Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered a 32-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), posting 192 for 5 before restricting the visitors to 160 for 7. The result marked CSK’s first back-to-back wins in nearly two years, lifting them alongside four other teams on four points. Despite bowling in heavy dew after losing the toss at Chepauk, CSK controlled the game to keep KKR winless this season.
Contributions from Sanju Samson (48), Dewald Brevis (41), and Ayush Mhatre (38) powered CSK to a competitive total on a surface that proved challenging outside the powerplay. In response, early breakthroughs from Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed—removing Finn Allen and Sunil Narine—put KKR under pressure. CSK’s dominance in the powerplay, where they scored 72 compared to KKR’s 36, proved decisive, while their spinners tightened control through the middle overs, conceding just 47 runs and picking up four wickets in eight overs.
Mhatre and Samson Set the Platform
CSK’s innings gathered early momentum despite the quick departure of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson and Mhatre capitalised on fielding restrictions, both striking Vaibhav Arora for three consecutive boundaries. Mhatre also attacked Cameron Green, hitting successive sixes during the powerplay.
Arora eventually dismissed Mhatre with a short ball at the end of the powerplay, but his 16-ball 38 had already given CSK a strong start. While both sides scored at a similar rate beyond the powerplay, the early surge created a gap that KKR could not bridge.
Spin Restricts CSK in Middle Overs
KKR’s bowlers responded well in the middle phase. Sunil Narine applied pressure as Samson adopted a cautious approach against him. Varun Chakravarthy kept things tight, conceding just one boundary in his opening two overs. Kartik Tyagi also made an impact, bowling Samson just short of a half-century and slowing CSK’s progress.
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Narine, Anukul Roy, and Varun maintained control, restricting CSK to just 70 runs across nine overs after the powerplay.
Brevis Pushes Late, KKR Fight Back
Although CSK struggled for fluency, Brevis accelerated briefly, taking 20 runs off Arora in the 16th over. However, KKR finished strongly with the ball. Narine conceded just a single boundary in the 17th over, while Tyagi bowled the 18th and 20th overs for only 14 runs, limiting CSK’s final surge.
Early Breakthroughs Hurt KKR Chase
KKR’s chase faltered early as Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj exploited helpful conditions. Allen, playing his fifth match, again failed to get past the powerplay, edging Kamboj to cover-point. Narine struck two sixes and two fours but struggled against Khaleel’s angles and was eventually caught at short third.
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Spinners Seal the Game
Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ajinkya Rahane attempted to rebuild, but CSK’s spinners maintained control. Akeal Hosein dismissed Raghuvanshi for 27 off 19, while Rahane managed 28 off 22 despite hitting two sixes.
Noor Ahmad then took charge, dismissing Rahane with a wrong’un before removing Cameron Green for a golden duck. He added Rinku Singh to his tally as the required rate climbed beyond reach. Noor finished with 3 for 21, supported by Hosein’s 1 for 26 from four overs. By the time their spells ended, KKR were left needing 86 runs from the final five overs, effectively sealing the result.
Key Highlights
- CSK posted 192/5 and won by 32 runs
- Samson (48), Brevis (41), and Mhatre (38) led the batting
- CSK outscored KKR 72 to 36 in the powerplay
- Noor Ahmad starred with 3/21 in the chase
- KKR remain winless this season
