IPL 2026: Ayush Mhatre scores 62 runs; CSK 101 for 1 after 10 overs against PBKS

Ayush Mhatre (Pic: X)

Chennai Super Kings started off strong against the Punjab Kings in front of their home crowd. Sanju Samson, making his home debut, scored 7 runs before being caught behind by Xavier Bertlett.

Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad kept the CSK scoreboard ticking by forming a partnership. The duo brought up their 50-run partnership in 29 balls. At the halfway stage of the innings, CSK were cruising at 101 runs for the loss of 1 wicket.

CSK were cruising at 57 runs at the loss of 1 wicket at the end of the powerplay. Mhatre brought up his half-century in 29 balls, laying the foundation for a big first innings score for the hosts.

Xavier Bartlett picked up the only wicket for the visitors as he provided an early breakthrough.

With Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube and more power-hitters still to come, CSK will hope for a big first innings total. Meanwhile, PBKS will hope that Yuzi Chahal and Arshdeep Singh can influence the game with their bowling.

Earlier, Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first against CSK. The Chennai Super Kings are coming into this game after an opening game defeat, while PBKS are looking to win their second match in a row.

In the opening match, CSK were defeated by the Rajasthan Royals. The Men in Yellow will aim to bounce back against the Punjab outfit in front of their home crowd. On the other hand, PBKS are fresh from their win against the Gujarat Titans.

So far in the tournament, chasing teams have enjoyed more success. In their last match, the Punjab Kings chased 165 runs against the Gujarat Titans to start their season with a win. Last season, Shreyas Iyer scored a match-winning innings of 72 runs of 41 balls against CSK in Chennai last season

Playing XI for both teams:

CSK: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed

PBKS: Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal