In an electrifying encounter at Chinnaswamy, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged out the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a mere 2 runs while defending a challenging total of 213. The match reached a thrilling conclusion as Yash Dayal faced CSK’s stalwarts MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja in the final over, successfully defending 14 runs amidst difficult dew conditions. This hard-fought victory placed RCB atop the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points, bringing them closer to playoff qualification.
RCB’s innings boasted significant contributions from Virat Kohli (62), Sam Billings (55), and Kyle Shepherd (unbeaten 53). CSK’s response was led by Ruturaj Mhatre, who scored a brilliant 94, alongside a fighting 77 from Jadeja. With 35 runs needed in the last three overs, Suyash Sharma’s exceptional 18th over, yielding only six runs, proved pivotal for RCB.
A crucial moment came when Kohli dropped Jadeja’s catch in the 19th over, allowing a boundary. Dhoni’s six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar left CSK requiring 15 runs in the last over. Dayal, despite early struggles, remained composed and secured RCB’s victory. RCB’s strong start, with an opening partnership of 71 runs without loss, saw Bethell’s explosive 55 off 28 balls and Kohli’s rapid 62 off 33 balls. However, a mid-innings wobble saw RCB at 157 for 5, before Shepherd’s remarkable 54 runs in the last two overs set a new IPL record. CSK’s chase featured Mhatre’s 94 off 48, but a controversial dismissal involving Jadeja left them pondering what might have been.
