IPL 2026: Mhatre, Dube help CSK put 210-run target for Punjab Kings
Chennai, April 3
Chennai Super Kings have posted a big total of 209 runs against Punjab Kings in match 6 of the Indian Premier League 2026 being played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.
Asked to bat first, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side lost their first wicket in the second over when Sanju Samson got caught behind on Xavier Bartlett's delivery after making just seven runs.
Ayush Mhatre came one down to bat and added 96 runs for the second wicket with his captain. He completed his first half-century of the season in just 31 deliveries and then shifted gears. He targeted Marcus Stoinis and hit him for a couple of sixes down the ground.
The 18-year-old made a quickfire 73 off 43 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes.
Gaikwad failed to convert a good start and holed out to Nehal Wadhera on Yuzvendra Chahal's delivery after making a struggling 28 off 22 balls with the help of a couple of fours.
Kartik Sharma failed to impress again and departed back to the pavilion after making just one run. He was caught infront of the wicket off Marco Jansen's delivery.
Sarfaraz Khan made a quick 32 off just 12 balls with the help of six fours and a six.
Shivam Dube shifted gears after that and made 45 not out in just 27 balls, including five fours and a six.
Prashant Veer also remained unbeaten on six runs as the five-time champions posted a big total of 209 runs.
Vijaykumar Vyshak was the best bowler for the Kings with the bowling figures of 38/2. Chahal, Jansen and Bartlett also shared one wicket each.
Now, Punjab Kings need 210 runs to win this match and earn their back-to-back victory of the season. CSK, on the other hand, are looking for their maiden win of the season after losing the first match against Rajasthan Royals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good total, but Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to convert these starts. 28 off 22 is too slow for an opener in today's T20 cricket. Captain has to lead from the front, especially after losing the first match. Hope the bowlers defend this!
Shivam Dube finishing strong as usual! That's his role and he played it perfectly. 45* off 27. Sarfaraz Khan's cameo was the real accelerator though - 32 off 12! That changed the momentum completely. 209 is a winning score at Chepauk.
Watching from Australia. The talent pool in India is insane. An 18-year-old playing like that under pressure in the IPL is remarkable. Bartlett getting Samson early was a good start for PBKS, but the middle overs were costly.
Concerned about Kartik Sharma. He's failing repeatedly. CSK might need to look at other options if he doesn't perform soon. Otherwise, a solid batting performance. Vyshak bowled well for Punjab in the death. 210 is chaseable, but Chepauk pitch will help our spinners in the second half. Whistle Podu! 🦁
As a neutral fan, this is what makes IPL so exciting. A young domestic player (Mhatre) shining on the big stage. Hope he keeps his form. Punjab's bowling looked a bit flat after the powerplay. Should be a great chase!
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