Noor Ahmad Wrecks KKR's Middle Order; Chennai Face 180-Run Chase

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a modest total in their match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Winning the toss and opting to bat first at Eden Gardens, KKR scored 179 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scored for the team with 48 runs off 33 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

KKR did not get off to a good start. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed early for 11 runs. Sunil Narine, who followed, played aggressively and scored 26 runs off 17 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six, but was stumped off the bowling of Noor Ahmad. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who came in next, disappointed with just one run.

At one stage, KKR were struggling at 71 for 3, but captain Ajinkya Rahane steadied the innings. He received strong support from Andre Russell, who scored 38 runs from 21 balls with four boundaries and three sixes, and Manish Pandey, who remained unbeaten on 36 off 28 deliveries, including a four and a six. Rahane, nearing a half-century, was caught by Devon Conway off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja.

Towards the end, Rinku Singh attempted to accelerate the scoring but was dismissed for 9 runs, again by Noor Ahmad. Ramandeep Singh remained not out with 4 runs.

Among Chennai Super Kings bowlers, Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad delivered an outstanding performance, claiming 4 crucial wickets. Anshul Kamboj and Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket each.