On March 23, 2025, the IPL 2025 witnessed a thrilling encounter at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced off against Mumbai Indians (MI). The match, part of the IPL 2025 season, showcased a standout performance by CSK’s newest acquisition, Noor Ahmad, whose spin bowling dismantled MI’s batting lineup, and took 4 wickets for 18 runs.
Noor Ahmad, making his debut for CSK, changed the complexion of the match. Ahmed, an Afghan left-arm wrist spinner, bowled a spell that will be remembered for its precision and impact. He took some crucial wickets for CSK.
Noor Ahmad’s Entrance and First Wicket
MI was at a score that needed stabilization when Noor Ahmad was introduced into the attack in the 11th over. His maiden victim was Suryakumar Yadav, a key wicket due to Yadav’s reputation as a destructive batsman. Bowling a delivery that pitched on middle and turned sharply away, Noor outfoxed Yadav, who came down the track, only to meet a swift glovework by MS Dhoni to be stumped. It demonstrated Noor’s effectiveness with his mystery spin, with the delivery turning at a pace that caught Yadav off guard.
𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩. 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙎 𝘿𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙞 🫡
📹 Watch #CSK legend’s jaw-dropping reflexes behind the stumps 🔥
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 23, 2025
Double Strike and Middle-Order Collapse
Noor’s next over was even more devastating, however, dismissing Tilak Varma, the man, who was thinking to anchor the innings. The quicker googly that skidded through he dismissed Tilak Varma. He was not able to pick the variation and was trapped plumb in front and the umpire without hesitation. Noor struck again in the same over, dismissing Robin Minz. The batsman, who tried to cut a delivery which was too close to his body, edged it to Ravindra Jadeja at slip who took a sharp catch. Left MI reeling, with their middle order in disarray.
Final Wicket and Spell Completion
In the 17th over later, Noor bowled Naman Dhir with a perfect wrong’un. Dhir failed to read the spin and played for leg break to ball which came in and crashed into the stumps. This wicket showed how well Noor was able to vary his pace and spin, ending his spell with 4-18-4 from 4 overs. This performance was not only the best by a CSK spinner against MI, but also the best bowling figures in CSK vs MI history.
Noor’s performance was lauded by CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who called him an “X Factor” in a post-match comment. His debut validated CSK’s investment, with coach Stephen Fleming noting, “The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle overs to attack,”.
Noor Ahmad’s performance on March 23, 2025, was a defining moment in IPL 2025, turning the El Clasico into a showcase of his talent. His 4 wickets for 18 runs, with key dismissals of Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, and Robin Minz, not only restricted MI but also set up CSK’s victory. His high pace, mystery spin, and strategic use in the middle overs made him a game-changer, earning praise and establishing him as a player to watch in the season.