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MI- 155/9 (20 over) V/S CSK 158/6 (19.1 over)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) couldn't have asked for a better start to their IPL 2025 campaign at home, registering a commanding victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chepauk on Sun Mar 23.
From a record-breaking fifty by their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to a four-wicket haul from Noor Ahmad, CSK put on a clinical show in front of their passionate home crowd.
Gaikwad’s Blazing Knock Sets the Tone
Opting to bat at No. 3 for the team's balance, Ruturaj Gaikwad made an explosive start, smashing the fastest IPL fifty of his career. His knock propelled CSK to a strong position, as they raced to 74/1 in just seven overs. Rachin Ravindra provided solid support, ensuring CSK maintained momentum despite the early dismissal of Rahul Tripathi.
Noor Ahmad Spins a Web
CSK’s bowling attack, especially their spinners, proved too good for MI on the sticky Chepauk surface. Noor Ahmad was the standout performer, picking up four crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Suryakumar Yadav. His brilliant spell, combined with MSD’s lightning-fast stumping, further highlighted CSK’s dominance with the ball. Noor had taken four wickets (SKY, Tilak Verma, Robin and Naman) and gave only 18 runs in his 4 overs.
Vignesh Puthur’s Impressive Debut
For MI, debutant Vignesh Puthur was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing outing. The Kerala youngster picked up three key wickets in his first three overs, trying his best to keep his team in the hunt. His performance earned an appreciative tap on the shoulder from MS Dhoni, a moment that will surely be cherished for a long time.
MI’s Opening Game Jinx Continues
With this loss, Mumbai Indians extended their unwanted record of losing the opening game of the season to 13 consecutive years, their last opening game victory dating back to 2012. Despite a valiant effort from their bowlers, MI fell short of setting a challenging target, with Suryakumar Yadav admitting they were at least 15-20 runs short.
What’s Next?
With CSK starting strong and MI once again struggling in their season opener, IPL 2025 is already off to an exciting start. Next up, Delhi Capitals take on Lucknow Super Giants in Vizag—a contest that promises fireworks. Stay tuned for all the latest updates from the world of cricket!
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