CSK vs PBKS LIVE: Big target of 210 runs, will Punjab be able to chase?

Chennai Super Kings posted a strong score of 209/5 in 20 overs against Punjab Kings in the 7th match of IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday, 3rd April 2026. Punjab Kings, who won the toss and elected to bowl first, now need 210 runs to win their second match of this season.

This was CSK’s first home match of the season, after losing by eight wickets to Rajasthan Royals in their first match. The home team batted without its injured stars MS Dhoni (calf strain) and Dewald Brevis (rib strain). Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who is playing his first match for CSK after being traded from Rajasthan Royals, had a disappointing start; He was out in the second over itself after scoring a low score on the ball of Xavier Bartlett.

Young opener Ayush Mhatre gave the team a boost by scoring a quick half-century (in the over of Marcus Stoinis); He along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad created a brilliant combination of aggression and timing to take CSK’s innings forward. Mhatre was out after playing a good innings off the bowling of Vijaykumar Vaishak at the score of 125/3. Later, Shivam Dubey and Sarfaraz Khan (who played a quick cameo before being dismissed for 32) increased the pace of the innings; Dubey hit three fours in the last over bowled by Arshdeep Singh. Karthik Sharma also contributed in the middle order.

Important wickets for PBKS:

– Sanju Samson (Xavier Bartlett)

– Ruturaj Gaikwad (Yuzvendra Chahal)

– Ayush Mhatre (Vijaykumar Vaishak)

– Kartik Sharma (Marco Jansen)

– Sarfaraz Khan (Vijaykumar Vaishak)

Bowling highlights: Chahal and Vaishak picked up crucial wickets while PBKS fast bowlers used variety in their bowling on the fresh Chepauk pitch; This pitch provided some help in the beginning, but later it became flat. Context: Punjab Kings made a strong start to the season by chasing 162 against Gujarat Titans. Punjab Kings have been dominant recently, winning six of their last seven matches, including three consecutive wins in Chepauk. Shreyas Iyer’s team will now chase 210 runs in front of the home crowd.