Singh-Connolly Mix Up In The Middle Halts Prabhsimran Short Of Milestone Vs CSK

Punjab Kings had to endure the in-touch opener Prabhsimran Singh walk back to the hut 7 runs short of his deserved half-century against the Chennai Super Kings as a mix-up in the middle, while batting alongside Aussie Cooper Connoly, gave CSK a glimpse of a way back in after early battery at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the IPL 2026 encounter between the sides on Friday.

Prabhsimran was sent back by Connoly after a bit of confusion in the middle as CSK pounced on the opportunity as a way back into the tie. Sarfaraz Khan was quick to respond as he delivered the ball perfectly to the bowler’s end to register the run out.

CSK were subjected to an early rampage as Priyanshu Arya and Prabhsimran put the hosts bowling attack to the sword with a barrage

of boundaries before Arya was cleaned out by Matt Henry for for 39 off 11 deliveries.

Prabhsimran and Connolly went on to stitch up a stand before the mix up left the Indian batter dismissed on 43 off 34 balls.

Chennai began their innings with Sanju Samson and Gaikwad, but the opening stand was cut short early when Bartlett dismissed the wicketkeeper-batter for a low score.

Ayush Mhatre walked in to replace his dismissed teammate and stabilised the innings alongside captain Gaikwad, as the pair built a solid partnership for the second wicket.

Mhatre needed only 29 balls to reach his half-century, guiding CSK past the 100-run mark within the first ten overs. Gaikwad was dismissed for 28 off 22 deliveries, with Yuzvendra Chahal claiming the crucial wicket of the home side’s skipper, while Mhatre kept attacking.

Mhatre went on to score 73 from 43 balls before Vijaykumar Vyshak ended his innings. Karthik Sharma was out for just 1, trapped plumb in front by Marco Jansen.

Sarfaraz Khan contributed a blistering 32 off only 12 balls, hitting 6 fours and a six, before Vijaykumar picked up his wicket as well to double his tally. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 45, and debutant Prashant Veer added 6 runs, helping CSK cross the 200-run mark.