Sanju Samson returned to form with an unbeaten 115 and with Jamie Overton’s 4 wickets, Chennai Super Kings registered their first win of IPL 2026 at Chepauk on Saturday night, defeating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs. After a few quiet games, Samson took the lead and a strong performance from the Jamie Overton-led bowlers sealed victory. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, CSK posted a solid 212/2, mainly due to a 113-run partnership between Samson and Ayush Mhatt, who scored a quick 59 runs.Mhatre impressed with his batting performance while Samson steadied the innings and accelerated at the right moments to complete his century off 52 balls. This is his fourth IPL hundred for CSK. Even a failed catch on the 55th did not deter him as he made Delhi pay with a majestic knock. Compared to previous games, Samson looked more confident, with clear timing on the ball and shooting from all over the court. His innings was filled with classy boundaries and big hits, including a brilliant six.Mhat, meanwhile, showed immense potential before retiring to receive a late push from Shivam Dube. The strong total gave CSK a solid platform and their bowlers made the most of it.
The rapid start of DC door openers
Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul gave it their all and crossed the 50 mark in just four overs. Nissanka smashed 41 off 18 balls while Rahul looked smooth before falling to Khaleel Ahmed. With a record of 61/1 in five overs, DC looked to be in control. The momentum quickly shifted as Anshul Kamboj dismissed Nissanka and debutant Gurjapneet Singh bowled out Axar Patel with his first delivery.Overton later joined the action, ousting Samir Rizvi and throwing the D.C. mid-level order into disarray. Tristan Stubbs kept Delhi in the game with 60 off 38 balls, finishing with a brief 45-run stand with David Miller. However, Overton came back to dismiss Miller, tightening CSK’s control.Ashutosh Sharma’s quick-fire 19 threatened to turn the momentum around, but Noor Ahmad replaced him at the crucial moment. Overton also accounted for Auqib Nabi’s spot as DC lost wickets regularly.
CSK seals victory
With the required ratio soaring, Stubbs eventually fell in the 19th round, passing Overton and effectively ending D.C.’s hopes. Kamboj then dismissed Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi to end the innings as Delhi were bowled out for 189.CSK’s all-round performance, backed by Overton’s stellar performance and sharp defense, helped them snap a six-game losing streak against Chebauk.
