Chennai Super Kings came agonizingly close to chasing down a daunting target of 214 runs, but fell just short in a last-over thriller. RCB clinched a dramatic 2-run win in a high-scoring contest that totaled 424 runs, propelling them to the top of the points table.
CSK needed 15 runs in the final over with six wickets in hand. Yash Dayal held his nerve, reducing the equation to 4 runs off the final ball. But Chennai couldn’t cross the finish line. Ravindra Jadeja fought till the end with an unbeaten 77 off 45 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes), yet Chennai were restricted to 211/5.
Opener Ayush Mhatre had earlier laid the foundation with a brilliant 94 off 48 balls, laced with 9 fours and 5 sixes, but it ultimately went in vain.
RCB (213/5 vs 211/5) CSK
Earlier, Virat Kohli set the tone for RCB with a scintillating 62 off 33 balls at a strike rate over 187. Opening with Jacob Bethell, the duo shared a 97-run stand. Bethell contributed 55 off 33 balls, striking 8 fours and 2 sixes.
Despite the explosive start, Bangalore’s momentum dipped in the middle overs. Devdutt Padikkal (17), Rajat Patidar (11), and Jitesh Sharma (7) fell cheaply. At 159/5 after 18 overs, it looked like Bangalore might fall short of 200.
Then came the Romario Shepherd blitz. He plundered 33 runs in the 19th over off Khaleel Ahmed, including 4 sixes and 2 boundaries, and followed up with more fireworks off Matheesha Pathirana. Shepherd smashed his way to a 50 off just 14 balls, powering RCB to 213/5.
Despite Chennai’s valiant effort, RCB’s explosive start and dramatic finish proved just enough to seal a crucial win.
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