Samson and Overton shine as CSK recorded their first win of the season, beating DC by 23 runs (ANI Image)
Sanju Samson returned to form in style, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 115 and with Jimmy Overton with a four-wicket haul, Chennai Super Kings registered their first win of IPL 2026 on Saturday evening in Chipauk, defeating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs.
After several quiet matches, Sampson came from the front, while the bowlers led by Jimmy Overton sealed the win with a strong performance. When CSK were asked to bat first after losing the toss, they scored 212/2, largely thanks to the 113-run partnership between Samson and Ayush Mhatre, who scored a quick 59.While Mhatre impressed with his batting style, Samson stabilized the innings and accelerated at the right moments, reaching his century in 52 balls.
This was his fourth time in IPL and first for CSK. Even a falling catch on 55 did not stop him, as he made Delhi pay with a powerful knock. Samson looked more confident compared to previous matches, striking the ball cleanly and hitting the ball all over the ground. His innings was full of elegant boundaries and big hits, including a highlight-reel six at extra cover.Meanwhile, Mhatre showed great promise before retiring to allow for a late push from Shivam Dubey.
The strong total gave CSK a solid platform, and their bowlers made the most of it.
Flying starter of DC openers
Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul came out all guns blazing, passing fifty in just four overs. Nissanka smashed 41 off 18 balls, while Rahul looked fluent before falling to Khaleel Ahmed. At 61/1 in five overs, DC looked in control. The momentum changed quickly when Anshul Kamboj removed Nissanka, while debutant Gurjapanet Singh scored his first goal to dismiss Axar Patel.Overton then joined the act, removing Samir Rizvi to leave the Capital’s middle order rattled. Tristan Stubbs kept Delhi in contention with a battling 60 off 38 balls, stitching a short 45-run stand with David Miller. However, Overton returned to dismiss Miller, tightening CSK’s grip.A quick-fire 19 from Ashutosh Sharma threatened to swing the momentum, but Noor Ahmed dismissed it at a crucial moment. Overton also acquired Aqib Nabi as DC continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
CSK sealed the dominant win
With the required rate rising, Stubbs eventually dropped in 19th, colliding with Overton, effectively ending DC’s hopes. Kamboj then concluded the innings by dismissing Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, as Delhi were bowled out for 189.CSK’s all-round performance, led by Overton’s brilliance and supported by sharp play, helped them end their six-match losing streak at the Chibok Stadium in style.
