Bengaluru , 4 May (H.S.): In an exhilarating match at Chinnaswamy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a slender margin of 2 runs, defending a total of 213 runs on a pitch ideal for batting. The climax saw a tense showdown between Yash Dayal and CSK’s MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. Dayal, who previously bested Dhoni in 2024 to clinch RCB’s playoff berth, excelled again by defending 14 runs in the final over amid challenging dew conditions. This victory propelled RCB to the top of the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points, edging them closer to playoff qualification.
RCB’s innings featured key performances including Virat Kohli’s 62, Sam Billings’ 55, and Kyle Shepherd’s unbeaten 53. CSK’s chase was spearheaded by Ruturaj Mhatre with 94 and an unbroken 77 from Jadeja. With 35 runs needed from the final three overs, RCB’s Suyash Sharma played a pivotal role, conceding just six runs in the 18th over, which was crucial for RCB’s success.
A significant moment occurred when Kohli dropped Jadeja’s catch, allowing a boundary in the 19th over. Dhoni’s six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and a single left CSK needing 15 runs in the last over. Dayal struggled initially but ultimately held his nerve, sealing the victory for RCB as CSK fell short.
Bethell and Kohli set a strong foundation for RCB, scoring 71 without loss during the powerplay. Bethell’s aggressive 55 off 28 balls included several boundaries, while Kohli added a quick-fire 62 off 33 balls, showcasing their potent batting display. However, RCB’s momentum wavered as they stumbled to 157 for 5, accumulating only 45 runs and losing four wickets between the 11th and 18th overs. Shepherd then revitalized their innings by scoring an astonishing 54 runs in the last two overs, setting a new IPL record. He smacked Khaleel for 33 runs in the 19th over, hitting four sixes and two fours, and followed the explosive display with two more fours and two sixes off Pathirana, finishing with a rapid fifty capped by a six into the top tier.
In response, CSK’s chase started strongly with Ayush Mhatre, contributing 39 out of 58 runs during the powerplay. Despite losing Rasheed and Curran, Mhatre, the youngest player in CSK history, formed a 114-run partnership with Jadeja. Mhatre scored 94 off 48 balls before falling to a slower delivery from Ngidi. Jadeja remained aggressive against spinners but faced a controversial dismissal involving Brevis, who missed a review opportunity due to time constraints after a miscommunication during an attempted leg-bye. CSK was left to contemplate a potentially different outcome.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
