In the seventh match, Punjab Kings defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets. 2026 indian premier league At MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Super Kings, who came to bat first, reached 209/5 at the end of their 20 overs thanks to Ayush Mhatre's 73-run innings. Coming at the right time, he stabilized the innings and faced the Punjab bowlers by playing a mature innings. The platform he set was taken over by Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a brilliant 32 runs off 11 balls. Sarfaraz's innovative shorts performance took the Super Kings ahead, before Shivam Dubey remained unbeaten on 45.
In reply, Punjab Kings made a great start Priyansh Arya Attacking the fast bowlers of CSK. Arya was out after scoring 39 runs on just 11 balls, while Punjab could only score 68 runs in the powerplay. Cooper Connolly continued his brilliant innings against Gujarat Titans and scored 36 runs to take Punjab closer to the total. After Connolly's dismissal, Shreyas Iyer attacked the Chennai bowlers and reached 50 runs in just 26 balls. He was out when Punjab needed 24 runs from the last three overs. Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh led the team to victory with eight balls remaining.
CSK vs PBKS: Talking Points
1, Ayush Mhatre once again finds his feet
The new star-studded opening pair of Ruturaj Giakwad and Sanju Samson means that the 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre Found himself batting one-down. After the failure against Rajasthan, Mhatre scored a brilliant 73 runs in just 43 balls. Playing brilliant strokes, taking on the bowlers and gaining on the scoreboard, he posted a score of 209/5 for Chennai. While questions remain about his status, Mhatre has shown that he can still hang with the big boys after displaying his high potential in 2025.
2. Sarfaraz Khan looked in style
Sarfaraz Khan once again showed glimpses of the potential he showed as a young player in the IPL. Coming in with the score at 130/4, Sarfaraz showed his full arsenal of innovative shot-making in the Chennai Super Kings innings which motored 32 off 12 balls. Playing his ramps and dabs, showing his intent by charging down the track against the fast bowlers, it was almost as if we were watching the young lad who took the IPL by storm with Royal Challengers Bangalore. If Sarfaraz's form continues, the fortunes of Chennai Super Kings will strengthen.
3. Chahal's overs leave questions
Yuzvendra Chahal continued his form from the previous game, bowling three overs for just 21 runs and taking the wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad. But Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer did not give him the fourth over, instead decided to go to Marcus Stoinis and Priyansh Arya was dismissed before the innings break. This raises the question whether Shivam Dube's threat against the spinners prompted Iyer to avoid going near his star leggie, which was confirmed by Shreyas after the match.
4. Over rate issue continues in Punjab
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was fined Rs 12 lakh for failing to maintain the over rate in the first game against the Titans. Here too, in Chennai, Punjab failed to complete their 20 overs in the stipulated time, with field restrictions imposed for the last two overs. This is a problem not only for the team but also for Shreyas, with the third repetition of this offense potentially leading to a ban.
who said what?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK captain
“I thought it was a really good score. The wicket was better for the fast bowlers but it was entertaining – the slower balls were holding up as well. With the big boundaries, felt it was a really good score. We felt we had three seamers and two wrist spinners bowling together would help. There was an off-day for both of them and that's what hurt us. A mixture of both – sometimes, we performed well, sometimes, we didn't perform well.
There was no pressure. There was a time when this [required run-rate] Went on 11, and a few good overs would have taken it to 12-13. We couldn't get any momentum in the middle. tough one. Lots of positives. Ayush batted brilliantly. Shivam batted very well. We had good confidence batting-wise. A lot of improvement is needed in terms of bowling. Today, I felt like wandering around a bit. The wicket was gripping, so I thought of staying there and then cashing in but unfortunately, I got out at the wrong time.”
Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain
“Well, obviously, there is anxiety before coming out on the field, but the way we started today, I think it was an extraordinary start for us. Priyansh and Prab have been working in the beginning and then coming in and preparing the bench for us. And I personally think the way they have been batting over the years, it is amazing to see them give us that start and it settles the momentum for us. Yes, absolutely.
I am happy that everyone is getting a chance to bat in the first two matches only. This also gives a lot of confidence to the team. So that, you know, whenever we get caught in a pressure situation, people know how to handle it. (What is being discussed in the dressing room?) Well, to be honest, it is not planned, but we have decided in the dressing room that no matter what happens, we will play a brand of cricket that is about impressing each other and not about impressing others outside. So, you know, it also gives us a certain kind of clarity as we approach the game. And it's basically to challenge each other inside the dressing room, not outside.
(On Priyansh) Absolutely. I mean, scoring 39 off 11 balls is the start we need, especially when you are chasing 208. I think it was a belter to bat. But the way we started, we had 25 runs in 3 overs and then suddenly they started scoring from there. But it is important that we remain calm and over rate is also something that we need to pay attention to right now. Because there are 5 fielders coming in the last 2 overs, you kind of know there is only one line to bowl. So that's the only part we need to focus on right now.
(On Chahal) Yes, I think we all know how good he is against spinners. And they had one more over left and there were a lot of domestic players who are good players of spin. So I decided to go with the seamers at that time. And generally we know how impressive he has been over the years. And he is probably one of the best bowlers ever in the IPL. So whenever I'm in doubt, I do that.”
Priyansh Arya, Player of the Match
“I've been like that [of attacking] Since childhood. I just want to play for the benefit of the team. There is always some risk, but I believe that if I have to hit, I should hit the first ball. There are experienced bowlers in the IPL, but I practiced hard and it paid off. I practice twice a day and it's for one and a half hours each session, I love batting. My family background is in teaching; My sister is also a teacher, so maybe I would have become a teacher too. There is no possibility of this now.”
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