IPL 2025: In a high-stakes encounter of IPL 2025 Match 57, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opted to bat first against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and posted a competitive total of 179/6 in 20 overs at a brisk run rate of 8.95. The match, taking place with playoff qualification on the line, has already seen some riveting moments, particularly thanks to the stellar spell by CSK spinner Noor Ahmad, who claimed 4 wickets to halt KKR’s momentum.
Rahane Leads the Charge, Noor Ahmad Strikes Back
After winning the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane decided to bat first on a dry surface that looked conducive to stroke-making. However, the innings didn’t start on a positive note as opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell early for 9 runs in the second over, caught by Noor Ahmad off Anshul Kamboj.
Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine looked dangerous but was stumped by the ever-alert MS Dhoni off Noor Ahmad for 26. The Afghan spinner was at it again shortly after, removing Angkrish Raghuvanshi cheaply and then dismissing in-form finisher Rinku Singh for 36, capping off an impressive spell of 4/31 in 4 overs.
Despite the quick wickets, Rahane held the innings together with a fluent 48 off 33 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes), displaying his classical stroke play before falling to Ravindra Jadeja.
Lower Middle Order Pushes Total to 179
With five wickets down for 149 at the end of 17 overs, Ramandeep Singh stepped up under pressure and scored a vital 38 off 21 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, taking the attack to CSK’s pacers in the death overs.
Manish Pandey provided stability and remained unbeaten on 9 (6), while all-rounder Andre Russell contributed a quick 4 before falling to Jadeja. KKR managed to extract 30 runs off the last 3 overs, despite tidy bowling from CSK’s experienced campaigners.
Extras contributed 6 runs (2 wides, 4 leg byes), helping KKR reach 179/6 at the end of their innings.
Fall of Wickets:
- 11/1 (Gurbaz, 1.3 overs)
- 69/2 (Narine, 7.1 overs)
- 71/3 (Raghuvanshi, 7.4 overs)
- 103/4 (Rahane, 12.2 overs)
- 149/5 (Russell, 16.6 overs)
- 167/6 (Rinku, 18.3 overs)
CSK Bowling Highlights:
- Noor Ahmad: 4-0-31-4 (7.75)
- Ravindra Jadeja: 4-0-34-1 (8.50)
- Anshul Kamboj: 3-0-38-1 (12.67)
- R. Ashwin: 3-0-19-0 (6.33)
- Khaleel Ahmed & M. Pathirana went wicketless but helped in controlling the flow at intervals.
Match Outlook
With a target of 180 to chase, CSK will rely on their seasoned top-order comprising Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and MS Dhoni, alongside power-hitters like Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja in the middle. The pitch remains good for batting, but early breakthroughs from KKR’s pace attack or the spin of Varun Chakaravarthy could tilt the match.
As per live win probability, KKR hold a slight edge at 57%, but with CSK’s depth and experience, the game remains finely balanced.
