*IPL 2025: Noor’s 4-18, Rachin’s 65 Guide CSK to Four-Wicket Win Over MI**

Chennai, March 23: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased their dominance in the first El Clasico clash of IPL 2025, securing a thrilling four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The five-time champions rode on a stellar bowling performance by Noor Ahmad (4-18) and Khaleel Ahmed (3-29) to restrict MI to 155/9. In response, Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 off 45 balls guided CSK home with five balls to spare.

CSK’s Bowlers Stifle MI’s Batting Line-Up

Electing to bowl first, CSK struck early, thanks to Khaleel Ahmed’s fiery powerplay spell. He dismissed MI captain Rohit Sharma for a four-ball duck with a sharp inswinger and later sent back Ryan Rickelton (13) and Trent Boult to finish with 3-29.

Ravichandran Ashwin, playing for CSK after nearly a decade, chipped in by removing Will Jacks (11). However, it was young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad who turned the game with his brilliance. Noor deceived Suryakumar Yadav (29) with a turning delivery that saw him stumped by MS Dhoni. He then dismissed debutant Robin Minz, trapped Tilak Varma lbw for 31, and bowled Naman Dhir (17) around his legs, finishing with remarkable figures of 4-18— the best by a CSK spinner against MI.

Despite a late cameo from Deepak Chahar (28* off 15 balls), MI struggled with poor shot selection and managed only 155/9.

Rachin Ravindra Anchors CSK’s Chase

Chasing 156, CSK faced early trouble when Rahul Tripathi top-edged a Chahar delivery to Ryan Rickleton in the second over. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad counterattacked, smashing six fours and three sixes en route to a blistering 22-ball fifty, the fastest of the season so far. He took full advantage of debutant pacer Satyanarayana Raju’s errors, finding gaps with ease.

Gaikwad’s fireworks ended at 53 when he attempted a lofted straight drive off debutant wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur but holed out to long-off. Puthur, who had not yet played senior cricket for Kerala, had a dream debut, also dismissing Shivam Dube (9) and Deepak Hooda (5).

With wickets falling at the other end, Ravindra held firm. After a slow start, he shifted gears, lofting Puthur for six to reach his half-century in 42 balls. Needing 31 off the last four overs, Ravindra Jadeja (17) played a crucial role, slicing Boult for four before being run out.

Despite some tense moments, Ravindra sealed the win in style, pulling Mitchell Santner for six, much to the delight of the CSK crowd, who also got a glimpse of MS Dhoni at the crease.