A clinical bowling display led by Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj complemented a strong batting performance as Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs in their IPL 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, here on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defending a competitive 192\/5, CSK struck early and maintained control throughout, restricting KKR to 160\/7 in 20 overs despite late resistance from Ramandeep Singh and Rovman Powell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
KKR’s chase began on an experimental note, with Sunil Narine opening alongside Finn Allen. While Narine showed early intent with a couple of sixes, Allen fell cheaply as Kamboj struck in the second over to provide CSK an early breakthrough.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Narine failed to build on his start and was dismissed by Khaleel Ahmed during the powerplay, leaving KKR struggling at 36\/2 after six overs — their lowest powerplay score since 2024. Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempted to rebuild, briefly lifting the scoring rate with a mix of boundaries and sixes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, CSK’s spin attack turned the game decisively in the middle overs. Akeal Hosein broke the partnership by removing Raghuvanshi, before Noor delivered a match-defining spell. The Afghan left-arm wrist-spinner dismissed Rahane and struck twice in quick succession, removing Cameron Green for a golden duck and later Rinku Singh, derailing KKR’s chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Noor finished with impressive figures of 3\/21, consistently troubling batters with his variations and exploiting the Chepauk surface. His spell reduced KKR from a position of recovery to deep trouble at 91\/6.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the required rate climbing, Ramandeep (35 off 23) and Powell (31 not out off 22) stitched together a fighting partnership, keeping KKR’s hopes alive with occasional boundaries. However, disciplined bowling from CSK ensured the target remained out of reach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kamboj returned at the death to seal the contest, finishing with 2\/32. He removed Ramandeep in the penultimate over and conceded just 12 runs in the final over to close out the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, CSK posted a strong 192\/5 after electing to bat. Sanju Samson led the charge with a fluent 48, while young Ayush Mhatre provided a blistering start with a 17-ball 38. Dewald Brevis added impetus in the middle overs with a well-compiled 41, helping CSK recover after a brief slowdown.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite efforts from KKR’s bowlers, particularly Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, to pull things back in the middle overs, CSK’s aggressive start ultimately proved decisive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win marks CSK’s second successive victory, while KKR continue to struggle for consistency in their batting and remain winless.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite efforts from KKR’s bowlers, particularly Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, to pull things back in the middle overs, CSK’s aggressive start ultimately proved decisive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chennai Super Kings 192\/5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 48, Dewald Brevis 41, Ayush Mhatre 38; Kartik Tyagi 2\/35) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 160\/7 in 20 overs (Ramandeep Singh 35, Rovman Powell 31*; Noor Ahmad 3\/21, Anshul Kamboj 2\/32) by 32 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n