Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson returned to form in style, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 115 to guide Chennai Super Kings to their first win of IPL 2026, defeating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs. After a few quiet games, Samson led from the front, while the bowlers, led by Jamie Overton, sealed the win with a strong performance.Asked to bat first after losing the toss, CSK posted a solid 212/2, thanks largely to a 113-run partnership between Samson and Ayush Mhatre, who scored a quick 59.
While Mhatre impressed with his strokeplay, Samson anchored the innings and accelerated at the right moments, bringing up his century in 52 balls. It was his fourth IPL hundred and first for CSK. Even a dropped catch on 55 didn’t stop him, as he made Delhi pay with a commanding knock.
Samson shines, Mhatre impresses
Samson looked much more confident compared to earlier matches, timing the ball cleanly and playing shots all around the ground. His innings was filled with elegant boundaries and big hits, including a standout six over extra cover. Mhatre, meanwhile, showed great promise before being retired out to allow a late push from Shivam Dube.The strong total gave CSK a solid platform, and their bowlers made the most of it.
Bowlers seal the deal for CSK
Chasing 213, Delhi started aggressively with KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka putting up 61 runs in just five overs. However, once Nissanka was dismissed, the momentum shifted. CSK pacers, including Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj, used the pitch conditions smartly, troubling the batters with bounce and tight lines.Overton was the standout performer, finishing with 4/18 and removing key players, including David Miller. Though Tristan Stubbs fought hard with a 60, Delhi kept losing wickets at crucial moments and were eventually bowled out for 189.In the end, it was a complete performance from CSK, a sensational knock from Samson backed by disciplined bowling, that helped them open their account this season.
