After three consecutive failures, Sanju Samson delivered the most explosive innings of IPL 2026 so far — an unbeaten 115 off just 56 balls — to power Chennai Super Kings to a commanding 23-run victory over Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. The knock ended CSK’s six-match home losing streak and gave them their first points of the season.
Samson, who had managed only 6, 7, and 9 in his first three innings after joining CSK from Rajasthan Royals, came out swinging against DC and never looked back. He brought up the first century of IPL 2026 off just 52 balls — celebrating with a famous Rajinikanth-style salute that sent the Chepauk crowd into a frenzy.
He smashed 15 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 205.36, sharing a 113-run partnership with young Ayush Mhatre (59 off 36). CSK posted a massive 212/2 in 20 overs.
DC began their chase brightly, racing to 61 in 5 overs, but Jamie Overton then tore through their batting lineup with a sensational spell of 4 wickets for just 18 runs — the best bowling figures of IPL 2026. DC were bowled out for 189, with Tristan Stubbs (60) the only real resistance.
KEY RECORDS:
- First century of IPL 2026
- Samson’s 4th IPL hundred — first for CSK
- Only 2nd batter after KL Rahul to hit centuries for 3 different IPL teams
- 4th Indian after Rohit, Virat & SKY to hit 400 T20 sixes
RESULT: CSK 212/2 beat DC 189 all out by 23 runs
Player of the Match: Sanju Samson (115*)
