Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured their second consecutive victory in the IPL 2026 season by chasing down a total of 210 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with five wickets remaining at the Chepauk on April 3. Skipper Shreyas Iyer scored a decisive half-century, supported by quick contributions from Cooper Connolly and Priyansh Arya.
After winning the toss, CSK elected to bat first and posted 209 for five. Notable performances included Ayush Mhatre’s 73 runs from 43 balls, containing six fours and five sixes; Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 45 off 28 balls including five fours and one six; and Sarfaraz Khan’s quickfire 32 runs in 12 balls with six fours and a six.
In response, PBKS began their innings strongly with a 61-run opening partnership between Priyansh Arya, who scored 39 off 11 balls with three fours and four sixes, and Prabhsimran Singh, contributing 43 from 34 balls, striking six fours and a six. Cooper Connolly added a rapid 36 runs in 22 balls, including six fours.
Shreyas Iyer produced a vital innings of 50 from 29 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, guiding PBKS to the target in 18.4 overs. During the chase, Arya aggressively targeted Khaleel Ahmed, hitting a four and six in the opening over, while also benefiting from three wides bowled by Ahmed. Matt Henry’s second over conceded 20 runs as Arya and Prabhsimran scored freely.
After reaching the 50-run milestone in 3.2 overs, Arya was dismissed by Henry. Prabhsimran continued to attack, notably hitting Anshul Kamboj for three fours in one over. However, he was run out for 43 in the ninth over. After the powerplay, PBKS were 68 for one with Prabhsimran and Connolly at the crease.
Connolly reached 36 runs from 22 balls but was caught out by Matt Henry, ending PBKS at 127 for three in 11.5 overs. Iyer then took charge, hitting two sixes over extra cover and deep square leg in the 13th over. PBKS reached 150 runs in 14.1 overs and 163 for three by the end of the 15th over.
Iyer’s half-century arrived in 26 balls before Anshul Kamboj finally dismissed him in the 17th over. PBKS stood at 186 for four. After losing Nehal Wadhera for 10 runs, PBKS crossed the 200-run mark in 18.1 overs and completed the chase in 18.4 overs at 210 for five. Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis remained unbeaten on 14 and nine runs respectively.
For CSK, Anshul Kamboj and Matt Henry took two wickets apiece, while Chahal, Jansen and Bartlett claimed one each.
Earlier, CSK's innings benefited from Mhatre's half-century and impactful cameos from Khan and Dube. The team lost early wickets, with Sanju Samson dismissed for seven in the second over. Mhatre and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shared a 96-run second-wicket partnership before Gaikwad was caught for 28 and Mhatre soon after for 73.
CSK's middle order struggled, with Kartik Sharma departing for a single run and Sarfaraz Khan contributing a quick 32 runs. Shivam Dube provided a strong finish, scoring 45 not out from 28 balls, including five fours and a six, helping CSK reach a competitive total of 209 for five.
Vijaykumar Vyshak was the most successful bowler for PBKS, taking 2 for 38. Other wicket-takers were Chahal, Jansen, and Bartlett, each securing one wicket.
Brief Scores:
CSK: 209/5 (Ayush Mhatre 73, Shivam Dube 45*; Vijaykumar Vyshak 2/38)
PBKS: 210/5 in 18.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 50, Prabhsimran Singh 43; Anshul Kamboj 2/43)