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New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) produced a commendable bowling performance to restrict Mumbai Indians (MI) to 159/7 in the all-important clash between the arch-rivals in the IPL 2026 on Saturday, May 02. Ansul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad continued their impressive run with the ball to keep the MI batting line-up at bay at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Kamboj picked up a three-wicket haul to become the joint-leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2026 so far, while Noor bagged two wickets. The duo were well supported by debutant Ramakrishna Ghosh and all-rounder Jamie Overton, who also bowled excellent spells, picking up a wicket each.

Opting to bat first in the must-win clash, the Mumbai Indians got off to a stuttering start as opener Will Jacks was sent packing cheaply in the second over. Kamboj got rid of Jacks on 1 off 5 balls in his very first over to draw the first blood for the hosts. Ryan Rickelton and Naman Dhir then combined to share a vital stand for the 2nd wicket and bring MI’s innings back on track.

Rickelton scored 37 off 24 balls, while Dhir top-scored with 57 off 37 balls, which was laced with three sixes and 4 fours. The duo shared a 58-run stand for the second wicket, helping MI capitalise on the Powerplay despite their shaky start. Noor broke the partnership in the seventh over by dismissing Rickelton.

The spinner then got the prized scalp of Tilak Varma in the 13th over to finish with excellent figures of 2/26 off his 4 overs. Sarfaraz Khan pulled off an impressive catch to get rid of Dhir, who was dismissed by Overton. MI batters struggled to up the ante in the death overs as the likes of skipper Hardik Pandya (18 off 23) and Robin Minz (5 off 3) failed to get going.

Kamboj dismissed both Minz and Hardik in consecutive overs in the death to ensure MI never quite managed to bounce back in the game. Kamboj finished with excellent figures of 3/32 off his 4 overs, taking his tally to 17 wickets in the IPL 2026 so far.

It is a must-win game for both CSK and the Mumbai Indians, who are currently reeling in the bottom half of the points table, looking to keep their playoffs hopes alive. CSK are currently seventh on the IPL 2026 points table with six points after eight matches, while MI are in the ninth spot with just four points from eight games. A loss against CSK on Saturday might all but end MI’s chances of making it to the playoffs this season.