RCB Clinch Top Spot with a Nail-Biting Win at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
In a high-octane clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a dramatic 2-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This win propelled RCB to the top of the points table with 16 points from 11 matches, solidifying their playoff contention, while CSK, already out of the playoff race, fought valiantly but fell just short.
RCB Set a Formidable Target of 214
The match began with CSK captain MS Dhoni winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed promising but was soon challenged by RCB’s explosive batting lineup. Openers Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli set the tone with a commanding 97-run partnership. Bethell smashed 55 off 33 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, while Kohli, in vintage form, scored 62 off 33 balls with five fours and five sixes. Their aggressive stroke play put CSK’s bowlers under pressure early on.
The middle overs saw contributions from Rajat Patidar (11 off 15) and Jitesh Sharma (7 off 8), but it was Romario Shepherd’s late blitz that stole the show. Shepherd’s unbeaten 53 off just 14 balls, featuring four fours and six sixes, included 33 runs off a single over from Khaleel Ahmed. This carnage in the penultimate over propelled RCB to a daunting 213/5 in 20 overs, with Shepherd tying the record for the joint second-fastest fifty in IPL history.
CSK’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing 214, CSK started steadily with openers Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed. Mhatre led the charge with a sensational 94 off 48 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, keeping CSK in the hunt. Support came from Ravindra Jadeja, who played a gritty unbeaten 77 off 45 balls, with eight fours and two sixes. The duo’s efforts brought CSK tantalizingly close, but RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs.
CSK’s innings saw contributions from Sam Curran (5 off 5) and MS Dhoni (12 off 8), but the loss of wickets at crucial junctures—Shaik Rasheed (14 off 11), Curran, and later Mhatre—derailed their momentum. Needing 18 runs in the last over, CSK managed only 15, finishing at 211/5. Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Matheesha Pathirana (3/36) were the pick of the CSK bowlers, but it wasn’t enough to stop RCB’s batting juggernaut.
Key Performances and Turning Points
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Romario Shepherd (RCB): Named Player of the Match for his match-defining 53* off 14 balls, including four fours and six sixes, and a tight bowling spell of 1/18 in 1 over.
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Virat Kohli (RCB): Scored 62 off 33 balls, setting a solid foundation with his aggressive batting.
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Jacob Bethell (RCB): Contributed 55 off 33 balls, forming a crucial opening stand with Kohli.
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Ayush Mhatre (CSK): Played a heroic 94 off 48 balls but couldn’t take CSK over the line.
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Ravindra Jadeja (CSK): Remained not out on 77 off 45, providing a late surge in the chase.
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Lungi Ngidi (CSK): Took 3/30 in 4 overs, dismissing key RCB batsmen at critical moments.
The turning point came in the 19th over when RCB’s bowlers, particularly Shepherd, restricted CSK’s scoring, leaving them with a steep task in the final over. Despite Jadeja’s heroics, CSK couldn’t overcome the pressure, handing RCB a well-deserved victory.
RCB’s Playoff Push Strengthens
With this win, RCB have strengthened their position at the top of the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points from 11 matches, putting them on the brink of playoff qualification. CSK, on the other hand, have been out of the playoff race for some time, and this loss further highlighted their struggles this season despite individual brilliance from players like Mhatre and Jadeja.
What’s Next?
RCB will look to maintain their momentum as they head into the business end of the tournament, while CSK will aim to finish their campaign on a high note in their remaining matches. The IPL 2025 season continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and fans can expect more fireworks as the race for the playoffs heats up.