Chennai Super Kings set a 210-run target for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, scoring 209 in Chennai. The innings was anchored by 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre's superb 73 off 43 balls, with crucial late contributions from Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have posted a big total of 209 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 being played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.
Mhatre's half-century leads CSK's charge
Asked to bat first, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side lost their first wicket in the second over when Sanju Samson got caught behind on Xavier Bartlett's delivery after making just seven runs. Ayush Mhatre came one down to bat and added 96 runs for the second wicket with his captain.
He completed his first half-century of the season in just 31 deliveries and then shifted gears. He targeted Marcus Stoinis and hit him for a couple of sixes down the ground. The 18-year-old made a quickfire 73 off 43 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes.
Gaikwad failed to convert a good start and holed out to Nehal Wadhera on Yuzvendra Chahal's delivery after making a struggling 28 off 22 balls with the help of a couple of fours.
Kartik Sharma failed to impress again and departed back to the pavilion after making just one run. He was caught infront of the wicket off Marco Jansen's delivery.
Sarfaraz Khan made a quick 32 off just 12 balls with the help of six fours and a six.
Shivam Dube shifted gears after that and made 45 not out in just 27 balls, including five fours and a six. Prashant Veer also remained unbeaten on six runs as the five-time champions posted a big total of 209 runs.
Punjab Kings face steep chase
Vijaykumar Vyshak was the best bowler for the Kings with the bowling figures of 38/2. Chahal, Jansen and Bartlett also shared one wicket each.
Now, Punjab Kings need 210 runs to win this match and earn their back-to-back victory of the season. CSK, on the other hand, are looking for their maiden win of the season after losing the first match against Rajasthan Royals.
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