Mon Mar 24 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Super Kings Triumph in IPL Opener, Thanks to Afghan Spinner’s Dream Debut

**Chennai, India** – Noor Ahmad, making his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), delivered a sensational performance, claiming 4 wickets for 18 runs to lead his team to a thrilling 4-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Ahmad’s exceptional spin bowling proved to be the turning point in the match, dismantling MI’s batting order and restricting them to a modest 155/9. His figures marked the best ever by a CSK spinner against MI. The impressive spell followed early breakthroughs by Khaleel Ahmed (3/29), who dismissed MI captain Rohit Sharma for a duck and Ryan Rickelton for 13.

MI’s struggles continued their unfortunate streak of not winning their opening IPL match since 2012. Despite a late-innings cameo by Deepak Chahar (28* off 15 balls), MI’s total proved insufficient.

Chasing 156, CSK faced early setbacks losing Rahul Tripathi for 2, however, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (53 off 26 balls) blazed a quick fifty, setting a strong foundation. However, a mini-collapse saw three quick wickets and left CSK needing 40 runs off around 30 balls. The chase was eventually finished off with composure by Rachin Ravindra (65* off 45 balls), hitting a six in the penultimate over to seal the victory.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad praised his team’s spinners, highlighting Ahmad’s “X-factor,” and expressed satisfaction with the team’s balance. MI captain Suryakumar Yadav, while acknowledging the team’s shortfall in runs, lauded the fighting spirit displayed by his team. He also praised debutant Vignesh Puthur who picked up three crucial wickets. The match showcased a memorable debut for Ahmad, a promising start for CSK, and a continued struggle for MI to break their opening-game jinx.

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