CCL2026: Kerala Strikers get lucky rain break; DLS to the rescue in win against Vels Chennai Kings
CCL2026: Vels Chennai Kings were well on course to successfully chase the target set by the Kerala Strikers, but then, rain played spoilsport
Kerala Strikers get fluke win
Last Updated: 11.51 PM, Jan 24, 2026
The Vels Chennai Kings must be the unluckiest team this season of the Celebrity Cricket League. In their first match, they were on the verge of victory, but then ended up with a draw against the Bengal Tigers, which forced a super over. Jisshu Sengupta’s boys got the better of the Vikranth-led Chennai Kings. In their second match against the Kerala Strikers, Vikranth led the charge in the chase of 166 for victory and the team was 54 runs shy with 5 overs to spare, when rain disrupted play. When the skies cleared up, though, the field was not play-worthy and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method was implemented to determine the winner. And as per the new total that they should have achieved in 15 overs, they were well short, giving the Strikers a fluke victory.
Kerala Strikers bundled out with low score
The Chennai Kings won the toss and sent the Strikers in to bat. Vikranth and Aadhav led the bowling attack and managed to restrict the Strikers to a measly 165 all out in the 18th over. Barring opener Arjun’s 49, skipper Unni Mukundan’s and Madan’s 27 each, Prashant’s 21, none of the other batsmen stood a chance against the coordinated attack by the Kings’ bowlers and fielders. If they were not caught out, they’d be run out, stumped or caught leg before wicket.
Kerala Strikers get very lucky
In response, the Chennai Kings had a good start with Vikranth and Jean, with the latter departing in the 5th over, with the score at 49. After 10 overs, the Kings were 90 for the loss of 3, and looking set to get to the asking total comfortably. But then they lost a few wickets in quick succession, which put the brakes on the chase and if that wasn’t bad enough, there was a rain interruption. DLS was implemented and as per the new revised target, they’d fallen short by 11 runs and lost. This was a match that they could have won, what with the likes of Dasharathi and Bharat still left in the lineup.
CCL2026’s group stage matches conclude on January 25. Matches can be watched live on JioHotstar (via OTTplay Premium also), while highlights are available on CCL’s official YouTube page.
CCL FAQs
Q. Where to watch CCL2026?
A. Season 12 of the Celebrity Cricket League began on January 16, 2026 and goes on till February 1. Eight teams are in the fray, with the winner getting a prize of Rs 50L. The matches are being live streamed on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium also).
Q. Which team won CCL2025?
A. Punjab De Sher won CCL2025.