CCL2026: Vikranth powers the Vels Chennai Kings to stupendous victory over Mumbai Heroes; seals semis spot
CCL2026: Playing for a consolation win, Chennai Kings and Mumbai Heroes did not think a semis spot would be possible, but the former made it happen with a spirited performance by the skipper, Vikranth
Last Updated: 11.57 PM, Jan 25, 2026
After two consecutive losses, it seemed impossible that either the Vels Chennai Kings or the Mumbai Heroes could engineer a victory so massive that even a single win would push up their net run rate high enough to make it to the top 4 qualifying teams. But on the night of January 25, that’s exactly what a very spirited Kings team did, only a day after they had a sure shot win slip out of their hands due to a rain disruption. In beating the Heroes by 59 runs, the Kings’ net run rate rose to get them to fourth position in the points table, with the final spot in the semis.
Vikranth powers Vels Chennai Kings to good target
Vikranth won the toss and after two matches of chasing and losing, he decided to mix it up in this final tie. He and his boys were going to set a target and he was going to lead the charge. Vikranth led from the front, and got the team to a comfortable 61 for no loss in the 6thover, when there was a disruption. This time, it wasn’t from the sky, but on the ground, with a sprinkler developing a leak and creating massive puddles. The groundskeepers got to work quickly and got the men back on the field.
The first wicket partnership of 110 runs was broken after Ramanna departed in the 11th over. Vikranth remained unperturbed, getting not only to a well-deserved century, but also got his team to a commanding 225-2, that second wicket being the skipper, who was caught out on the last ball, while attempting to heave it to the boundary.
Mumbai Heroes crumble under the weight of the target
Chasing 226, the Heroes consistently kept the run-rate hovering between 8 and 10, even though they lost wickets along the way. But eventually, the pressure got to them, and they were bundled out for a measly 166, a figure they achieved because of skipper Saqib. In crumbling like this, the Heroes ensured that the Kings get to play the semis, which, until last evening, seemed impossible. In the net run-rate scheme, the Kings displaced defending champions Punjab De Sher.
The tournament will now head to Hyderabad on January 31 for the semi-finals, with the Karnataka Bulldozers playing the Chennai Kings and the Bengal Tigers taking on the Kerala Strikers. The matches will be live on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay also).
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. They've been knocked out of CCL2026 in the group stage.