Experience the excitement as Dhoni’s calmness secures a last-over win for CSK, dimming KKR’s playoff chances. Read the full match recap now.
Introduction:
The 57th match of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens delivered a classic, with CSK pulling off a two-wicket win in the final over. MS Dhoni’s calm presence at the crease and Dewald Brevis’ explosive counterattack denied KKR a must-win result, leaving the defending champions’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread. See also: Playoff Race Intensifies After GT’s Dramatic 3-Wkt Win
KKR’s Aggressive Start and Middle-Over Spin Squeeze
KKR, opting to bat first after winning the toss, came out firing. Ajinkya Rahane (48 off 33) and Sunil Narine (27 off 16) took full advantage of the Powerplay, racing to 69/2 after seven overs with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. The pitch, offering variable pace and grip, soon brought CSK’s spinners into play.
Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin slowed the run-rate, picking up crucial wickets and conceding just 57 runs in the nine overs after the Powerplay. Rahane, after being dropped on 15, couldn’t convert his start and fell to Jadeja, who overtook Dwayne Bravo as CSK’s all-time leading wicket-taker during the match.
Russell’s Blitz and KKR’s Late Surge
With the innings losing momentum, Andre Russell (38 off 21) provided the much-needed impetus, launching Jadeja for a towering six and accelerating in the death overs. Manish Pandey (36* off 28) found his rhythm late, ensuring KKR posted a competitive 179/6. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad was the standout for CSK, claiming 4/31 and breaking partnerships at key moments.
Despite a 64-run burst in the five overs before the last, Matheesha Pathirana’s excellent final over restricted KKR to just six runs, keeping them under the psychological 180-run mark.
CSK’s Nightmare Start and Urvil Patel’s Dazzling Debut
CSK’s chase began disastrously, losing both openers-Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway-for ducks. Debutant Urvil Patel, however, counterattacked with a blistering 11-ball 31, smashing four sixes and a four before falling to Harshit Rana. KKR’s bowlers continued to strike, with Ashwin and Jadeja departing inside the Powerplay and CSK slumping to 60/5.
Brevis and Dube’s Rescue Act
With the required rate climbing, Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis mounted a remarkable fightback. Brevis, in particular, was electric, hammering a 22-ball half-century that included a stunning 30-run over off Vaibhav Arora. Their 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket swung the momentum back towards CSK.
Brevis eventually fell for 52 (25), but Dube’s steady 45 (40) kept the chase alive. With wickets tumbling, the match remained on a knife’s edge heading into the final overs.
Dhoni’s Finishing Touch and CSK’s Historic Chase
Needing eight runs from the final over bowled by Andre Russell, MS Dhoni rolled back the years. He launched a crucial six and rotated the strike smartly, finishing unbeaten on 17 off 18 balls. Anshul Kamboj, coming on strike with the scores level, hit the winning run, sealing CSK’s first successful chase of a 180-plus target since 2019.
KKR’s Playoff Hopes Fade
The defeat was a crushing blow for KKR. With only 11 points from 12 matches, their maximum possible tally is now 15, leaving them dependent on other results and a mathematical miracle to qualify for the playoffs. Despite a strong start and Russell’s fireworks, KKR’s inability to close out the match in the middle overs and at the death proved costly.
Key Performers
KKR: Ajinkya Rahane: 48 (33), Andre Russell: 38 (21), Manish Pandey: 36* (28), Noor Ahmad: 4/31
CSK: Dewald Brevis: 52 (25), Shivam Dube: 45 (40), Urvil Patel: 31 (11), MS Dhoni: 17* (18)
Turning Points
Noor Ahmad’s four-wicket haul derailed KKR’s momentum during the middle overs.
Dewald Brevis’ 30-run over off Vaibhav Arora shifted the pressure back onto KKR.
MS Dhoni’s composed finish in the final over sealed the win for CSK.
