In a closely contested match on May 7, 2025, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) narrowly defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 2 wickets, securing a vital win with just 2 balls to spare at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This victory not only enhanced CSK’s position in the points table but also significantly hampered KKR’s playoff prospects.
KKR’s Playoff Hopes Diminish: With 11 points from 12 matches, KKR’s qualification now depends on winning their remaining games and favorable results elsewhere.
CSK’s Position Unchanged: Despite the victory, CSK remains at the bottom due to a poor Net Run Rate.
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KKR’s Innings: A Challenging Total Set
Opting to bat first, KKR posted a total of 179/6 in their 20 overs. Ajinkya Rahane led the innings with a steady 45 runs, anchoring the middle order. Rinku Singh contributed a quickfire 30 runs off just 15 balls, providing the late impetus. CSK’s bowlers, including Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj, shared the wickets, but the target remained formidable.
Points Table (CSK vs KKR)
| T | M | W | L | P | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KKR | 12 | 5 | 7 | 11 | +0.193 |
| CSK | 12 | 3 | 9 | 6 | -0.992 |
CSK’s Chase: Brevis and Dube Shine
Chasing 180 for victory, CSK faced early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Dewald Brevis played a pivotal role, anchoring the chase with a composed 52 runs off 25 balls. Shivam Dube’s 31 runs off 29 balls kept the momentum going, but it was MS Dhoni’s calm and calculated approach in the final overs that steered CSK to victory. Dhoni remained unbeaten, guiding his team home with a crucial six in the penultimate over.
KKR’s innings were anchored by Ajinkya Rahane’s 45 runs, with Rinku Singh’s late cameo adding vital runs.
CSK’s chase was led by Dewald Brevis’ half-century and supported by Shivam Dube’s steady knock.
MS Dhoni’s experience and composure in the final overs proved decisive, securing CSK’s win.
