Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a massive win over their arch-rival Mumbai Indians (MI) by 104 runs in their IPL 2026 clash, which was played on Thursday, April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This was a third win for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side in the tournament, thanks to the incredible bowling performance especially from Akeal Hosein, who clinched a four-wicket haul against a quality batting line-up.
Great display from CSK against MI
It was Sanju Samson who stole the show with an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls, powering CSK to 207/6 in the first innings. In response, the hosts could not survive Chennai's disciplined bowling, with Akeal Hosein picking up four wickets by giving only 17 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 4.25.
Also Read: Sanju Samson becomes 1st CSK batter to bag this mighty feat vs MI with roaring century at Wankhede
Hosein revealed how Dwayne Bravo's advice helped him to improve his bowling in the powerplay. After the game, he recalled Bravo saying that bowlers operating in the powerplay are bound to concede runs, but sticking to their plans eventually brings success.
"One thing that sticks with me is what Dwayne Bravo said. He said as bowlers who operate in the powerplay, you’re going to get hit. So as long as you can get that out of your mind and just focus on your plans and what are the batter’s strengths and weaknesses, and what are your strengths and weaknesses are, and as long as you focus on what you’re going to execute and forget about being scared of getting hit, I think you’re fine," said Akeal Hosein.
Meanwhile, Hosein also praised the effort from his teammate Noor Ahmad, who managed to pick two crucial wickets removing Hardik Pandya and Sherfane Rutherford, saying that the left-arm spinner has ben working very hard in the practice sessions. The Afghani spinner finished the game with figures of 2/24 in four overs at an economy rate of 6.00.
"Always a pleasure to see Noor Ahmad doing his thing. He’s been working really hard. There were a couple of matches that didn’t go his way, so very happy to see him successful again tonight," added Akeal Hosein.
Big jump for CSK in IPL 2026
After a huge win against MI, CSK jumped to the fifth place in the standings with six points in hand after playing seven matches. The Yellow Army also a surge in their net run rate, which now stands at +0.118.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will lock horns against Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT) in their upcoming IPL 2026 clash on Sunday, Aprl 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.