Despite their valiant efforts, the MS Dhoni-led side fell agonisingly short by just two runs, allowing RCB to surge to the top of the points table
Pic: IPL/X
Mumbai-based young gun Ayush Mhatre’s fiery 48-ball 94 and Ravindra Jadeja’s blistering 45-ball 77 came close, but weren’t quite enough to guide Chennai Super Kings to a win in their IPL 2025 showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday. Despite their valiant efforts, the MS Dhoni-led side fell agonisingly short by just two runs, allowing RCB to surge to the top of the points table with 16 points from 11 matches.
Earlier, a dazzling half-century from Virat Kohli (62), complemented by valuable contributions from Jacob Bethell (55) and a sensational late assault from Romario Shepherd (53*), helped RCB post a daunting target of 214 runs. Kohli, in his trademark aggressive style, powered his way to 62 from just 33 balls, launching five sixes and as many fours. His innings was a blend of sublime timing and raw power, laying the perfect foundation for RCB’s explosive finish.
Kohli’s partnership with English all-rounder Bethell was pivotal. The two added a solid 97-run stand for the opening wicket, putting the CSK bowlers on the back foot early in the innings. Bethell, who struck eight boundaries and two sixes, was equally effective, finishing his 33-ball 55 with impressive composure. His contributions complemented Kohli’s aggression, keeping RCB in control as they pushed towards a massive total.
As the innings drew to a close, it was the dazzling fireworks of Romario Shepherd that stole the limelight. Coming in at number six, the West Indian all-rounder unleashed a barrage of sixes, beginning with a breathtaking maximum off the first ball of the penultimate over. Shepherd hammered six sixes in total, including 33 runs off Khaleel Ahmed’s 19th over alone. His blistering 14-ball fifty marked the second-fastest half-century in IPL history, further amplifying RCB’s dominance in the latter stages.
Despite a spirited bowling performance by CSK’s Matheesha Pathirana, who finished with figures of 3 for 36, RCB’s power-packed finish proved too much for the Super Kings to counter. With a well-rounded performance and explosive contributions in the death overs, RCB sealed the match and moved closer to securing a playoff spot, leaving CSK still searching for a winning formula.
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