Chennai Thalaivas Survive Calicut Charge to Clinch Nail-Biting Four-Run Win
- September 22, 2025
The Tranquil Developers You Selects IPL 2025 (Exhibition) produced another nail-biting finish at DCS You Selects Arena 1, where PHI Chennai Thalaivas defended 174 to defeat Al Saaf Calicut Sixers by just four runs. The match swung back and forth as Chennai’s batting depth and bowling grit clashed with Calicut’s explosive middle order. In the end, timely breakthroughs from CTK Mashood and Rathish S tilted the game in Chennai’s favor, despite Sadath JSR’s blistering half-century for Calicut.
The Thalaivas, asked to bat first, lost opener Sanu Thampi early for 3, but Kiran Mohan’s 42 off 32 balls rebuilt momentum with calculated strokes. He found support from Mir, who added a brisk 17 off 9, while wicketkeeper Rejee Mohan contributed 14 before falling. At 48/3 in the seventh over, the innings looked shaky, but then CTK Mashood played the anchor’s role with a steady 41 off 34 balls, combining patience with boundary strokes to rebuild stability.
The late overs injected urgency as Al Ameer Basheer smashed 23 off just 11 balls, including two sixes, lifting Chennai beyond par. Prasanth Menon’s cameo of 9 off 5 and Azhar Mohamed Ali’s 10 off 7 ensured momentum stayed alive. Despite losing wickets in clusters, the Thalaivas posted 174/9 in 20 overs. Extras (12 runs) added cushion to their total. Though Shanid and Mahroof picked two wickets apiece for Calicut, Chennai’s batting depth, led by Mashood and Kiran, provided a defendable score under pressure.
Chasing 175, Calicut needed solidity upfront, but Rajesh Raghavan’s run out for 12 sparked early nerves. The innings soon came alive through Sadath JSR’s blazing 51 from 32 deliveries, peppered with two fours and six towering sixes. He dominated the powerplay, lifting Calicut to 67/2 by the ninth over. However, his dismissal triggered instability, with Yasir Nasir (20) and Shanid (35 off 18) attempting counterattacks but falling at critical junctures.
The lower order faltered against Chennai’s disciplined bowlers. Mahroof (11) was stumped, Umair (8) and Noushad (1) fell cheaply, while captain Haneef Haizaan managed just 1. Rathish S was the destroyer-in-chief with 4/34, supported by Mashood’s 2/21. Calicut’s innings crumbled from 127/5 in the 16th over to 170 all out in 20, falling short by four runs. Despite Sadath’s brilliance, the lack of partnerships and a steady flow of wickets prevented them from crossing the line
Star of the Match – CTK Mashood
PHI Chennai Thalaivas
All-round effort with 41 off 34 and 2/21 in three overs, delivering balance that anchored Chennai’s victory under pressure.
Master Blaster – Sadath JSR
Al Saaf Calicut Sixers
Hammered 51 off 32 balls with two fours and six sixes, igniting Calicut’s chase but falling short of carrying them home.
Power Arm – Rathish S
PHI Chennai Thalaivas
Turned the match with 4/34 in four overs, dismissing Shanid, Umair, Noushad, and Shafeeque to derail Calicut’s late fightback.
Safe Hands – Rejee Mohan
PHI Chennai Thalaivas
Brilliant behind the stumps with two stumpings and a sharp catch, ensuring Calicut’s aggressive middle order never settled into rhythm.
“Our batters set up a fighting total, and the bowlers held nerve in crunch time. A fantastic all-round team performance today.”
Bala
Captain – PHI Chennai Thalaivas
“Sadath gave us the perfect start, but losing wickets in clusters cost us. We’ll regroup and aim to finish stronger next time.”
Haneef Haizaan
Captain – Al Saaf Calicut Sixers
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