to stop the bleeding, Vyshak banged one in short; Sarfaraz's attempted pull found the top half of the bat, and Nehal Wadhera took a comfortable catch at mid-on. The wicket brought an end to a blistering 32 off just 12 balls.
CSK: 168/5 (17 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 14 (14)
Prashant Veer: 0 (2)
Vijaykumar Vyshak: 4-0-38-2
The Finisher's Task: With the set batters gone, the responsibility falls on Shivam Dube to find his rhythm and guide CSK toward the 200-run mark in the final three overs.
Sarfaraz Khan continues his blistering cameo, taking a liking to Xavier Bartlett’s pace-off deliveries. After a couple of dot balls against a struggling Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz released the pressure by dancing down the track to a 101kph slower ball, whipping it over deep backward square for a massive six.
Despite Bartlett finding his radar with a couple of sharp yorkers, the 11-run over keeps CSK's momentum high as they eye a big finish.
CSK: 156/4 (16 Overs)
Sarfaraz Khan: 20 (8)
Shivam Dube: 14 (14)
Xavier Bartlett: 3-0-35-1
Elite Stat: Sarfaraz Khan is officially the most prolific "behind the wicket" scorer in IPL history against pace, with over 30% of his runs coming in the arc between third man and long leg.
Just when Punjab Kings seemed to have a stranglehold on the game, Sarfaraz Khan flipped the script with a sensational display of creative strokeplay against Arshdeep Singh.
Sarfaraz hammered a hat-trick of boundaries, starting with a confident loft over mid-off. He followed it up with his trademark ramp shot over the keeper and a delicate steer through the gap at third man. The 15-run over has breathed life back into the Chennai innings as the death overs approach.
CSK: 145/4 (15 Overs)
Sarfaraz Khan: 13 (6)
Shivam Dube: 11 (10)
Arshdeep Singh: 3-0-28-0
Current Partnership: 15 runs (8 balls)
A clinical over from Marco Jansen has completely shifted the momentum. The highlight was a successful Punjab Kings review; Jansen’s angled delivery from round the wicket trapped Kartik Sharma right in front. While the on-field umpire initially thought it was sliding down leg, ball-tracking showed it smashing into the stumps.
CSK is stuttering now, having lost their middle order in quick succession after the brilliance of Mhatre. Sarfaraz Khan has joined Shivam Dube as they look to arrest the slide.
CSK: 130/4 (14 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 9 (8)
Sarfaraz Khan: 0 (2)
Marco Jansen: 3-0-29-1
Stat Attack: Ayush Mhatre now holds two of the three highest IPL scores ever recorded by a player under 19, further cementing his status as one of the league's brightest young stars.
The slide continues for Chennai Super Kings as Marco Jansen strikes in his return spell. Kartik Sharma looked to flick a full delivery but played across the line and was rapped on the pads. The umpire had no hesitation in raising the finger, and with no reviews left, Kartik had to walk. Punjab Kings have now taken three wickets for just 19 runs since the 11th over.
Kartik Sharma lbw b Marco Jansen 1 (3)
CSK: 130/4 (13.4 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 9 (9)
Ravindra Jadeja: 0 (0)
Marco Jansen: 2.4-0-28-1
The second strategic break comes at a critical juncture. After a dominant opening and middle phase from Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad, Punjab Kings have roared back into the contest.
With both set batters back in the pavilion in successive overs, the momentum has shifted toward the bowling side. Yuzvendra Chahal and Vijaykumar Vyshak have provided the breakthroughs PBKS desperately needed, leaving the new pair of Shivam Dube and Kartik Sharma with the task of rebuilding while maintaining the scoring rate.
CSK: 125/3 (13 Overs)
CRR: 9.69
Last 3 Overs: 25/2
Projected Score: 194
Key Performers:
Ayush Mhatre: 73 (43) — The highest score for an U19 player at Chepauk.
Yuzvendra Chahal: 3-0-21-1 — The partnership breaker.
Vijaykumar Vyshak: 3-0-27-1 — The wicket of the dangerous Mhatre.
Punjab Kings are clawing back as Vijaykumar Vyshak removes the dangerous Ayush Mhatre. After being sliced for a boundary, Vyshak adjusted his length, forcing Mhatre to pick out Yuzvendra Chahal at short third man.
New batter Kartik Sharma had a shaky start, burning a review on a non-wide call after the ball brushed his trousers. A tidy finish from Vyshak keeps the momentum with the bowling side.
CSK: 125/3 (13 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 7 (7)
Kartik Sharma: 1 (2)
Vijaykumar Vyshak: 3-0-27-1
The spectacular innings of Ayush Mhatre finally comes to a close. After smashing 73 off just 43 balls, the youngster fell to Vijaykumar Vyshak. Looking to go big again, he mistimed a delivery straight to the safe hands of Yuzvendra Chahal.
Ayush Mhatre c Yuzvendra Chahal b Vijaykumar Vyshak 73 (43)
CSK: 124/3 (12.3 Overs)
Shivam Dube: 5 (5)
Sarfaraz Khan: 0 (1)
Vijaykumar Vyshak: 3-0-25-1
A chaotic over from Yuzvendra Chahal sees the breakthrough and several let-offs. After dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad on the first ball, Chahal nearly had Ayush Mhatre, but Shashank Singh dropped a tough sliding chance. The over was extended by a series of discipline issues, including two wides and a no ball, but the PBKS spinner managed to escape without further damage on the Free Hit.
CSK: 118/2 (12 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 69 (41)
Shivam Dube: 2 (3)
Yuzvendra Chahal: 3-0-21-1
The drama continues at Chepauk as Yuzvendra Chahal follows up the dropped catch with a no ball. He overstepped the crease while delivering a flighted ball that Mhatre pushed toward extra cover for a single.
Yuzvendra Chahal almost had a second wicket in the over. He tossed this one up beautifully, baiting Ayush Mhatre into a big heave. Mhatre took the bait but didn't quite middle it, sending a high, swirling chance toward Shashank Singh.
The master leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal strikes just when Punjab Kings needed it most. It wasn't a classic dismissal, but the pressure built over his previous overs forced the error. Ruturaj Gaikwad attempted to sweep a delivery drifting down leg, but he couldn't get the placement fine enough. Nehal Wadhera showed great awareness, sprinting to his right at long leg to pouch a sharp catch on the move.
Ruturaj Gaikwad c Nehal Wadhera b Yuzvendra Chahal 28 (22)
The massive 99-run partnership finally comes to an end.
CSK: 111/2 (11.1 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 67 (38)
Sarfaraz Khan: 0 (0)
Yuzvendra Chahal: 2.1-0-14-1
Vijaykumar Vyshak returned to the attack and was immediately met with the confidence of Ayush Mhatre. The youngster showcased his range with a neat boundary, opening the bat face to guide a low full toss behind square. He even attempted a reverse lap on the final ball, showing just how comfortable he feels in the middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad continues to play a steady supporting role as the partnership crosses the 90-run mark.
CSK: 110/1 (11 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 67 (38)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 28 (21)
Vijaykumar Vyshak: 2-0-19-0
Yuzvendra Chahal keeps things relatively quiet in the final over before the halfway mark, but Chennai Super Kings have reached a commanding position. Ayush Mhatre continues to find gaps, including a lofted drive over cover for two, while Ruturaj Gaikwad is beginning to find his timing, pushing the score past 100.
CSK: 101/1 (10 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 62 (35)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 24 (18)
Yuzvendra Chahal: 2-0-13-0
Current Partnership: 89 runs (50 balls)
A monumental over for young Ayush Mhatre as he dismantles Marcus Stoinis to reach his half-century in style. With back-to-back sixes—including a towering hit straight over the bowler’s head—Mhatre becomes the youngest player ever to score an IPL fifty at Chepauk (18 years, 261 days). Stoinis struggled for rhythm, conceding 17 runs as CSK’s run rate soared.
CSK: 94/1 (9 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 59 (32)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 20 (15)
Marcus Stoinis: 1-0-17-0
Record Alert: Ayush Mhatre joins an elite list with his second 50+ score before turning 19, trailing only Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (3) and sitting level with Prithvi Shaw (2).
The introduction of Yuzvendra Chahal immediately brought a change in tempo. Despite his formidable record against Ruturaj Gaikwad—having dismissed him five times previously—both batters played the leg-spinner with caution. Chahal varied his pace beautifully, conceding only six singles in his opening over. Ayush Mhatre moved within four runs of a well-deserved half-century.
CSK: 77/1 (8 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 46 (28)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 17 (13)
Yuzvendra Chahal: 1-0-6-0
Ayush Mhatre has turned this into a statement innings, taking Marco Jansen for 14 runs in his second over. He started with a monstrous six, swivelling to pull a short ball deep into the square leg stands, and finished the over by launching a floaty slower ball over wide mid-on for another maximum. Despite a few play-and-misses, Mhatre is closing in on a fifty, while Jansen's figures have taken a significant hit.
CSK: 71/1 (7 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 43 (25)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 14 (10)
Marco Jansen: 2-0-24-0
The first strategic break has been taken with Chennai Super Kings in a solid position. While they lost Sanju Samson cheaply early on, young Ayush Mhatre has stepped up brilliantly, using the long handle to keep the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.
Arshdeep Singh returned to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. Despite a well-timed four from Mhatre—who bludgeoned a full delivery straight of mid-off—Arshdeep managed to restrict the damage with a couple of precise yorkers towards the end of the over.
CSK: 57/1 (6 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 29 (19)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 14 (10)
Arshdeep Singh: 3-0-21-0
Vijaykumar Vyshak’s introduction to the attack was met with immediate intent from Ayush Mhatre. The highlight of the over was a massive six over wide long-on, where Mhatre picked a slower off-cutter perfectly and deposited it into the stands. Despite a few dot balls, the 10-run over keeps the pressure on the Punjab bowlers.
CSK: 49/1 (5 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 23 (14)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 13 (9)
Vijaykumar Vyshak: 1-0-10-0
A massive over for the young Ayush Mhatre as he tears into Xavier Bartlett to get his innings underway. After a quiet start, Mhatre exploded with three consecutive boundaries, showcasing both raw power and a deft whip over mid-wicket. Bartlett struggled with his lengths, leaking 15 runs in the over as CSK's momentum shifted rapidly.
CSK: 39/1 (4 Overs)
Ayush Mhatre: 14 (9)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 12 (8)
Xavier Bartlett: 2-0-24-1
Marco Jansen’s first over proves costly for PBKS as Ruturaj Gaikwad welcomes him with a boundary. A massive lapse in discipline followed, with Jansen spraying a delivery down the leg side that swung past the keeper for 5 wides. Despite the extra runs, Ayush Mhatre is yet to get off the mark, facing four consecutive dots to end the over.
CSK: 24/1 (3 Overs)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 11 (7)
Ayush Mhatre: 0 (4)
Marco Jansen: 1-0-10-0
Ayush Mhatre comes in at No. 3 and immediately faces an issue with his equipment. His bat seemingly failed a quick "test" or felt off, leading to a request for a replacement.
However, after a brief intervention where the umpire didn't seem to gauge the issue correctly, Mhatre has decided to stick with his first-choice bat for now. A nervous start for the youngster as he looks to settle in after Samson's early departure.
CSK: 12/1 (1.5 Overs)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 4 (3)
Ayush Mhatre: 0 (1)
Big blow for the Chennai Super Kings! Sanju Samson's struggle at Chepauk continues as he departs for just 7. Xavier Bartlett, the hero from the opening game, finds immediate success with the new ball. It was a good length delivery outside off, Samson went for a tentative push, only to find a thick edge that flew straight into the gloves of Prabhsimran Singh.
Sanju Samson c Prabhsimran Singh b Xavier Bartlett 7 (7)
CSK: 12/1 (1.4 Overs)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 4 (3)
Ayush Mhatre: 0 (0)
Xavier Bartlett: 0.4-0-7-1
Arshdeep Singh opens the proceedings for Punjab Kings with a tidy first over. He found some early movement, beating Sanju Samson once with the angle, but the CSK openers remained composed. Samson picked up three runs with a sweet tuck past square leg to get off the mark.
CSK: 5/0 (1 Over)
Sanju Samson: 3 (4)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: 1 (2)
Arshdeep Singh: 1-0-5-0
