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Mitchell McClenaghan hails Noor Ahmad's "never satisfied" match-winning spell

Mitchell McClenaghan has praised Chennai Super Kings spinner Noor Ahmad for his pivotal 3/21 spell in a 32-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. The former pacer highlighted Noor's aggressive mentality, noting he is never satisfied with just one wicket and consistently looks to do more damage. McClenaghan specifically pointed to a brilliant leg-spin delivery that clean-bowled Cameron Green as a moment of class. Noor's spell, which included the key wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh, derailed KKR's chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Key Points: McClenaghan praises Noor Ahmad's aggressive spin for CSK win

  • Noor Ahmad took 3/21 in CSK's 32-run win
  • McClenaghan praised his aggressive post-wicket mindset
  • He bowled a "class" delivery to dismiss Cameron Green
  • His spell scuttled KKR's chase from a position of contention
2 min read

"He always tries to do better": Mitchell McClenaghan on Noor Ahmad

Mitchell McClenaghan lauds CSK's Noor Ahmad for his 3/21 spell against KKR, highlighting his relentless wicket-taking mindset and class delivery.

"He always tries to do better and puts the opposition batters in trouble. - Mitchell McClenaghan"

Chennai, April 15

Mitchell McClenaghan has lavished praise on Chennai Super Kings spinner Noor Ahmad for his match-winning spell in their 32-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 on Tuesday.

Speaking on Star Sports, McClenaghan highlighted Noor's aggressive mindset and ability to break partnerships once he gets into rhythm, saying the young spinner consistently looks to do more damage after picking up a wicket.

"The best part I love about Noor Ahmad is that once he gets a wicket, he always seems to pick up two or more. He never seems satisfied with just one wicket. He always tries to do better and puts the opposition batters in trouble," JioStar expert McClenaghan said.

McClenghan also singled out Noor's dismissal of Cameron Green, describing it as a "class" delivery that underlined his skill and control.

"He bowled an unpickable leg-spin delivery to Cameron Green by coming around the wicket. The way that ball slammed into the stumps showed the class of Noor Ahmad. It was a peach of a delivery," he added.

McClenaghan further noted how Noor effectively neutralised Rinku Singh by denying him width and attacking options, forcing an error under pressure.

"Then, against Rinku Singh, Noor did not give him any room or width. He did not allow him to free his arms. That was very frustrating for Rinku. Out of frustration, he played a rash shot and got out. Once Noor Ahmad gets on top, he seems to really scuttle things. He did it again, this time against KKR," McClenaghan added.

Asked to bat first, CSK put 192/5 in 20 overs, with Sanju Samson (48) and Dewald Brevis (41) playing standout knocks and Kartik Tyagi (2/35) being a standout bowler.

During the chase, KKR was reduced to 29/2 and was in contention with a 50-run stand between skipper Ajinkya Rahane (28) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27).

However, a game-changing spell from Noor sank KKR to 90/6, and they ended their innings at 160/7.

The CSK spinner picked up wickets of Rahane, Cameron Green and Rinku Singh and ended his spell (3/21) in his side's convincing win.

Noor won the Player of the Match (POTM) award for his performance. CSK managed their second successive win of the season after the first three matches ended in losses.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
McClenaghan's analysis is spot on. The dismissal of Cameron Green was pure class. Coming around the wicket with that angle and then the ball spinning back in... unplayable. Noor is a real find for CSK.
A
Ananya R
The most impressive part was how he handled Rinku Singh. Everyone knows Rinku can be dangerous, but Noor gave him absolutely nothing. That's smart, mature bowling from a young player. Future looks bright! ✨
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Vikram M
Good win, but let's not get carried away. The top order batting is still a concern. Samson and Brevis played well, but we need more consistency. Noor bailed us out this time, can't rely on one bowler every match.
K
Karthik V
The hunger to get more wickets after the first one... that's the mindset of a champion. McClenaghan is right. He doesn't settle. That's what separates good bowlers from match-winners. Whistle Podu! 🦁
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James A
As a neutral fan, that was fantastic to watch. The IPL is brilliant for giving these young talents from associate nations a platform. Noor Ahmad is repaying CSK's investment in him. Great for the game.

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