NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson bounced back in a big way, striking an unbeaten 115 to steer Chennai Super Kings to their maiden victory of IPL 2026. CSK got the better of Delhi Capitals by 23 runs, with Samson’s match-defining knock at the centre of it all and the bowling unit—led by Jamie Overton—closing the contest out decisively.
Delhi Capitals elected to field first after winning the toss, and the decision quickly set the tone for CSK’s innings. Chennai reached 212/2, built primarily on a dominant 113-run stand between Samson and Ayush Mhatre. Mhatre contributed a quick-fire 59, showing attacking intent through the innings, but it was Samson who controlled the tempo and ensured the chase would be a difficult one from the start. He reached his century off 52 balls, his fourth IPL hundred overall and his first for CSK. Even after a dropped chance when he was on 55, Samson stayed composed, punished the opposition when the opportunity came, and kept accelerating at the moments that mattered most.
Samson’s return to form lights up CSK’s innings
Compared to his earlier outings, Samson looked far more assured, timing the ball cleanly and finding scoring areas across the ground. His innings featured a blend of elegant boundaries and powerful hitting, including a memorable six that sailed over extra cover. Mhatre, meanwhile, offered plenty of promise in his cameo, but his stay at the crease was cut short when he was retired out to make way for a late push from Shivam Dube.
With the strong total in place, CSK’s bowlers made sure the pressure never eased for Delhi. Chasing 213, the Capitals began with intent as KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka combined for 61 runs in just five overs. That bright start didn’t last. The dismissal of Nissanka triggered a shift in momentum, and CSK’s pacers tightened the screws using the conditions to perfection—Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj troubled the batters with disciplined line and length, while also getting help from bounce.
Overton’s spell and disciplined closing overs end the contest
Jamie Overton proved the standout, finishing with figures of 4/18 and removing key names, including David Miller. Tristan Stubbs tried to keep Delhi in the hunt with a fighting 60, but wickets kept falling at critical junctures, leaving the chase with too much to do. In the end, Delhi Capitals were bowled out for 189, handing CSK a 23-run win.
It was a complete team effort from Chennai: a sensational, unbeaten innings from Samson to set the platform, followed by a disciplined bowling performance that ensured Delhi never got fully settled. With this result, CSK opened their account for the season and reinforced why Samson’s form can swing matches in IPL 2026.
