In a standout performance, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad picked up 4 wickets for 18 runs, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed contributed with 3 wickets for 29 runs, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) restricted Mumbai Indians (MI) to a total of 155/9 in their 20 overs.
This match took place in the second game of Sunday’s double-header at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in IPL 2025.
On his CSK debut, Noor Ahmad bamboozled the MI batsmen with his skillful spin, recording the best figures by a CSK spinner against the five-time champions.
Khaleel, on the other hand, was exceptional in the power-play, putting Mumbai on the backfoot early in the innings.
Mumbai’s Rebuilding Effort Falters
Despite a valiant rebuilding effort from Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (29), MI struggled with shot selection.
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CSK’s spinners, particularly Noor and Ravindra Jadeja, were instrumental in containing the run flow in the middle overs.
Deepak Chahar’s quick-fire cameo of 28* off 15 balls provided some late momentum, helping MI reach 155.
Khaleel Ahmed Strikes Early
Opting to bowl first, CSK got off to a brilliant start, thanks to Khaleel Ahmed’s remarkable performance during the power-play.
Khaleel struck early, dismissing Rohit Sharma for a duck with an inswinger that saw him flick the ball straight to mid-wicket.
He followed up by removing Ryan Rickelton for 13, as the MI opener played onto his stumps.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Comeback And Suryakumar’s Fightback
Ravichandran Ashwin, in his first match as a CSK bowler after nearly a decade, made an immediate impact.
He dismissed Will Jacks for 11, caught at mid-off after attempting to loft a carrom ball.
Suryakumar Yadav then led the MI recovery with some smart batting, hitting boundaries off both Ashwin and Nathan Ellis, before taking Khaleel for a six.
Noor Ahmad’s Explosive Spell
Noor Ahmad’s brilliance continued as he struck again in the 13th over.
He dismissed IPL debutant Robin Minz, who tried to break free but holed out to long-off.
Noor then trapped Tilak Varma plumb lbw with a googly for 31 and followed it up by bowling Naman Dhir for 17.
Noor’s 4-wicket haul marked a dominant performance, putting MI in a difficult position.
Final Push By Deepak Chahar And Khaleel Ahmed
After Ellis trapped Mitchell Santner lbw, Deepak Chahar played an aggressive cameo, hitting Khaleel for a four and a six.
However, Khaleel wrapped up his spell by dismissing Trent Boult, who holed out to the deep.
Chahar hit Ellis for another six, but despite their efforts, MI managed only 155/9 in their allotted overs.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians – 155/9 in 20 overs
(Tilak Varma 31, Suryakumar Yadav 29; Noor Ahmad 4-18, Khaleel Ahmed 3-29)
vs
Chennai Super Kings
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