IPL 2026: Fans erupt as clinical Punjab Kings pip Chennai Super Kings in high-scoring thriller at Chepauk

Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, successfully chasing down a daunting target of 210 with eight balls to spare. In what turned out to be a run-fest, both teams showcased explosive batting, but PBKS held their nerve better in the chase to seal an impressive win.

Ayush Mhatre and others power CSK to a massive total

After being put in to bat first, the Super Kings posted a formidable total of 209/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a series of impactful contributions in the middle and death overs. However, the innings didn’t start on the best note, as Sanju Samson fell early for just 7 runs, while Ruturaj Gaikwad managed a steady but unspectacular 28 off 22 balls.

The momentum shifted dramatically with Ayush Mhatre taking charge. The young batter played a sensational knock of 73 off 43 balls, laced with six boundaries and five sixes, anchoring the innings brilliantly. Shivam Dube complemented him well with a powerful 45 off 27 deliveries, keeping the scoring rate high during the middle overs.

The real acceleration came towards the end, with Sarfaraz Khan unleashing an explosive cameo. He smashed 32 runs off just 12 balls, including six fours and a six, propelling CSK past the 200-run mark. Despite decent efforts from PBKS bowlers like Vyshak Vijaykumar (2/38) and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/21), the total looked highly competitive on a batting-friendly surface.

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PBKS pulls off a stunning chase to hand CSK a defeat at Chepauk

Chasing 210, Punjab Kings got off to a flying start, courtesy of Priyansh Arya’s breathtaking innings. He hammered 39 runs off just 11 balls, including four sixes, setting the tone early in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh then steadied the innings with a well-crafted 43 off 34 balls, ensuring PBKS didn’t lose momentum after the early burst.

Cooper Connolly added valuable runs with a quickfire 36 off 22 deliveries, keeping the required rate in check. The chase was then expertly guided by skipper Shreyas Iyer, who played a composed yet aggressive knock of 50 off 29 balls. His innings, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, proved to be the backbone of the chase.

Though CSK managed to pick up wickets at intervals through Matt Henry and Anshul Kamboj, PBKS never let the pressure build. Late cameos from Shashank Singh (14 off 6) and Marcus Stoinis (9 off 3) ensured that the visitors crossed the finish line comfortably in 18.4 overs.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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