Chennai Super Kings (CSK) began their IPL 2025 journey with a heart-stopping 4-wicket win over long-time rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. In the presence of a full house crowd, CSK chased a paltry total of 156 runs and reached 158/6 in 19.1 overs.
The highlight of the night was young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad, who turned the match on its head with a clinical four-wicket haul, limiting MI to 155/9 in their 20 overs. While MI captain Suryakumar Yadav and opener Will Jacks got starts, MI could not build partnerships, courtesy disciplined bowling by CSK, led by Noor.
In reply, CSK’s new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad displayed composed leadership with a 56-run steady knock. He was ably supported by New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who also hit a fluent fifty, laying the platform for CSK’s chase. While Mumbai fought back through rapid wickets in the middle overs, Shivam Dube and Sam Curran showed nerves of steel to secure the win with five balls remaining.The match was a solid beginning for CSK under Gaikwad’s leadership, as they achieved a vital victory against their toughest opponents.
Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana RajuCSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel AhmedImpact
CSK 158/6 (19.1 overs) defeated MI 155/9 (20 overs) by 4 wickets.
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