IPL 2026: Samson’s Century, Overton’s Four-Fer Seal CSK’s First Win

Chennai Super Kings finally got their campaign off the mark in IPL 2026 with a convincing 23-run win over Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, thanks to standout performances from Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton.

Samson was in sublime touch, smashing an unbeaten 115 off just 56 balls to anchor CSK to a formidable 212/2. His innings, studded with 15 fours and four sixes, marked the first century of the season and lit up the Chepauk crowd. In the process, he became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score an IPL hundred for CSK and joined KL Rahul as one of the few players to score centuries for three different IPL franchises.

He found strong support in young Ayush Mhatre, who contributed a brisk 59 off 36 balls. The duo stitched together a crucial 113-run partnership that laid the foundation for CSK’s big total. Later, Shivam Dube added a quickfire 20 to push the score beyond 210.

In reply, Delhi got off to a flying start with Pathum Nissanka and Rahul attacking aggressively in the powerplay, racing past fifty in just four overs. Nissanka made 41, while Rahul looked set before falling early.

However, the game turned in CSK’s favour once Overton stepped in. The English all-rounder delivered a match-winning spell of 4/18, breaking the backbone of Delhi’s batting line-up with disciplined hard-length bowling. He was well supported by Anshul Kamboj, who picked up three wickets, and debutant Gurjapneet Singh.

Despite a fighting 60 from Tristan Stubbs and some resistance from the middle order, Delhi struggled to keep up with the rising required rate. Stubbs’ dismissal in the 19th over effectively ended their hopes, as DC were bowled out for 189.

The victory not only handed CSK their first points of the season but also ended a frustrating six-match losing streak at home, giving their campaign a much-needed boost.

Brief Scores:
Chennai Super Kings 212/2 (Sanju Samson 115*, Ayush Mhatre 59) beat Delhi Capitals 189 (Tristan Stubbs 60, Pathum Nissanka 41) by 23 runs.

With inputs from IANS