
NEW DELHI: The followers at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium have been on the fringe of their seats as Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged out Chennai Super Kings in a nail-biting thriller that went down to the ultimate ball. From the outset, the contest promised nerves and fireworks β and it delivered on all counts.
Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell, adopted by Romario Shepherdβs explosive crowning glory, powered RCB to a formidable complete. In response, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre stole the highlight for CSK, forging an important partnership with Ravindra Jadeja to take their aspect inside touching distance of a shocking win. But in the finish, CSK fell simply two runs brief.
The ultimate over, bowled by Yash Dayal, was a theatre of nerves and drama. With CSK needing 15 off 6 and Dhoni and Jadeja at the crease, the strain was immense. Dayal started with a dot, then conceded a single. On the third supply, he eliminated the legendary Dhoni, swinging the match again in RCBβs favour.
Then got here chaos β a waist-high no-ball adopted by a single from new batter Shivam Dube. With six wanted off three, Jadeja managed only a single.
Four have been wanted off the ultimate ball. Dayal bowled a low full-toss, Dube struck it to long-on, however RCBβs fielding held sturdy. Only two runs have been scored.
Dayalβs calm beneath strain sealed a memorable win for RCB, lifting them to the top of the factors desk amid wild celebrations.
Chasing a frightening 214, CSK have been powered by an excellent 114-run partnership between 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre and veteran Ravindra Jadeja. Mhatre, taking part in with maturity past his years, smashed 94 off 48 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes, whereas Jadeja remained unbeaten on 77 off 45 (8x4s, 2x6s).
However, their valiant effort couldnβt carry CSK over the line, as they completed on 211/5 in 20 overs.
RCBβs Lungi Ngidi turned the tide with key wickets, returning with spectacular figures of three/30, together with the essential breakthroughs of Mhatre and Sam Curran.
Earlier, RCB posted 213/5 after being put in to bat. Jacob Bethell (55 off 33) and Virat Kohli (62 off 33) gave the hosts a flying begin, including 97 runs for the first wicket. But it was Romario Shepherd who supplied the actual fireworks at the demise. Coming in late, the West Indian bludgeoned 53* off simply 14 balls β the quickest fifty of the season and joint second-fastest in IPL historical past β hammering 4 fours and 6 sixes in a shocking show.
For CSK, Matheesha Pathirana bowled with hearth and accuracy, choosing up 3/36 in his 4 overs.
With this thrilling win, RCB not solely bagged two essential factors but additionally moved to the top of the factors desk. For CSK, it was a bitter tablet to swallow, as a outstanding chase fell simply brief in certainly one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.