Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) innings hit early turbulence in their first home game of the season, but Ayush Mhatre stepped up to ensure it did not last long. The 18-year-old scored a blistering half-century, reaching the milestone with a six in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Punjab Kings.
Walking in after the early dismissal of Sanju Samson, Mhatre counter-attacked immediately, refusing to let PBKS dictate terms. His fifty came off just 29 balls, underlining both tempo and intent on a surface that can often demand patience..
The youngster reached the milestone in style, with a maximum against Marcus Stoinis in the 9th over. Mhatre wasn't content with just reaching his fifty as he then celebrated reaching the landmark by pummelling the experienced Aussie all-rounder for back-to-back sixes.
Take a look at the scintillating innings by Mhatre at the Chepauk here - Ayush Mhatre delights Chepauk with fantastic 73(43)
After Samson's home debut was cut short on just 7 runs in the 2nd over, Mhatre walked out to bat at no. 3 and got off to a watchful start with four dots in a row against Marco Jansen.
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The youngster finally got off the mark in style, with a hat-trick of fours against Xavier Bartlett in the fourth over.
He also enjoyed the rub of the green, having been dropped twice, both times against Yuzvendra Chahal. The first occasion came when he was batting on 59 and went for the sweep, only to get a thick leading edge that Vyshak Vijaykumar couldn't hold onto despite putting in a late dive.
Mhatre enjoyed his second reprieve in the 12th over when batting on 67. This time it was Shashank Singh who put down a tough effort after charging in from the boundary and putting in a slide, with the ball popping out of his palms.
Vyshak atoned for his earlier mistake though when he finally ended Mhatre's explosive stay at the crease in the 13th over. Mhatre looked to slice a full delivery over third man but this time it was Chahal under the ball who made no mistake.
The youngster walked back with 73 runs off just 43 balls with 6 fours and 5 sixes to his name.
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