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ISL 2025-26: Tavora, Nemil on target as FC Goa beats Mumbai City to hand first defeat of season  FC Goa produced a commanding performance to beat league leader Mumbai City FC 2-0 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday, handing Mumbai its first defeat of the Indian Super League season.Goals from Sahil Tavora and Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, including a stunning long-range strike just before half-time, ensured the Gaurs made the most of their dominance, while a disciplined defensive display kept Mumbai City at bay. Nemil was named Player of the Match for his influential performance.The host started brightly, controlling possession in the opening exchanges and moving the ball with purpose to break down Mumbai City’s organised defensive structure. Early efforts from Raynier Fernandes and Tavora underlined Goa’s attacking intent, though the Islanders’ backline, marshalled by Nuno Reis and Bijay Chhetri, held firm.Mumbai City looked to threaten on the counter through Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Noufal PN, but clear chances were limited as Goa dictated the tempo.The breakthrough came in the 29th minute following sustained pressure. A corner from Dejan Dražić caused confusion inside the Mumbai penalty area, and after an initial effort was blocked, Tavora reacted quickest to guide the loose ball into the bottom corner.Mumbai responded with attempts from Noufal and Joni Kauko, but Goa remained the more composed side.The Gaurs doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through a moment of brilliance. Muhammed Nemil, found by Raynier after an aerial duel, took a touch and unleashed a left-footed strike from nearly 35 yards into the top corner, leaving Phurba Lachenpa with no chance.ALSO READ: First-half goals help Kerala Blasters beat Jamshedpur FC for first home win of seasonHolding a 2-0 lead at the break, Goa entered the second half with confidence, while Mumbai City pushed forward in search of a way back.The Islanders dominated possession after the restart, but Goa’s defensive unit, led by Pol Moreno and Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. Efforts from Pereyra Díaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to trouble Hrithik Tiwari as Mumbai struggled to find a cutting edge.Mumbai continued to press, introducing substitutes late on, but Goa’s organisation ensured clear openings were scarce. Tiwari made key saves, including one to deny Vikram Partap Singh, while long-range efforts from Noufal and Chhangte went off target.In the closing stages, Mumbai came close when Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, but Zothanpuia failed to connect, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitor.At full-time, FC Goa secured a deserved win to move up to third in the table with 16 points from nine matches. Mumbai City, despite the defeat, remained top with 18 points as its unbeaten run came to an end.Published on Apr 18, 2026  #ISL #Tavora #Nemil #target #Goa #beats #Mumbai #City #hand #defeat #season

ISL 2025-26: Tavora, Nemil on target as FC Goa beats Mumbai City to hand first defeat of season

FC Goa produced a commanding performance to beat league leader Mumbai City FC 2-0 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday, handing Mumbai its first defeat of the Indian Super League season.

Goals from Sahil Tavora and Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, including a stunning long-range strike just before half-time, ensured the Gaurs made the most of their dominance, while a disciplined defensive display kept Mumbai City at bay. Nemil was named Player of the Match for his influential performance.

The host started brightly, controlling possession in the opening exchanges and moving the ball with purpose to break down Mumbai City’s organised defensive structure. Early efforts from Raynier Fernandes and Tavora underlined Goa’s attacking intent, though the Islanders’ backline, marshalled by Nuno Reis and Bijay Chhetri, held firm.

Mumbai City looked to threaten on the counter through Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Noufal PN, but clear chances were limited as Goa dictated the tempo.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute following sustained pressure. A corner from Dejan Dražić caused confusion inside the Mumbai penalty area, and after an initial effort was blocked, Tavora reacted quickest to guide the loose ball into the bottom corner.

Mumbai responded with attempts from Noufal and Joni Kauko, but Goa remained the more composed side.

The Gaurs doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through a moment of brilliance. Muhammed Nemil, found by Raynier after an aerial duel, took a touch and unleashed a left-footed strike from nearly 35 yards into the top corner, leaving Phurba Lachenpa with no chance.

ALSO READ: First-half goals help Kerala Blasters beat Jamshedpur FC for first home win of season

Holding a 2-0 lead at the break, Goa entered the second half with confidence, while Mumbai City pushed forward in search of a way back.

The Islanders dominated possession after the restart, but Goa’s defensive unit, led by Pol Moreno and Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. Efforts from Pereyra Díaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to trouble Hrithik Tiwari as Mumbai struggled to find a cutting edge.

Mumbai continued to press, introducing substitutes late on, but Goa’s organisation ensured clear openings were scarce. Tiwari made key saves, including one to deny Vikram Partap Singh, while long-range efforts from Noufal and Chhangte went off target.

In the closing stages, Mumbai came close when Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, but Zothanpuia failed to connect, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitor.

At full-time, FC Goa secured a deserved win to move up to third in the table with 16 points from nine matches. Mumbai City, despite the defeat, remained top with 18 points as its unbeaten run came to an end.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#ISL #Tavora #Nemil #target #Goa #beats #Mumbai #City #hand #defeat #season

FC Goa produced a commanding performance to beat league leader Mumbai City FC 2-0 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday, handing Mumbai its first defeat of the Indian Super League season.

Goals from Sahil Tavora and Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, including a stunning long-range strike just before half-time, ensured the Gaurs made the most of their dominance, while a disciplined defensive display kept Mumbai City at bay. Nemil was named Player of the Match for his influential performance.

The host started brightly, controlling possession in the opening exchanges and moving the ball with purpose to break down Mumbai City’s organised defensive structure. Early efforts from Raynier Fernandes and Tavora underlined Goa’s attacking intent, though the Islanders’ backline, marshalled by Nuno Reis and Bijay Chhetri, held firm.

Mumbai City looked to threaten on the counter through Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Noufal PN, but clear chances were limited as Goa dictated the tempo.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute following sustained pressure. A corner from Dejan Dražić caused confusion inside the Mumbai penalty area, and after an initial effort was blocked, Tavora reacted quickest to guide the loose ball into the bottom corner.

Mumbai responded with attempts from Noufal and Joni Kauko, but Goa remained the more composed side.

The Gaurs doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through a moment of brilliance. Muhammed Nemil, found by Raynier after an aerial duel, took a touch and unleashed a left-footed strike from nearly 35 yards into the top corner, leaving Phurba Lachenpa with no chance.

ALSO READ: First-half goals help Kerala Blasters beat Jamshedpur FC for first home win of season

Holding a 2-0 lead at the break, Goa entered the second half with confidence, while Mumbai City pushed forward in search of a way back.

The Islanders dominated possession after the restart, but Goa’s defensive unit, led by Pol Moreno and Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. Efforts from Pereyra Díaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to trouble Hrithik Tiwari as Mumbai struggled to find a cutting edge.

Mumbai continued to press, introducing substitutes late on, but Goa’s organisation ensured clear openings were scarce. Tiwari made key saves, including one to deny Vikram Partap Singh, while long-range efforts from Noufal and Chhangte went off target.

In the closing stages, Mumbai came close when Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, but Zothanpuia failed to connect, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitor.

At full-time, FC Goa secured a deserved win to move up to third in the table with 16 points from nine matches. Mumbai City, despite the defeat, remained top with 18 points as its unbeaten run came to an end.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

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#ISL #Tavora #Nemil #target #Goa #beats #Mumbai #City #hand #defeat #season

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Doriane Pin completes maiden F1 test for Mercedes <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mercedes development driver Doriane Pin completed another major step on her potential journey to the Formula 1 grid, completing a test session for the team at the historic Silverstone circuit.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, completed 76 laps in the W12, the car that helped power Mercedes to the 2021 Constructors’ Championship. It was her first time turning laps in F1 machinery, and she completed 200 kilometers during her session on Friday.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team. It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could. Whilst being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family,” said Pin after the test session.<br/>“The W12 is obviously really different from the other cars I’ve been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger and more powerful. I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.”</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Andrew Shovlin, the team’s trackside engineering director, hailed Pin’s “preparation and professionalism” after the session.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">”It’s been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12 today. It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car,” said Shovlin.<br/>“Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit.”</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pin became the first Frenchwoman to drive modern F1 machinery in the session.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In addition to her role with Mercedes, Pin will drive with Duqueine Team for their 2026 European Le Mans Series, competing in the LMP2 Pro/AM Class. This will give Pin a chance at driving in the Le Mans 24 Hours for the second time, as she made her debut at that historic event back in 2023.</p></div> #Doriane #Pin #completes #maiden #test #Mercedes

Deadspin | NHL Draft Lottery set for May 5  Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Matthew Schaefer (left) with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the first overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held May 5 at NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, N.J.  The league said Saturday that the lottery will be broadcast live on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The time has yet to be announced.  The lottery will begin with the determination of the No. 1 pick, followed by revealing the No. 2 selection. Lottery teams are defined as the 16 clubs that did not earn a berth in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. For a team that traded its first-round pick, the receiving team will get the lottery spot — even if that team is in the playoffs.   The teams with the best odds to win the lottery are:  1. Vancouver Canucks, 18.5%  2. Chicago Blackhawks, 13.5%  3. New York Rangers, 11.5%  4. Calgary Flames, 9.5%  5. Toronto Maple Leafs (conditional trade to Boston Bruins), 8.5%  6. Seattle Kraken, 7.5%  7. Winnipeg Jets, 6.5%  8. Florida Panthers, 6.0%  9. San Jose Sharks, 5.0%   10. Nashville Predators, 3.5%  11. St. Louis Blues, 3.0%  12. New Jersey Devils, 2.5%  13. New York Islanders, 2.0%  14. Columbus Blue Jackets, 1.5%  15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit Red Wings), 0.5%  16. Washington Capitals, 0.5%  Under league rules that prevent a team from moving up more than 10 places in the draft, only the first 11 teams listed are in the running for the No. 1 pick.  The New York Islanders won the lottery in 2025, moving up from No. 10. They had just a 3.5% chance of winning. The Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League.  The 2026 draft will begin June 26 at 7 p.m. ET with Round 1. Rounds 2 through 7 follow on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. ET.  Expected to be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick are Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna and left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League.   Under the terms of a March 7, 2025, trade between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, Toronto will keep the pick if it falls in the top 5. Toronto then would send either its 2027 or 2028 first-round pick to Boston.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #NHL #Draft #Lottery #setJun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Matthew Schaefer (left) with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the first overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held May 5 at NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, N.J.

The league said Saturday that the lottery will be broadcast live on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The time has yet to be announced.

The lottery will begin with the determination of the No. 1 pick, followed by revealing the No. 2 selection. Lottery teams are defined as the 16 clubs that did not earn a berth in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. For a team that traded its first-round pick, the receiving team will get the lottery spot — even if that team is in the playoffs.

The teams with the best odds to win the lottery are:

1. Vancouver Canucks, 18.5%

2. Chicago Blackhawks, 13.5%

3. New York Rangers, 11.5%

4. Calgary Flames, 9.5%

5. Toronto Maple Leafs (conditional trade to Boston Bruins), 8.5%

6. Seattle Kraken, 7.5%

7. Winnipeg Jets, 6.5%

8. Florida Panthers, 6.0%


9. San Jose Sharks, 5.0%

10. Nashville Predators, 3.5%

11. St. Louis Blues, 3.0%

12. New Jersey Devils, 2.5%

13. New York Islanders, 2.0%

14. Columbus Blue Jackets, 1.5%

15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit Red Wings), 0.5%

16. Washington Capitals, 0.5%

Under league rules that prevent a team from moving up more than 10 places in the draft, only the first 11 teams listed are in the running for the No. 1 pick.

The New York Islanders won the lottery in 2025, moving up from No. 10. They had just a 3.5% chance of winning. The Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League.

The 2026 draft will begin June 26 at 7 p.m. ET with Round 1. Rounds 2 through 7 follow on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

Expected to be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick are Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna and left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League.

Under the terms of a March 7, 2025, trade between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, Toronto will keep the pick if it falls in the top 5. Toronto then would send either its 2027 or 2028 first-round pick to Boston.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #Draft #Lottery #set">Deadspin | NHL Draft Lottery set for May 5  Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Matthew Schaefer (left) with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the first overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held May 5 at NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, N.J.  The league said Saturday that the lottery will be broadcast live on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The time has yet to be announced.  The lottery will begin with the determination of the No. 1 pick, followed by revealing the No. 2 selection. Lottery teams are defined as the 16 clubs that did not earn a berth in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. For a team that traded its first-round pick, the receiving team will get the lottery spot — even if that team is in the playoffs.   The teams with the best odds to win the lottery are:  1. Vancouver Canucks, 18.5%  2. Chicago Blackhawks, 13.5%  3. New York Rangers, 11.5%  4. Calgary Flames, 9.5%  5. Toronto Maple Leafs (conditional trade to Boston Bruins), 8.5%  6. Seattle Kraken, 7.5%  7. Winnipeg Jets, 6.5%  8. Florida Panthers, 6.0%  9. San Jose Sharks, 5.0%   10. Nashville Predators, 3.5%  11. St. Louis Blues, 3.0%  12. New Jersey Devils, 2.5%  13. New York Islanders, 2.0%  14. Columbus Blue Jackets, 1.5%  15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit Red Wings), 0.5%  16. Washington Capitals, 0.5%  Under league rules that prevent a team from moving up more than 10 places in the draft, only the first 11 teams listed are in the running for the No. 1 pick.  The New York Islanders won the lottery in 2025, moving up from No. 10. They had just a 3.5% chance of winning. The Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League.  The 2026 draft will begin June 26 at 7 p.m. ET with Round 1. Rounds 2 through 7 follow on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. ET.  Expected to be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick are Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna and left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League.   Under the terms of a March 7, 2025, trade between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, Toronto will keep the pick if it falls in the top 5. Toronto then would send either its 2027 or 2028 first-round pick to Boston.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #NHL #Draft #Lottery #set

It’s a lot of pressure to have 30,000+ fans pinning their hopes on you to close out a tight game. More so after you’ve made an imperious first impression with a four-fer on debut. On Saturday, 24-year-old Praful Hinge held his nerve to hand Sunrisers Hyderabad a nervy 10-run win against Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

A blistering half-century from Abhishek Sharma and a composed knock from Heinrich Klaasen lifted SRH to 194 for nine, its highest total against the Super Kings.

Matt Short, who had spent extended time honing specific lines in Friday’s training, successfully stifled SRH’s left-handed opening pair. That restraint, however, was short-lived. Abhishek shifted from second to fifth gear, regardless of pace or spin dealt to him.

For a moment, the Travishek show seemed unstoppable. Cricket, though, rarely follows a script.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s diving catch at mid-off sent Travis Head back, and Ishan Kishan was scooped up for a duck. When a successful Sanju Samson review for a faint edge ended Abhishek’s vigil and a promoted Aniket Verma couldn’t capitalise, CSK has truly clawed its way back.

While Klaasen kept chipping away, Anshul Kamboj presided over a masterful effort at the death to leave SRH well short of the statement finish it promised to deliver.

While the chase burst into life straight away, Samson’s early positivity was nipped in the bud by Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second over. Any relief was fleeting as Ayush Mhatre came out swinging. A fierce swivel-pull disappeared into the stands, and four more boundaries helped plunder 24 runs off the Vidarbha pacer.

ALSO READ | Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals

Mhatre’s momentum, however, was undone by his own hamstring as he holed out soon after to Klaasen at extra cover. Thereafter, partnerships were hard to come by for the Super Kings.

Eshan Malinga scalped Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan, who had lit up this venue with an effortless Ranji double ton just a few months ago. He couldn’t recreate that magic.

After Shivang Kumar removed the dangerous Dewald Brevis, Kamboj and Jamie Overton managed to bring the equation down to 18 needed off the last six balls, but the target ultimately proved a bridge too far.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#SRH #CSK #IPL #Sunrisers #inexperienced #bowlers #impress #10run #win #Chennai #Super #Kings">SRH vs CSK, IPL 2026: Sunrisers’ inexperienced bowlers impress in 10-run win over Chennai Super Kings  It’s a lot of pressure to have 30,000+ fans pinning their hopes on you to close out a tight game. More so after you’ve made an imperious first impression with a four-fer on debut. On Saturday, 24-year-old Praful Hinge held his nerve to hand Sunrisers Hyderabad a nervy 10-run win against Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.A blistering half-century from Abhishek Sharma and a composed knock from Heinrich Klaasen lifted SRH to 194 for nine, its highest total against the Super Kings.Matt Short, who had spent extended time honing specific lines in Friday’s training, successfully stifled SRH’s left-handed opening pair. That restraint, however, was short-lived. Abhishek shifted from second to fifth gear, regardless of pace or spin dealt to him.For a moment, the Travishek show seemed unstoppable. Cricket, though, rarely follows a script.Ruturaj Gaikwad’s diving catch at mid-off sent Travis Head back, and Ishan Kishan was scooped up for a duck. When a successful Sanju Samson review for a faint edge ended Abhishek’s vigil and a promoted Aniket Verma couldn’t capitalise, CSK has truly clawed its way back.While Klaasen kept chipping away, Anshul Kamboj presided over a masterful effort at the death to leave SRH well short of the statement finish it promised to deliver.While the chase burst into life straight away, Samson’s early positivity was nipped in the bud by Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second over. Any relief was fleeting as Ayush Mhatre came out swinging. A fierce swivel-pull disappeared into the stands, and four more boundaries helped plunder 24 runs off the Vidarbha pacer.ALSO READ | Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan RoyalsMhatre’s momentum, however, was undone by his own hamstring as he holed out soon after to Klaasen at extra cover. Thereafter, partnerships were hard to come by for the Super Kings.Eshan Malinga scalped Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan, who had lit up this venue with an effortless Ranji double ton just a few months ago. He couldn’t recreate that magic.After Shivang Kumar removed the dangerous Dewald Brevis, Kamboj and Jamie Overton managed to bring the equation down to 18 needed off the last six balls, but the target ultimately proved a bridge too far.Published on Apr 18, 2026  #SRH #CSK #IPL #Sunrisers #inexperienced #bowlers #impress #10run #win #Chennai #Super #Kings

Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals

Mhatre’s momentum, however, was undone by his own hamstring as he holed out soon after to Klaasen at extra cover. Thereafter, partnerships were hard to come by for the Super Kings.

Eshan Malinga scalped Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan, who had lit up this venue with an effortless Ranji double ton just a few months ago. He couldn’t recreate that magic.

After Shivang Kumar removed the dangerous Dewald Brevis, Kamboj and Jamie Overton managed to bring the equation down to 18 needed off the last six balls, but the target ultimately proved a bridge too far.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#SRH #CSK #IPL #Sunrisers #inexperienced #bowlers #impress #10run #win #Chennai #Super #Kings">SRH vs CSK, IPL 2026: Sunrisers’ inexperienced bowlers impress in 10-run win over Chennai Super Kings

It’s a lot of pressure to have 30,000+ fans pinning their hopes on you to close out a tight game. More so after you’ve made an imperious first impression with a four-fer on debut. On Saturday, 24-year-old Praful Hinge held his nerve to hand Sunrisers Hyderabad a nervy 10-run win against Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

A blistering half-century from Abhishek Sharma and a composed knock from Heinrich Klaasen lifted SRH to 194 for nine, its highest total against the Super Kings.

Matt Short, who had spent extended time honing specific lines in Friday’s training, successfully stifled SRH’s left-handed opening pair. That restraint, however, was short-lived. Abhishek shifted from second to fifth gear, regardless of pace or spin dealt to him.

For a moment, the Travishek show seemed unstoppable. Cricket, though, rarely follows a script.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s diving catch at mid-off sent Travis Head back, and Ishan Kishan was scooped up for a duck. When a successful Sanju Samson review for a faint edge ended Abhishek’s vigil and a promoted Aniket Verma couldn’t capitalise, CSK has truly clawed its way back.

While Klaasen kept chipping away, Anshul Kamboj presided over a masterful effort at the death to leave SRH well short of the statement finish it promised to deliver.

While the chase burst into life straight away, Samson’s early positivity was nipped in the bud by Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second over. Any relief was fleeting as Ayush Mhatre came out swinging. A fierce swivel-pull disappeared into the stands, and four more boundaries helped plunder 24 runs off the Vidarbha pacer.

ALSO READ | Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals

Mhatre’s momentum, however, was undone by his own hamstring as he holed out soon after to Klaasen at extra cover. Thereafter, partnerships were hard to come by for the Super Kings.

Eshan Malinga scalped Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan, who had lit up this venue with an effortless Ranji double ton just a few months ago. He couldn’t recreate that magic.

After Shivang Kumar removed the dangerous Dewald Brevis, Kamboj and Jamie Overton managed to bring the equation down to 18 needed off the last six balls, but the target ultimately proved a bridge too far.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#SRH #CSK #IPL #Sunrisers #inexperienced #bowlers #impress #10run #win #Chennai #Super #Kings

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