Sanju Samson (Photo: BCCI) NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson returned to form in style, smashing a superb unbeaten 115 to guide Chennai Super Kings to their first win of IPL 2026, defeating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs. After some quiet games, Samson led from the front as the bowlers, led by Jamie Overton, sealed the victory with a strong performance.Asked to bat first after losing the toss, CSK posted a solid 212/2, largely thanks to a 113-run partnership between Samson and Ayush Mhatre, who scored a brisk 59.
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Rashid Khan opens surgery, poor last season and bowling rhythmWhile Mhatre impressed with his strokeplay, Samson anchored the innings and stepped up at the right moments, bringing up his century in 52 balls. It was his fourth IPL hundred and first for CSK. Even a dropped catch on 55 didn’t stop him as he made Delhi pay with a commanding knock.
Samson shines, Mhatre moves
Samson looked much more confident compared to previous matches, timing the ball cleanly and playing shots all over the ground. His innings was filled with classy boundaries and big hits, including a superb six over extra cover. Mhatre, meanwhile, showed great promise before being dropped to allow a late push from Shivam Dube.A strong total gave CSK a solid platform and their bowlers made the most of it.
The bowlers sealed the deal for CSK
Chasing 213, Delhi started aggressively with KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka putting on 61 runs in just five overs. However, once Nissanka was released, the dynamic changed. The CSK pacers, including Overton, Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboja, made smart use of the pitch conditions and troubled the batsmen with bounce and tight lines.Overton was an outstanding performer, finishing with 4/18 and removing key players, including David Miller. Although Tristan Stubbs fought hard with 60, Delhi kept losing wickets at crucial moments and were eventually bowled out for 189.In the end, it was a complete performance from ČSK, a sensational knock from Samson backed by disciplined bowling that helped them open their account this season.
