HIGHLIGHTS Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Match 18 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for DC's reply with the bat. CSK's players spread out of the huddle and take their spots on the field. Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul are the two openers for the Capitals. And the Super Kings utilise their Impact Sub option now. IN - Akeal Hosein | OUT - Ayush Mhatre. Akeal will bowl the first over with two right handers at the crease. Nissanka to face. Here we go again.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

A big task ahead - So 213 it is for the Capitals to get back to winning ways. With a batting unit firing well for them, they would back themselves to hunt this down. They were chasing almost an identical target against the Gujarat Titans in their previous game, but fell agonisingly short of that. And would hope that they get the job done this time around. On the other hand, CSK's bowling struggles this season aren't hidden from anyone, which makes the Powerplay battle all the more delicious to watch out. Back in a bit with the run chase.

Up for a quick word - Here's the man of the moment, Sanju Samson. He says that he feels great and jokes that it is all thanks to Ravi Shastri, and whenever he meets him (Ravi Shastri) before the game, he seems to do well. Adds that no matter how many games you have won for your franchise or country, a couple of failures plant a seed of doubt in the mind and he just tried to get back to basics and thanks the groundsmen for putting up such a wicket. Feels that as the ball got older, the wicket also got flatter and it was easier to hit the ball, and credits Ayush Mhatre for the way he played. Reckons that the score is a good one on the board but will have to bowl well to defend it.

DC's fielding woes cost them big - Albeit being dropped on 52 and Delhi missing a run-out chance as well, Samson made them pay in the most emphatic fashion, blazing his way to a century. His 113-run alliance with Ayush Mhatre, who smashed a fifty of his own and being let off on 54, gave CSK the platform they needed to launch big in the final overs. Mhatre was eventually retired out, with Shivam Dube coming in to add a brisk 20 off 10 to keep the foot on the pedal. Delhi managed to rein things in across a couple of quieter overs, but with wickets in hand and the run rate humming at constantly above 10 an over throughout, CSK had more than enough in reserve to cruise past the 200-run mark.

Samson answers the call - The questions surrounding CSK's opening partnership had been loud coming into this game, and Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad answered them nicely with a sense of responsibility. The pitch played better and Samson took on the aggressor's role while Gaikwad settled into the sheet anchor's position, though sluggish, before departing. But together they navigated the Powerplay without losing a wicket, putting 61 runs. Samson continued to pile runs and scored his maiden fifty for CSK and found outstanding support from Mhatre at the other end.

Super Kings excel with the bat - Another match, and again, 200 has been breached with relative ease. And for CSK, this is the third time in a row to do so this season. But this will make them feel a lot better as it got Sanju Samson firing throughout the innings with a fantastic, unbeaten century. The expectations on him have been sky-high since his arrival, and tonight at Chepauk, he finally delivered for the Yellow. Delhi Capitals were a bit too sloppy in the fielding, dropping Samson and Mhatre several times, which cost them big.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, An excellent piece of fielding but Chennai Super Kings finish with 212/2 on the board. Length ball outside off, Sanju Samson hangs deep in the crease and laces the shot back past the bowler. The fielders at long off and long on converge and the dive is put in by Pathum Nissanka from long off to his right to cut off the boundary. A brace to end the innings.

Mukesh Kumar to Shivam Dube, Doesn't carry! A full toss this time, on middle. Shivam Dube hangs back but fails to get under it. Dube looks to power it away and mistimes it flat towards wide long on. Pathum Nissanka tries to collect it on the half-volley and manages to stop it, keeping it down to one. However, Mukesh Kumar is unhappy as he feels Nissanka didn't make much of an effort to go for the catch.

Mukesh Kumar to Shivam Dube, FOUR! That's raw power from Dube. Pitched up, a bit too full and around off. Neither yorker-length nor wide enough outside off. Dube gets across a touch and nails it back past the bowler, between the umpire and the non-striker for another boundary.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, Good length, on middle and leg, hitting the deck hard, Samson has a swipe across the line and gets it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Mukesh Kumar to Shivam Dube, Very full and outside off, Mukesh gets it away from the hitting arc by bowling it from over the wicket. Dube hits it hard but along the turf to long off and picks up a single.

Mukesh Kumar to Shivam Dube, SIX! Clean as a whistle! Good-length delivery, outside off, Shivam Dube leans back and then uses those long levers to generate power, smashing it flat and back over the bowler's head for a biggie. 200 UP FOR CSK!

Last over coming up. Mukesh Kumar (3-0-22-0) to wrap up. How many more can CSK get here? Let's see...

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, SIX! That's gone many a mile. Sanju Samson premeditates a bit and gets across to the off side. Lungi Ngidi ends up serving a full ball on off, right in the slot. Sanju gets under it and launches it high and over cow corner for a biggie to end the over, 13 off it.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Yorker-length delivery, around middle and leg, Dube backs away and ends up swivelling onto the back foot, swinging it away behind mid-wicket for just a single.

Oh, it looks like Lungi Ngidi has hurt his left knee and needs medical attention. The physio is already out there to check him up. He does get back on his feet eventually. Good to go.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Fuller in length, on off, Dube backs away and just eases the ball away through the cover region, picking up a couple of runs in the deep.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Another golden dot ball for DC. Slower one, this time on a back of a length and outside off. Dube swings across the line but only manages to connect with thin air.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Brilliant comeback delivery. Ngidi jams in a yorker on middle and leg stump, lands it right on the popping crease. Dube ends up smothering it on the deck.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, FOUR! An agricultural heave, but it does the job for Shivam Dube and CSK. Bowled from around the wicket, full and angled into the batter. Dube gets forward and swings, gets it more off the inner half of the blade and over backward square leg for a boundary.

Last 2 overs left. 200 definitely looks on cards, but as we have been quite habitual of seeing, even those 210-220 are not safe anymore. CSK, with 8 wickets in hand would definitely try to get more than those. But can they? Lungi Ngidi to bowl the penultimate over.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Oh, Samson's getting funky now. A low full toss, on off, Sanju Samson goes for the reverse lap and gets it off the face of the blade, up and over short third for a boundary.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! HUNDRED FOR SANJU SAMSON! You can sense the relief on his face and that's a 4th century in the IPL for Samson, his first one for CSK. What a comeback knock this has been. Another good yorker, on leg stump, Samson looks to flick but is slightly undone and the ball ends up going off the cue end of the blade and it rolls away into the deep third fence.

T Natarajan to Shivam Dube, Excellent bowling once again. T Natarajan goes full and lands it around the fifth stump line, Shivam Dube jams it wide of point for a single.

Well, well that's interesting. CSK have decided to retire out Ayush Mhatre on 59 off 36 balls. In walks Shivam Dube at number 4.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, Ayush Mhatre has not recovered from the injury suffered and won't be able to participate any more with the bat. As it stands, Ayush Mhatre is retired out.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, Very full again, around off, hit away through extra cover, without any real timing and for another single. Seven singles in the last nine deliveries, nothing else.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, Oh, that's a good delivery, a tough one to put away, even when you're batting on 97. A straight yorker, on the money and all Sanju Samson can do is keep it out.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, Back of a length, on leg stump, Mhatre looks to pull but ends up mistiming it down to long on for a single.

That was a fantastic over by Ngidi. In fact, the Capitals have conceded just 13 runs in the last 2 overs. T Natarajan (3-0-43-0) replaces Mukesh Kumar with 3 overs to go in the innings.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, Play and a miss! Is KL Rahul appealing for a catch here? Yes, definitely seems like it but no one else is interested and maybe KL is just trying to play with the batter's mind here. Slower one, pitched up outside off, Samson looks for the cover drive but gets beaten past the outside edge. Just 5 off the over.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, Takes pace off again, does Ngidi and pushes the ball wide of the off stump. Mhatre taps it into the off side to make it five singles off five deliveries in this over.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, Bowled slower again, full and very wide outside off, dips late as well. Samson extends his arms and ends up toe-ending the ball in front of point for one more. Good over so far from Ngidi.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, Ngidi hits the deck hard, bowling it on a good length around off. Mhatre presses back and mistimes the shot back past the bowler for another single.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, Slower one at 109.8 kph, delivered full and wide outside off. Samson leans on but then waits well before caressing it through covers for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, Full and straight, Mhatre takes the front leg out of the way and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Lungi Ngidi returns. 2-0-23-0 are his bowling figures so far.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Overpitched delivery, wide outside off, Sanju Samson sets base deep in the crease and throws his hands at it, slashing the ball up and over backward point for a boundary. Sanju is just a hit away now from the three-figure mark.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, just beyond the tramline, and called a wide.

Mukesh Kumar to Ayush Mhatre, DROPPED! Can you believe it? Another life for Mhatre and even though this was a tough chance, you'd expect David Miller to take it. Mukesh Kumar hits the good length, hard and angles it into the batter. Ayush Mhatre looks to back away and smash it over long on but the ball takes the toe end of his bat. It loops in the deep, where Miller comes charging in from the fence, puts in the dive but grasses it. Just a single then.

Mukesh Kumar to Ayush Mhatre, Another big mix-up and Ayush Mhatre is left off the hook once again. Mukesh nails the wide yorker, Mhatre only manages to squeeze it out to the left of backward point. Kuldeep Yadav is the one who moves to his left as Mhatre sets off for the single. Samson sends him back but KD fumbles the ball and Mhatre is able to get back.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, Another one into the blockhole, around middle and leg, Samson clears the front leg and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a run. This brings up the 100-run partnership between Samson and Mhatre.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, That's a brilliant delivery. A slower yorker, just outside the line of off stump. Samson looks to drive but gets an under-edge on it.

Mukesh Kumar to Ayush Mhatre, Full-length delivery, on off, Mhatre hangs deep and pummels the ball down to long off but just for a single.

Five overs left in the innings. Axar Patel is bowled out, and the Capitals are itching for a wicket. Mukesh Kumar comes back into the attack.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, An attempted yorker around off. Mhatre squeezes it past cover-point for a single. 19 runs from the over. A big one for the Super Kings.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, Full and wide again, Samson smashes it down to long off for a single. He moves to 90 from 43 balls.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! CREAMED! Very full and outside off. Samson uses the width to his benefit. Gets under the ball nicely and shovels it to deep point for a blazing boundary.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, SIX! SMOKED! And as per Daren Ganga on air, this is Samson's 400th T20 six. Slow into the pitch, on top of middle and leg. Sanju Samson lets the ball arrive and nails the pull shot to perfection into the stands behind deep mid-wicket. 150 UP FOR THE SUPER KINGS!

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, Full and straight, around off. Mhatre carves it down to long off for a single.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! FIFTY FOR AYUSH MHATRE! His 3rd in the IPL. He gets there in just 27 balls. Slower ball dug into the pitch, short on off. Mhatre is a touch early into the shot but still manages to pull it over deep mid-wicket. This has been a well-compiled knock from Mhatre so far. He has shown good maturity and looks for a big one.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, Turns a bit from a length, at 82.3 kph, on off. Ayush dinks it across to deep mid-wicket for a single. 11 runs from the over. 22 from the last two for CSK. 4-0-39-1 for Axar Patel tonight.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Into the arc, and out of the park! A half volley, on middle and leg. Ayush Mhatre gets down on his knee by clearing his front leg and slogs it behind deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, Drifts one on the pads, full in length. Sanju Samson gets on the front foot and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Four singles from four balls.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, Slows it up a bit, and it holds on the pitch slightly. On a length, on off. Ayush tips it down to long on for one.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, Short again, on leg. Samson backs away and nudges it through mid-wicket for one more.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, Short and onto the pads, at 95.4 kph. Mhatre turns it to deep backward square leg for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! 130/1 after 13 overs and the Super Kings are in the driver's seat here. However, in recent times, 200 hasn't been easily defendable at the Chepauk and the Capitals will know that. The question is, if CSK do get to 200, then how much more can they get? DC, on the other hand, will be hoping that they get a wicket or two quickly after this break and then build from there. An interesting phase of play is on the horizon, so let's get to it. Axar Patel (3-0-28-1) is back on to finish his spell.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, Slow, full, outside off, Mhatre stretches forward and eases it to the right of extra cover for a quick run.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, BEATEN! At pace and on a hard length, outside off, nipping in a touch. Ayush Mhatre stands tall, and tries to punch it away, but gets beaten on the inside edge by an absolute whisker.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, That dipping slower full toss by Ngidi, around off. Mhatre tries to crash that past cover, but inside edges on the back pad and it rolls around him on the strip.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Straight and long enough! Off-pace delivery and right into the slot, outside off. Ayush Mhatre picks the length early and smokes it down the ground for a big six. Excellent batting so far from the youngster.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, EDGED, FOUR! Pace off and outside off, on a good length. Ayush Mhatre throws the kitchen sink at it, but without moving his feet. Flashes hard, gets a thick outside edge and it sails wide to the right of the keeper for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Ayush Mhatre, On a back of a length, at 132.2 kph, outside off. Mhatre takes a baby step forward and stabs it down the pitch. Gets a bit of an under edge back to the keeper.

Lungi Ngidi is back on. He went for 12 runs in his first over.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sanju Samson, SIX! High and handsome! Pushed across the batter, on a fuller length. Sanju Samson strides across and launches it into the stands behind deep extra cover. He moves to 77 from 38 balls.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ayush Mhatre, Good length, at the stumps. This is deftly clipped towards wide long on for one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sanju Samson, Short outside off, and Samson blasts that back at the bowler. Kuldeep gets a hand to it but it deflects away to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ayush Mhatre, Full delivery on middle and leg. Mhatre gets forward and chips one back over the bowler. Kuldeep gets a fingertip to it by leaping but cannot hold on. The ball rolls wide of mid on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Sails all the way! Too full and on off. Ayush Mhatre gets under it nicely by planting his back knee into the pitch. He slogs it high in the air over long on and just for a bit, Miller thinks he is in the game to catch it, but it sails over him for half a dozen.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sanju Samson, Pushed fuller and on middle. Sanju Samson sits down to slog sweep, but gets off the inner half to the right of deep square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, Low full toss, on middle, Sanju Samson crisply drives down the ground. Sameer Rizvi from long on, runs to his left and cuts it off. Keeps it down to a single only.15 runs from the over. The best over for CSK so far.

Already 14 off the over. Will the extra ball hurt DC even more?

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, WIDE! Way too short and it sails over the batter. Samson opts to leave.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, Up in the air, but safe! A slower bumper, outside off. Ayush Mhatre is early into the shot and checks his shot. Punches it just over and wide of the point fielder for a single.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, Had to rush there! Hard length, across off, Sanju gets on top of the bounce and dabs it fine to the left of short third for a quick single. 100 UP FOR CSK!

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, SIX! And away she goes! Back of a length, on middle. Sanju Samson gets into a stable position before whipping it behind deep square leg for a cracking six.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, Slightly fuller than the previous ball, outside off. Punched on the rise through cover for a single.

T Natarajan to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Geez, that's a cracking shot! Banged in halfway down the pitch, outside off. Ayush Mhatre makes full use of the width offered. Stands tall and cuts it past point for a boundary. The fielder in the ring stands no chance to move a single muscle.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, Slides in with the arm, on a length, on middle. Mhatre gets across on the back foot and punches it down to long on for a single. Quite an eventful over this. 11 runs from it. At halfway, CSK are 88/1.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, Quick and short, outside off. Samson cuts it off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Adding insult to injury. Dropped a fraction too short on off, not much room on offer, though. Samson does well to rock back and he forces the pull flat and back past the bowler for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, DROPPED AND FOUR! Both batters get a life in the space of three deliveries. Tossed up around off, Sanju Samson leans on to play the lofted shot but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the ball. Sanju ends up mistiming it over mid on. Pathum Nissanka at the long off fence, comes rushing in but dives forward and fumbles the catch, and the ball even rolls behind to the fence.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, On the pads, swiped across to deep square leg for a single.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, RUN OUT CHANCE, MISSED! Length ball around off, Mhatre pats it down in front of covers and sets off for the single. There is no run on offer and Sanju Samson sends him back. Sameer Rizvi is quick to get to the ball, running to his right and fires a perfect throw to the keeper. However, KL Rahul fumbles the ball, allowing Mhatre to scamper back.

STRATEGIC BREAK! After a fairly aggressive Powerplay, things have slowed down a bit since the field has spread. Last three overs have gone for just 16 runs with the wicket of Gaikwad. As the ball has started to soften up, it is holding a touch on the surface now. Samson, however, has held his end beautifully so far and will aim to convert this into a big score. He remains the central figure for CSK for a score in excess of 180 or maybe 200. A wicket or two here will bring the Capitals in command. Let's see how this phase goes about for both teams. Change of ends for Axar Patel. 2-0-17-1 are his bowling figures so far. He replaces Kuldeep Yadav.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, Oh, a gutsy review and the correct one as well. Mukesh Kumar goes for the wide yorker and lands it right on the tramline outside off. Sanju Samson lets it go and a wide is called. Mukesh isn't happy and feels that the ball swung late. He is adamant and Axar Patel does take the review. Replays roll in and the third umpire finds that a tiny part of the ball is inside the wide guideline, so the on-field call for a Wide is changed.

A review by DC for wide given. The replay shows that it is just passing within the revised guideline. So it's a fair delivery.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, On a good length, outside off, hitting the deck hard, Samson looks to cut but miscues it towards backward point.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, Glorious shot, but that's well-fielded and it could have easily been a run out as well. Pitched up, full and straight, Sanju Samson takes the front leg out and drills it back down the ground. The fielder at long on runs to his left and cuts it off, parrying the ball to the long off fielder. Sameer Rizvi is the one who picks it up and throws it at the bowler's end. A direct hit would have been the end of Ayush Mhatre here.

Mukesh Kumar to Ayush Mhatre, Back of a length and slightly slower, over middle, Mhatre plays it with a straight bat and gets it down to long on for a single.

Mukesh Kumar to Ayush Mhatre, Hard length, in and around off, blocked down to extra cover by Mhatre.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, First FIFTY of the season for Sanju Samson and his first in the Yellow of CSK as well. This is bowled full and on the pads, Sanju gets inside the line and tucks it down to the right of deep backward square leg for a single. A very fine knock thus far, but he will want to stick around for longer.

Will Axar bowl another? Nah, he won't. Mukesh Kumar (1-0-10-0) is back on, replacing his skipper.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Too short this time, and Mhatre gets it into the gap as well. This one lands around off, Ayush Mhatre swivels onto the back foot and flat-bats the pull between long on and deep mid-wicket for his first boundary of the game.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sanju Samson, Not all that short this time, on middle, Sanju Samson still opts to rock back and he pulls it flat towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ayush Mhatre, Shorter in length again, over middle, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sanju Samson, Dropped short on off, turning away, Sanju Samson hops back, gets side on and slaps it to deep extra cover for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sanju Samson, A bit fuller now, angled across off, Samson plays it off the front foot, pushing it to extra cover.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ayush Mhatre, Flatter trajectory, attacking the stumps, Mhatre nudges it across to the leg side for one.

A very successful over from Axar. Kuldeep Yadav is brought into the attack, replacing Lungi Ngidi.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, Oh, well bowled. Flighted ball on off, drifting in, Ayush Mhatre leans on and looks to drive but closes the bat face a tad early. The leading edge is found but luckily for him, the ball gets chipped over Axar and the batters get a single.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, Fairly outside off, crunched towards extra cover, where the fielder dives to his right and makes a half stop. They get a single.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, A bit fuller around off, holds in the pitch, Samson leans on for the drive but nearly chips it straight to extra cover off the face of the blade.

Axar Patel to Ayush Mhatre, Flatter delivery on middle, tucked away between square leg and mid-wicket for a single.

Skipper dismisses the opposition skipper. Ayush Mhatre walks in at number 3.

Axar Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, OUT! CAUGHT! 'Catch,' is the call from the keeper and Pathum Nissanka obliges. Axar Patel drags the length short and angles the ball into middle and leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad goes deep in the crease and tries to hoick it over deep mid-wicket, but gets a bit cramped up for space and ends up skying it high and wide of deep mid-wicket. Nissanka runs across to his left and pouches it well. End of another sluggish knock from the Chennai skipper and the 62-run opening stand is broken.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, Bowled flat and wide outside off, pushed to the left of the bowler and down to long off for a run.

That's the end of the Powerplay. And for the first time, CSK haven't lost any wickets in the first six overs this season. It's very muggy and humid out there and Sanju Samson is down on the ground. The physio is out to tend to him, helping him with a bit of massage on the back. Samson is back on his feet and good to go. Axar Patel (1-0-13-0) is back on. He replaces T Natarajan.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, Immaculate timing again. Slower delivery, pitched full and outside off, Samson waits before driving the ball powerfully along the turf, but he finds the fielder at sweeper cover and it will just be a single. End of a productive Powerplay with the bat for CSK - 61/0.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, FOUR! A touch of class from Sanju! Back of a length, just outside off, Sanju Samson watches the ball like a hawk, waits for it and just glides it off the face of the blade between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Another slower ball, dished full and wide outside off, Gaikwad advances and pushes the ball towards cover for one more.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, Pace-off delivery this time, fuller and outside off, Samson gets the drive off the inner half of the blade and mistimes it in front of point for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Easy pickings! Shorter in length, wide outside off, Sanju Samson rocks onto the back foot and cuts it hard past point for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Starts wide of the crease and hits that in-between length, angling it into the stumps. Gaikwad covers the line and taps it to mid on for one. The 50-run stand is up between these two as well.

Who will bowl the last over of the Powerplay? It will be Lungi Ngidi, surprised that he has been given the ball so late.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, BEATEN! Good comeback by the bowler! Hits the deck hard and angles it across the right-hander. Sanju Samson attempts to cut it square on the off side, but the ball bounce over his angled bat.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! That's handsomely played! Too full by Natarajan, outside off. Sanju Samson gets on the front foot and smashes it over the mid off fielder for a cracking boundary. His 7th four of the evening.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short and wide, outside off. Ruturaj Gaikwad stands tall and square cuts it behind point for a single. Still looking to get a move on, is the CSK skipper. 13 (15) for him.

T Natarajan to Sanju Samson, Full and just outside off, Samson with a gentle tap towards point for a single.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Excellent fielding by the debutant! Back of a length, angling in at the pads. Gaikwad punches it to the right of mid on. Auqib Nabi gives it a long chase from the inner circle and manages to pull it back inside with a slide. Three taken.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nagging length, cutting in a bit on off. Gaikwad is rushed on the back foot and cuts it to backward point.

T Natarajan comes on to bowl, replacing Auqib Nabi in the attack.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Top shot! Quicker from Axar, full and around leg. Sanju Samson gets a good stride forward and lifts it over the cover fielder to pick up another boundary. 13 runs ​​​​​​from Axar's first. CSK are off to a much better start this time.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, Shortens the length, on off, Samson punches it to extra cover and denies the single.

Axar Patel to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up, full and outside off. Sanju Samson moves leg side and lofts it inside out, over cover for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around off, on a length, Gaikwad taps it in front of cover-point for a quick single.

Axar Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Flat and quick, on a fullish length. Gaikwad walks a bit forward and stabs it back to the bowler.

Axar Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! That would ease a bit of pressure from him. Axar bowls a touch fuller on middle and drifts in. Ruturaj Gaikwad is quick to back away and cuts it through cover-point for a boundary.

First bowling change of the match. Axar Patel brings himself on, replacing Mukesh Kumar.

Auqib Nabi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a good length, angling in from off to middle. Gaikwad tucks it through square leg for a single. A rather tidy second over from Nabi. 2-0-17-0 so far are his bowling figures.

Auqib Nabi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Still cannot get it through! Full and outside off, Gaikwad leans on and plays the cover drive but finds the fielder there.

Auqib Nabi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good length, on middle, Gaikwad nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Samson stabs it wide of backward point for a single.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Good shot! Short in length, on off, Sanju Samson picks the length in a trice and pulls it over mid on. The ball yorks the boundary ropes for a four.

Auqib Nabi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, At 136.7 kph, on top of off, Ruturaj Gaikwad taps it to mid off and calls his partner through for a single.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, FOUR! That was a boundary the moment it left the bat! Full again from Mukesh, around middle and leg. Sanju Samson taps his front foot forward and cracks the straight drive, to the left of mid off, for a crisp boundary. Didn't lose his shape at all and just hit it through the line with a stable head.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Fine shot! A bit too straight on the pads, full in length. Sanju Samson lets the ball come at him, uses his wrists and flicks it to the long leg fence for a boundary.

Mukesh Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Back of a length, just outside off. Ruturaj Gaikwad nudges it to the left of mid on and pinches a quick single.

Mukesh Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good length, outside off, shaping away. Gaikwad walks forward to negate the swing, and punches it crisply, but straight to extra cover.

Mukesh Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Hard length, on off, at 132.6 kph, Gaikwad hangs back and tucks it to mid on.

Mukesh Kumar to Sanju Samson, Short of a good length, swinging away, outside off. Samson stays back and dabs it in front of backward point for a quick run.

A profitable first over for CSK. Auqib Nabi did get the ball to swing a bit with his medium pace though. Mukesh Kumar to operate from the opposite end.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, Good length, on a tighter line on middle. Samson tucks it across to square leg for a single. T Natarajan there gets a bit wrong-footed to his right, but the ball stays in his vicinity. 10 runs from the opening over.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, WIDE! A bit too far outside off, and it keeps leaving the batter, breaching the tramline. Samson decides to leave. A good diving grab by KL Rahul to his right. Wide called.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, At 129.8 kph, this is bashed on a length, on the fourth pole, with a bit of outswing. Sanju Samson walks forward and stabs it onto the pitch. The ball rolls behind to the keeper.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Excellent shot! Good length, moving away outside off. Sanju Samson stays put and nails the square cut to deep third. Beats Stubbs' chase to his left.

Auqib Nabi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a back of a length, outside off, Gaikwad steps out a bit and punches wide of mid off for a quick single. Gets to the other end before the stumps are hit at the non-striker's end.

Auqib Nabi to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nice and full, around off, Gaikwad drives it off the front foot to cover.

Auqib Nabi to Sanju Samson, Good shot and fantastic fielding to get things underway! Full and a bit of an away shape, outside off, Samson leans across on the front foot and creams it through the covers. The fielder from deep point, Stubbs, covers a lot of ground to his right and dives to palm it back in the field of play. The replay confirms that Stubbs has done just well enough to save a run for his side.

All set to get going. The whistles are echoing, and it's a full house in Chennai. As usual, a sea of yellow all across the stands, they fondly call AnbuDen. There's an odd sprinkling of blue here and there. The two umpires make their way out now. Out walks the opening pair for CSK. Ruturaj Gaikwad ​​​and Sanju Samson make their way to the crease. The players of Delhi Capitals have taken their spots on the field. And straightaway, the debutant, Auqib Nabi, will bowl the first over of the match. Samson to face. A slip in place. Here we go!

The captain of Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad says they would have bowled as well, describing it as a fresh red soil pitch that he feels would offer some assistance to the bowlers in the initial few overs. However, he also notes it is on the drier side. On the subject of getting off the mark in the tournament, Gaikwad stresses that the side has been working hard across all departments and feels the improvement was visible. He underlines that the batting has been doing well but points to a few key moments where CSK failed to capitalise. Moments he feels they needed to convert going forward. He is quick to add, though, that the mood in the camp is positive and everyone is in a good space heading into the game. On the team combination, Gaikwad welcomes the return of Dewald Brevis to the side, saying he is excited, raring to go, and would add real strength to the middle order. He also mentions Gurjapneet Singh, who has been bowling well and has come into the side in place of Matt Henry. On MS Dhoni's availability, Gaikwad reveals that the veteran is at the hotel, watching the game and lending his support from there. Says Dhoni would be on the ground soon and wraps it at that with a hopeful note.

The captain of Delhi Capitals - Axar Patel says that the wicket appears to be in good condition. Axar also shows confidence in his side's batting depth and says that they are prepared to chase down whatever total the opposition sets. He acknowledges the magnitude of the IPL while also noting that the tournament is still in its early stages, maintaining that the atmosphere within the dressing room remains relaxed and positive. Informs that they are going with two changes, with Vipraj Nigam making way for Auqib Nabi. Adds that Ashutosh Sharma comes in for Nitish Rana.

Impact sub options for DC - Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Nitish Rana.

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi (On IPL debut and in for Vipraj Nigam), Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

Impact sub options for CSK - Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis (In for Prashant Veer), Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh (In for Matt Henry), Khaleel Ahmed.

TOSS - Well, it is coming down to toss time in Chepauk. Both captains - Ruturaj Gaikwad and Axar Patel are in readiness with the sheets exchanged. Gaikwad gives it a flick and Axar calls Tails. It lands down as Tails. DC ELECT TO BOWL FIRST.

A quick word - DC's Tristan Stubbs says that he has managed to put the GT game behind him, having spent the last two days watching golf rather than thinking about cricket. On the prospect of playing in Chennai, Stubbs says he is quite excited, drawing on what he has seen during the T20 World Cup. He describes it as a good wicket with a bit more bounce than Delhi, which he was looking forward to. On being asked about flexibility in the middle order, Stubbs says that a left and right combination appears to be the prevailing trend and says he is happy to slot in wherever the coach and captain feel is best. On the subject of batting position uncertainty, Stubbs calls it a feature throughout his career, with the call often coming down to either being next in or being asked to wait. He says he does not mind that at all, as long as it is communicated clearly and in advance. On the mood in the camp, Stubbs says it is pretty chill and good. He stresses that a sign of a well-functioning team is the ability to simply accept a loss and move on. Feels there were plenty of positives to take from the last game and expresses hope that the side could return to winning ways and carry that momentum forward.

Oh, he's back - We got you, didn't we? Not talking about MS Dhoni here. He is still recovering from his calf injury. Live visuals show that Dewald Brevis is taking a few throwdowns, which hints at his participation in this game. At the presser, CSK head coach, Stephen Fleming did mention that he is not far off from making it back in the side. So, if he makes it to the XI here, either Prashant Veer or Kartik Sharma would make way for him. Remember, CSK played only 3 overseas in the previous game.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta starts by noting that the ground dimensions are 65 metres and 68 meters on the squares, and 79 metres straight down the ground. Daren Ganga then joins in and notes that while the humidity at Chepauk remains constant, the personality of the pitch has shifted considerably over the last five years. Details that the percentage of wickets falling to spin has dropped, making it a less threatening proposition for slow bowlers than it once was. Ganga then points out a few bare patches on the surface and suggests that CSK may be tempted to deploy Akeal Hosein to exploit them. He adds that there could be something in it for Noor Ahmad as well, who is yet to open his account this season. On the question of totals, Ganga highlights that both teams crossed 200 in the previous game, but is hesitant to make the same forecast here. Mentions that the grass covering looks fairly even and the pitch is not particularly dry, leading him to conclude it is a good batting surface. Dasgupta wraps up by suggesting the conditions should offer the bowlers slightly more than they did in the last fixture.

A run-fest up north - As you all know, it's a double header Saturday, so double the fun. Up in Mullanpur, in Match 17, there's an interesting tussle going on right now between Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH, while batting first, posted a massive, or not so massive 219/6 on the board, thanks to the Travishek mayhem up top. But in response, the Kings, through the blazing Prabhsimran-Arya opening alliance, are well and truly alive in the game. As per the last reports, PBKS are 154/3 in 13 overs, needing 66 runs from 42 balls. You can follow all the updates from that game by hopping to the other tab as we wait for the toss update for this one.

Conditions and pitch expectations - Chepauk is no longer a landmine for batters as it used to be. In the only game played here this season so far, we have seen a first inning total in north of 200, and that being chased down with relative ease as well. And given how CSK’s bowling unit has leaked runs, they would hope to bring in some control this time around, especially in the Powerplay phase where they have conceded 74/0, 68/1, and 51/1 in the first six this year. Whereas, Delhi Capitals have stuck with the same Ngidi-Mukesh-Natarajan pace trio. These three have collectively picked 13 wickets, which is the joint-third most in this season so far, with Mukesh having the highest dot ball percentage of all three. So with batting-friendly conditions expected once again in Chennai, let’s hope for a cracker of a game. Toss and teams coming up next very shortly.

The Capitals look upon another KLassic - Delhi may have left their last game with a bitter taste, but they walk into Chepauk in far better shape than their hosts. Two wins, a settled batting order, and bowling options in abundance. And then there is KL Rahul. If CSK's bowlers have not already circled his name in red, they should. Rahul thrives against the Super Kings, averaging 45 with a strike rate of 143. The innings log tells the rest. 77, 16, 82, 20, 40, and 98* are his recent scores against them. And after a couple of quiet digs this season, he has found form with a spectacular 92 against GT.

Lion’s search for resurrection - The ghosts of 2022 are stirring. That season remains CSK's most forgettable chapter, four wins in the entire campaign and four straight defeats to open it. Three losses in as many games this time around, and CSK are inches away from equalling that unwanted record. The next two home games will shape their season ahead. Sarfaraz Khan has been their lone fighter with the bat, but the man the Super Kings really need to fire is captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has been uncharacteristically quiet, yet this is precisely the ground where he comes alive. 792 runs at Chepauk, the highest in the current CSK squad. He has the most runs and the best average as a CSK opener in IPL history at this venue. If there is a time and place for Ruturaj to remind everyone who he is, it is here, and it is tonight.

Lion vs Tiger at Chepauk - There is an old saying that the only way out after hitting rock bottom is the way up. Three games, three defeats. Chennai Super Kings, one of the most decorated franchises in IPL history, find themselves under immense pressure inside Chepauk, which has never felt quite this heavy. Standing in their way are Delhi Capitals, who arrive with wounds of their own. A stinging home defeat last time out has dented their early momentum, and they will be looking to get back on track at the expense of a CSK side that cannot afford another slip. Hello and welcome to our coverage of Match 18 of IPL 2026.

... MATCH DAY ...

Pressure vs opportunity - Match 18 of the 2026 Indian Premier League takes us to Chennai, where the Chennai Super Kings face the Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. It is a clash between two teams with contrasting starts to the tournament. CSK seek answers at home - Chepauk, once an impregnable fortress, has begun to show cracks. CSK have lost their last six home games, and with three defeats in a row this season, they find themselves rooted at the bottom of the table. It raises the question of whether this campaign could follow a similar path to 2025, when they finished with the wooden spoon. Spotlight on the openers - Chennai's success was always expected to hinge on their opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. However, returns of 9, 14 and 14 for the opening stands underline their struggles, with Samson also registering three single-digit scores so far. There have been glimpses of promise from Ayush Mhatre and Sarfaraz Khan, but if the Super Kings are to script a turnaround, they will need their experienced openers to step up and lead from the front. There could be a timely boost on the batting front with the imminent return of Dewald Brevis, who missed the first three games due to a side strain. Bowling unit under the scanner - The bowling remains a bigger concern. It has lacked bite, conceding 250 in the previous game against Bengaluru, while the last outing at Chepauk saw them fail to defend 209 against Punjab. Khaleel Ahmed is yet to pick up a wicket this season despite bowling better than his returns suggest. In an inexperienced pace unit, Matt Henry was expected to lead the attack and make an impact, but that has not quite materialised. Even Noor Ahmad, CSK's leading wicket-taker last season, has been expensive and struggled to make an impact so far. DC eye return to winning ways - The Delhi Capitals began with two wins and looked on course for a third, but could not quite get over the line against the Gujarat Titans. They cannot afford to dwell on it, especially with three games on the road coming up. Questions remain at number 3 - There were positives to take from that setback. As an opening pair, Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul did not click in the first two games but stepped up against GT, with Rahul finding form after a subdued start to the tournament. There is still a concern around the number three spot, with Nitish Rana managing just 20 runs in the 3 innings so far. How long DC persist with him remains to be seen, with the likes of Abishek Porel, Prithvi Shaw and Karun Nair waiting in the wings. Balanced bowling attack - Last season, in his first year as Delhi's captain, Axar Patel did not use himself a lot with the ball. This time around, he has taken on greater responsibility and has been impressively economical. Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan have also played their part, while Lungi Ngidi has continued his rise in T20 cricket, with his dipping slower balls proving difficult to put away. Team form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - CSK - LLLWL | DC - LWWWL. Numbers to note - The overall head-to-head is in favour of CSK, with 19 wins for Chennai and 12 for Delhi. Chepauk has not been a happy hunting ground for the Capitals, who have just 5 wins in 12 IPL games here. The last 2 meetings between these sides have gone the way of DC. Conditions in Chennai - Just 1 game so far at Chepauk this season, where pace on was easier to hit through the line, but the slower balls did grip in the surface. It promises to be an intriguing contest, with plenty on the line for both sides. Who are you backing to prevail?