Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 32 runs in the 22nd match of IPL 2026 at Chepauk. After being invited to bat first, CSK posted a competitive total of 192/5 in 20 overs on a pitch that was not easy for batting after the powerplay. Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, and Ayush Mhatre played key roles in building the total. Kartik Tyagi (2/35 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for KKR, while Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, and Vaibhav Arora took one wicket each.
In reply, KKR struggled early as Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed struck inside the powerplay, dismissing Finn Allen and Sunil Narine. CSK had already taken control by scoring 72 runs in the first six overs, compared to KKR’s 36, which proved to be a decisive advantage. After 13 overs, KKR was struggling at 90/6. Ramandeep Singh and Rovman Powell tried to accelerate and added 63 runs for the seventh wicket, but their efforts fell short as KKR lost the match by 32 runs.
Noor Ahmad (3/21 in 4 overs) kept things tight from one end and also picked up crucial wickets. Anshul Kamboj also took two wickets. With this win, CSK maintained their winning momentum from the previous match.
Mhatre and Samson Shine Early
CSK’s innings got a boost when captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed early. This allowed Samson and Mhatre to take full advantage of the fielding restrictions.
Both batters attacked aggressively, hitting Vaibhav Arora for three consecutive fours each. Mhatre also smashed back-to-back sixes off Cameron Green.
Mhatre’s quick 38 off just 16 balls gave CSK a strong start before he was dismissed at the end of the powerplay.
Middle Overs Slow the Game
KKR fought back in the middle overs, led by Narine’s tight bowling. Samson chose to play cautiously against him, avoiding unnecessary risks. Varun Chakravarthy also bowled economically, while Kartik Tyagi impressed with pace and picked up Samson’s wicket just short of his fifty.
Narine, Anukul Roy and Varun kept things tight, conceding only 70 runs in nine overs after the powerplay.
Brevis Boosts Late, But KKR Restrict Finish
Brevis, who had struggled for timing earlier, accelerated in the 16th over by scoring 20 runs off Arora. However, KKR bowlers pulled things back at the death.
Narine and Tyagi bowled disciplined overs towards the end, preventing CSK from posting an even bigger total.
Early Breakthroughs Hurt KKR
KKR’s chase never really got going. Kamboj and Khaleel used movement off the pitch to trouble the openers.
Allen, playing his fifth match, once again failed to get past the powerplay and was caught off Kamboj. Narine showed some aggression with two sixes and two fours but was eventually dismissed by Khaleel.
Middle Order Fails to Accelerate
KKR’s middle-order batters struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ajinkya Rahane could not accelerate effectively.
Akeal Hosein kept the pressure on with tight bowling and picked up Raghuvanshi’s wicket. Rahane managed 28 off 22 balls, which was not enough in the context of the chase.
Noor Ahmad Seals the Game
Noor Ahmad played a key role in finishing the game. He dismissed Rahane with a clever delivery and then removed Green for a golden duck. Noor also took the wicket of Rinku Singh, effectively ending KKR’s hopes. He finished with impressive figures of 3 for 21.
By the time Noor and Hosein completed their spells, the match was already out of KKR’s reach, with the team needing 86 runs in the last five overs.
Chennai Super Kings moved off the bottom of the points table after securing two consecutive wins for the first time in two years. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs at Chepauk, keeping KKR winless this season.
Despite losing the toss and bowling later under heavy dew conditions, CSK delivered a strong performance in both batting and bowling. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!