KOLKATA, APRIL 14, 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ensured a commanding victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 32 runs, successfully defending 192 through an impeccable exhibition of spin bowling performance in the 22nd match of the Indian Premier League 2026 season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
CSK secured two crucial consecutive victories for the first time in two years, while KKR remained winless after four matches this season. With this loss, KKR endured a disappointing campaign, remaining winless in their first five games of an IPL season for the first time.
The match began with KKR won the toss and chose to bowl first. Sanju and Ruturaj came in to open for CSK. Ruturaj got out early in the 3rd over after scoring 7 off 6 balls (c Rovman Powell b Anukul Roy). Then Ayush Mhatre came in and provided an explosive start with a superb 38 off 17 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helping CSK post a high score in the powerplay. However, he was dismissed at 5.6 overs (c Ramandeep Singh b Vaibhav Arora). Dewald Brevis came in and built a vital partnership with Sanju Samson, who beautifully anchored the innings but got out for 48 off 32 balls before completing his half-century (b Kartik Tyagi). Sarfaraz Khan then added a handy 25 off 19 balls in the middle overs before being dismissed by Sunil Narine. Brevis was out after helping to continue the scoring in the middle order, scoring 41 off 29 balls (c Vaibhav Arora b Kartik Tyagi). Shivam Dube and Jamie Overton finished the innings strongly, taking CSK to 192/5 in 20 overs. KKR’s bowling attack became strong in the middle overs to suppress the scoring rate, preventing CSK from crossing 200. Narine conceded just 21 runs in his 4 overs while picking up a wicket, and Kartik Tyagi impressed with his pace, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs in 4 overs.
Chasing 192, KKR needed a good start in the powerplay. Sunil Narine and Finn Allen opened the innings, but Allen was dismissed early after scoring 1 off 3 balls by Anshul Kamboj. Narine (24 off 17) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27 off 19) tried to counter-attack, but the spin bowling shifted the momentum completely. Noor Ahmad, with his brilliant spell, destroyed the middle order of KKR, making it easier for CSK to seal the victory. He dismissed Ajinkya Rahane (28 off 22), Rinku Singh (6 off 12), and Cameron Green for a duck. Noor finished with 3 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs and was named Player of the Match. Akeal Hosein also provided great support, picking up 1 wicket for 26 runs in 4 overs. Rovman Powell (31* off 22) and Ramandeep Singh (35 off 23) tried hard to bring KKR back into the match, but the required run rate kept climbing out of control. KKR ultimately finished at 160/7 after 20 overs.
With this consecutive victory, CSK moved to 8th position with 4 points, while KKR stayed at 10th position. CSK will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, and KKR will face Gujarat Titans on April 17 after this consecutive disappointing defeat of the season.
