Chennai Super Kings face a challenging chase of 160 in IPL 2026’s 44th match after Mumbai Indians were restricted to 159 for 7 at Chepauk. The Saturday showdown saw both sides fighting for crucial points to boost their faltering campaigns.
MI’s innings kicked off disastrously with Will Jacks out for a duck-like 1 in the second over. Enter Naman Dhir, who rescued the innings alongside Ryan Rickelton. Their 58-run alliance in 32 balls included Rickelton’s explosive 37 (5 sixes off 24 balls).
Suryakumar Yadav joined Dhir next, adding 40 runs in 24 balls to reach 99/2. Surya’s brisk 21 off 12 ended abruptly, prompting captain Hardik Pandya to take charge. He steered MI beyond 150 but couldn’t convert, scoring 18 off 23 balls amid minor partnerships.
Dhir’s masterful 57 off 37 (4×4, 3×6) proved the highlight, providing stability. Bowling honors went to Anshul Kamboj (3/32), Noor Ahmad (2), with Ghosh and Overton grabbing one apiece.
Points table pressure mounts: CSK seventh with 3/8 wins; MI ninth with 2/8. Gaikwad’s CSK XI: Samson (wk), Patel, Brevis, Dube, Overton, Ghosh, Veer, Ahmad, Kamboj, Choudhary. Pandya’s MI: Jacks, Rickelton (wk), SKY, Dhir, Varma, Minz, Boult, Bhagat, Bumrah, Gajnaf.
Can CSK overhaul the total under lights? The race for playoffs intensifies.
