NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings returned to winning ways with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday in IPL 2026. Chasing 160, CSK reached the target in just 18.1 overs riding on skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 67 and Kartik Sharma's fluent 54 not out.
The victory helped CSK move up to sixth spot in the IPL 2026 points table with eight points from nine matches, overtaking Gujarat Titans on net run rate. Chennai also improved their NRR to +0.005 and strengthened their playoff hopes heading into the second half of the league stage.
Mumbai Indians' struggles, meanwhile, continued as they slumped to their seventh defeat in nine games. MI remain ninth in the standings with just four points and their NRR dropped further to -0.803, leaving the five-time champions staring at an early exit unless they produce a dramatic turnaround.
Earlier, MI posted a below-par 159 for 7 despite Naman Dhir's fighting 57 off 37 balls. Ryan Rickelton chipped in with 37, but Chennai's bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Noor Ahmad picked up two wickets while Anshul Kamboj impressed with figures of 3/32.
In reply, CSK lost Sanju Samson early but Urvil Patel's quickfire 24 gave momentum to the chase before Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma stitched together an unbeaten 98-run stand to seal the game with 11 balls remaining.
Punjab Kings continue to lead the IPL 2026 standings with 13 points from eight matches, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who both have 12 points. Rajasthan Royals remain fourth despite Friday's defeat to Delhi Capitals.
Delhi Capitals slipped back to sixth after CSK's win, while Kolkata Knight Riders are eighth with five points. Lucknow Super Giants remain bottom of the table with four points and the worst NRR in the competition.
IPL 2026 Points Table
- Punjab Kings: Played 8, Won 6, Lost 1, Tied 1, Points 13, NRR +1.043
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3, Points 12, NRR +1.420
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3, Points 12, NRR +0.832
- Rajasthan Royals: Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4, Points 12, NRR +0.510
- Gujarat Titans: Played 9, Won 5, Lost 4, Points 10, NRR -0.192
- Chennai Super Kings: Played 9, Won 4, Lost 5, Points 8, NRR +0.005
- Delhi Capitals: Played 9, Won 4, Lost 5, Points 8, NRR -0.895
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Played 8, Won 2, Lost 5, Tied 1, Points 5, NRR -0.751
- Mumbai Indians: Played 9, Won 2, Lost 7, Points 4, NRR -0.803
- Lucknow Super Giants: Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, Points 4, NRR -1.106
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