Chennai, India – Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad delivered an outstanding performance with figures of 3-21, helping Chennai Super Kings secure a 32-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL on Tuesday. This marked Chennai’s second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The five-time champions set a target of 193 after being asked to bat first at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Key contributions came from Sanju Samson with 48 runs and Dewald Brevis with 41.
In response, Kolkata managed only 160-7, remaining without a win after five matches. Noor, named player of the match, expressed confidence in his efforts and commitment to the team.
Kolkata holds the bottom spot in the standings with one point from a rain-affected game. Chennai, recovering from an initial three losses, now sits in eighth place with these back-to-back wins.
The team awaits the return of M.S. Dhoni, sidelined by a calf injury and yet to feature this season.
Kolkata’s chase faltered early with the loss of three wickets, including Finn Allen (1) and Sunil Narine (24). Noor dismissed captain Ajinkya Rahane (28) and Cameron Green (0) in consecutive deliveries, though Rinku Singh prevented a hat-trick.
Rinku scored 6 before being caught, leaving Kolkata at 90-6. Late efforts from Rovman Powell (31 not out) and Ramandeep Singh (35) fell short of the required run rate.
Rahane emphasized maintaining positivity and self-belief moving forward.
In the first innings, Samson built on his previous century with a brisk 48 off 32 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Ayush Mhatre added 38 off 17 balls, while Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan (23) boosted the total despite strong bowling from Kolkata toward the end.
