NEW DELHI: The fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium were on the edge of their seats as Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged out Chennai Super Kings in a nail-biting thriller that went down to the final ball. From the outset, the contest promised nerves and fireworks — and it delivered on all counts.
Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell, followed by Romario Shepherd’s explosive finishing touch, powered RCB to a formidable total. In response, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre stole the spotlight for CSK, forging a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja to take their side within touching distance of a stunning win. But in the end, CSK fell just two runs short.
The final 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 pressure was immense. Dayal began with a dot, then conceded a single. On the third delivery, he removed the legendary Dhoni, swinging the match back in RCB’s favour.
Then came chaos — a waist-high no-ball followed by a single from new batter Shivam Dube. With six needed off three, Jadeja managed just a single.
Four were needed off the final ball. Dayal bowled a low full-toss, Dube struck it to long-on, but RCB’s fielding held strong. Only two runs were scored.
Dayal’s calm under pressure sealed a memorable win for RCB, lifting them to the top of the points table amid wild celebrations.
Chasing a daunting 214, CSK were powered by a brilliant 114-run partnership between 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre and veteran Ravindra Jadeja. Mhatre, playing with maturity beyond his years, smashed 94 off 48 balls with nine fours and five sixes, while Jadeja remained unbeaten on 77 off 45 (8x4s, 2x6s).
However, their valiant effort couldn’t carry CSK over the line, as they finished on 211/5 in 20 overs.
RCB’s Lungi Ngidi turned the tide with key wickets, returning with impressive figures of 3/30, including the crucial 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 start, adding 97 runs for the first wicket. But it was Romario Shepherd who provided the real fireworks at the death. Coming in late, the West Indian bludgeoned 53* off just 14 balls — the fastest fifty of the season and joint second-fastest in IPL history — hammering four fours and six sixes in a stunning display.
For CSK, Matheesha Pathirana bowled with fire and accuracy, picking up 3/36 in his four overs.
With this thrilling win, RCB not only bagged two crucial points but also moved to the top of the points table. For CSK, it was a bitter pill to swallow, as a remarkable chase fell just short in one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.
