The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a festival of cricket that brings fans together to celebrate thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable performances. One such electrifying clash took place on May 7, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 57 of IPL 2025. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with CSK clinching a dramatic two-wicket victory with just two balls to spare. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling encounter, break down the scorecard, and relive the moments that made this match a classic.

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A Battle of Titans Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard

Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard are two of the IPL’s most storied franchises, with a combined tally of eight titles between them. Their rivalry is steeped in history, with CSK holding a strong head-to-head record of 20 wins to KKR’s 11. The May 7 match was particularly significant: KKR, the defending champions, were fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, while CSK, already out of contention, were playing for pride and to build momentum for the next season. The stage was set for a high-stakes showdown, and the players delivered a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

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The Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard Toss and Team Setup

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bat first, citing their success in previous matches when setting a target. The Eden Gardens pitch was described as tacky and two-paced, which suggested that spinners could play a crucial role. CSK, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Devon Conway and debutant Urvil Patel in place of Shaik Rasheed and Sam Curran. KKR replaced the injured Venkatesh Iyer with Manish Pandey.

KKR Playing XI

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy
• Impact Subs: Harshit Rana, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Markande

CSK Playing XI

• Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Devon Conway, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
• Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Deepak Hooda

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KKR’s Batting: A Competitive Total

KKR’s innings started with their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine, looking to set a solid foundation. However, CSK’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, had other plans. Noor Ahmad, the young Afghan spinner, was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 4/31 in his four overs. His spell included the key wickets of Gurbaz, Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Ajinkya Rahane, which kept KKR’s scoring in check after a brisk start.

Ajinkya Rahane played a captain’s knock, scoring a steady 48 off 33 balls, anchoring the innings. Andre Russell provided the late fireworks with a quickfire 38 off 21 balls, helping KKR reach a competitive 179/6 in their 20 overs. Manish Pandey, the impact substitute, chipped in with an unbeaten 36 off 24 balls. Ravindra Jadeja supported Noor Ahmad with 1/34, while the rest of the CSK bowlers struggled to contain KKR’s batsmen on a pitch that offered some turn but also allowed free scoring in the latter stages.

KKR Innings Summary

• Total: 179/6 in 20 overs (Run Rate: 8.95)
• Key Performers: Ajinkya Rahane (48 off 33), Andre Russell (38 off 21), Manish Pandey (36* off 24)
• Top Bowlers for CSK: Noor Ahmad (4/31), Ravindra Jadeja (1/34)

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CSK’s Chase: A Tale of Resilience

Chasing 180, CSK got off to a disastrous start, losing openers Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway for ducks within the first over. Urvil Patel, making his IPL debut, provided a spark with a blazing 31 off 11 balls, including four sixes, but his dismissal left CSK reeling at 37/3. By the eighth over, they were struggling at 60/5, with KKR’s spinners, led by Varun Chakaravarthy (2/18), tightening the screws.

Enter Dewald Brevis, the young South African sensation, who turned the game on its head with a breathtaking 52 off 22 balls. His assault on Vaibhav Arora, scoring 30 runs in a single over, shifted the momentum firmly in CSK’s favor. Shivam Dube, the impact substitute, played a crucial supporting role with a composed 45 off 40 balls, guiding CSK through the middle overs. With 18 runs needed off the last two overs, MS Dhoni stepped up, smashing a massive six off Andre Russell to bring the equation down to two runs off four balls.

The drama peaked in the final over. With one run needed off three balls, Anshul Kamboj sealed the victory with a boundary over mid-on, finishing the chase at 183/8 in 19.4 overs. CSK had pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win, denting KKR’s playoff hopes and giving their fans a moment to cherish.

CSK Innings Summary

• Total: 183/8 in 19.4 overs (Run Rate: 9.31)
• Key Performers: Dewald Brevis (52 off 22), Shivam Dube (45 off 40), Urvil Patel (31 off 11), MS Dhoni (6* off 3)
• Top Bowlers for KKR: Vaibhav Arora (3/48), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/18), Harshit Rana (2/XX)

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The Scorecard: A Detailed Breakdown

Below is the complete scorecard for the KKR vs. CSK match on May 7, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

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Standout Performances Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard

Noor Ahmad: The Game-Changer

Noor Ahmad was deservedly named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling. His 4/31 disrupted KKR’s batting lineup, and his two runs in the chase added to his all-round contribution. Ahmad’s ability to bowl tight lengths and pick up crucial wickets, including the dangerous Narine and Rahane, was pivotal in keeping KKR’s total within reach.

Dewald Brevis: The Young Hero

Dewald Brevis’ 52 off 22 balls was the turning point in CSK’s chase. His aggressive approach, especially against Vaibhav Arora, showed maturity beyond his years. Brevis’ knock included five fours and three sixes, and his 30-run over was a game-changer.

MS Dhoni: The Finisher

Even at 43, MS Dhoni proved why he’s called “Thala.” His unbeaten 6 off 3 balls, including a massive six, brought CSK within touching distance of victory. His calm presence in the final overs was a reminder of his unmatched ability to close out tight games.

Ajinkya Rahane and Andre Russell: KKR’s Backbone

Rahane’s 48 provided stability, while Russell’s 38 added the necessary impetus. Their contributions ensured KKR posted a challenging total, but it wasn’t enough to defend against CSK’s spirited chase.

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What This Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard Meant

For CSK, this victory was a morale booster. Despite being out of the playoff race, the win showcased their fighting spirit and gave young players like Brevis and Patel a chance to shine. MS Dhoni emphasized the team’s focus on building for the future, saying, “This is just the third game we have won (laughs). We’re trying to find answers rather than just trying to win the rest of the games.”

For KKR, the loss was a massive blow. With only a mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs, their campaign was left hanging by a thread. Ajinkya Rahane admitted they were 10–15 runs short, stating, “One big over can shift the momentum, and Brevis and Dube took their chances.”

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The Bigger Picture Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard

This match highlighted the unpredictable nature of the IPL. CSK’s ability to bounce back from 60/5 to chase 180 showed their resilience, while KKR’s failure to defend a competitive total exposed their vulnerabilities. The game also underscored the importance of young talent, with Brevis and Patel stepping up for CSK and Noor Ahmad delivering a match-winning performance.

The Eden Gardens crowd, despite the home team’s loss, witnessed a classic IPL encounter. The match was a testament to why the IPL remains the world’s premier T20 league—full of drama, skill, and moments that linger long after the final ball.

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Conclusion

TheChennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard clash on May 7, 2025, was a thriller that had everything: explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and a heart-stopping finish. CSK’s two-wicket victory, driven by Noor Ahmad’s brilliance, Dewald Brevis’ heroics, and MS Dhoni’s composure, will be remembered as one of the standout matches of IPL 2025. For fans, it was a reminder of why they love this game—because in the IPL, anything can happen.