In response, Delhi Capitals struggled under the strain despite a valiant effort, ultimately being bowled out for 189. Jamie Overton spearheaded the attack with an impressive spell of 4 for 18, dismantling DC’s middle order at crucial junctures.
Tristan Stubbs fought a lone battle with a determined 60 but lacked support as wickets continued to fall around him. This defeat marked Delhi’s second consecutive loss of the season.
Chasing 213, DC got off to a roaring start, reaching 61 in just five overs thanks to an aggressive opening partnership between KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka (41). However, Nissanka’s dismissal proved to be a pivotal moment. After being dropped by Khaleel Ahmed off Anshul Kamboj, the Sri Lankan opener failed to make the most of his chance, miscuing the very next ball to Dewald Brevis inside the circle.
At 61 for 2 in 5.2 overs, Delhi was still in the game, but CSK’s bowlers regrouped effectively, tightening their lines, and gradually took control.
Their pacers, Overton, Khaleel, and Kamboj started hitting the red-soil surface hard, extracting good bounce and restricting the DC batters from playing their shots freely. Sameer Rizvi and Axar Patel fell to such deliveries, with Sarfaraz Khan playing a crucial role in the latter’s dismissal by executing a spectacular diving catch at point.
Though David Miller and Tristan Stubbs remained, promising a challenge for CSK, Overton’s well-directed hard-length delivery clipped Miller’s leg-stump bails, intensifying Delhi’s woes. Yet, it was Samson who crafted a memorable night for CSK at Chepauk.
Asked to bat first, Samson notched up his first significant innings in a Yellow jersey and formed an excellent partnership with Mhatre, who showcased his vast potential, putting together 113 runs in just over 11 overs for the second wicket. This marked Samson’s fourth IPL century, the first for CSK this season.
A big innings from Samson was crucial for both himself and CSK to rekindle the belief of the ‘Anbu-den’ faithful in their team, and he delivered with a spectacular performance in front of home supporters. This was the classic Samson innings. The Kerala batter had looked hesitant in earlier matches this season, but this time, a familiar version of Samson emerged.
The coordination of feet, eyes, and hands reappeared, allowing his shots to flow seamlessly around the field. However, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggled to accelerate even during the Power Play, and his 62-run opening partnership was entirely based on Samson’s attacking style.
Samson set the tone early with two consecutive fours off pacer Mukesh Kumar, but the standout shot of his innings was a six over extra cover against left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Fortune also favored Samson as he was dropped on 55 by Pathum Nissanka near long-off off Axar Patel.
The 31-year-old capitalized on his good fortune, making DC pay dearly for their mistake. Samson reached his fifty in 26 balls, one less than Mhatre, and his century in 52 balls as CSK proceeded smoothly.
Mhatre, on his part, was a delight to watch until he was retired out after a well-constructed innings, giving the hard-hitting Shivam Dube his chance.
Until that moment, Mhatre excited the Chepauk crowd with his elegant strokes.
(With PTI inputs)
