At the heart of a gripping afternoon clash at Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings’ INR 10 crore recruit Noor Ahmad delivered a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel in style. It was a fantastic comeback from the young Afghan spinner after being hit for a six earlier in the same over. Axar, looking dangerous, tried to dispatch a fuller-length googly across the line but misread the turn completely.

The ball spun sharply into him, sneaked under his bat, and crashed into the stumps — a moment that shifted the momentum firmly in CSK’s favor. Axar Patel, who had walked in at No. 4, started with intent, launching a straight six off Ravindra Jadeja on his very first delivery. He looked in sublime touch during his brief 21-run cameo off 14 balls, which included two boundaries and that one towering six.

ALSO READ: Jake Fraser-McGurk Falls For Duck Against CSK, Pressure Mounts On DC’s INR 9 Crore Buy

However, Noor’s clever change of pace and persistent stump-to-stump line proved too good for the DC skipper. Noor Ahmad has been CSK’s standout performer with the ball this season, and this match only added to his growing reputation. Already the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2025, the 19-year-old now has 10 scalps from just four matches at a staggering average of 11.80. His ability to control the middle overs and pick up key wickets has been vital to CSK’s campaign, especially on spin-friendly pitches like the one in Chennai.

Noor Ahmed magic at the Chepauk. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/JNJ8OKCfVH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 5, 2025

Earlier in the day, Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to bat first under the sweltering Chennai sun. The innings got off to a rocky start as Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a five-ball duck. However, KL Rahul and Abishek Porel steadied the ship. Porel smashed a lively 33 off 20 balls, peppering the field with four boundaries and a six before falling against the run of play.

ALSO READ: Mahela Jayawardene Accepts Mumbai Indians’ Mistakes After Costly Defeat To LSG

After Axar’s departure, young Sameer Rizvi stepped up to partner Rahul, who anchored the innings with composure and aggression. Having missed out in the previous game, Rahul was determined to make his presence felt. On a tricky surface, he absorbed pressure, rotated strike effectively, and looked at ease against CSK’s potent spin unit — a testament to his class and calm under fire.