Chennai Super Kings got their first win in IPL 2026 with a strong performance against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, beating them by 23 runs.
CSK scored a big total of 212 runs, thanks to a brilliant century by Sanju Samson. Later, they bowled Delhi out for 189, with Jamie Overton picking up four wickets and Anshul Kamboj taking three.
Ashwin's take on CSK performance
Former CSK and India star Ravichandran Ashwin said the team now looks well-settled after this all-round performance against Axar Patel’s side.
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“CSK will be fighting for the top-four," Ashwin said.
“I feel that the turnabout has just about happened. They have found the right combination, and all they have to do is look after the fitness of the players and get them on the field," he added.
DC opted to bowl vs CSK
Delhi Capitals chose to bowl first, and Samson opened the innings along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The pair added 62 runs in the powerplay before Gaikwad was dismissed by Axar Patel for 18 off 15 balls.
Ayush Mhatre came in next and supported Samson well as he reached his half-century comfortably. Samson played attacking shots and put pressure on the Delhi bowlers.
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They built a 113-run partnership, with Mhatre also scoring another fifty this season before retiring hurt. Shivam Dube then came in to bat. Samson reached his century with a boundary and celebrated the moment with the home crowd at Chepauk.
Dube added 20 runs towards the end, while Samson stayed not out on 115 off 56 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes. CSK finished with 212/2 in 20 overs.
With the ball, Overton led the attack by taking four important wickets, while Kamboj impressed with three. Tristan Stubbs scored a half-century and Pathum Nissanka made 41 for Delhi, but their efforts were not enough as CSK bowled them out for 189 in 20 overs.