The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a thrilling victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru by completing a league double over CSK for the first time in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
As a result, RCB climbed to the top of the points table after this victory with 16 points. CSK, who had already been eliminated from playoff contention in their previous outing, suffered another blow to their campaign.
Talking Points
1. RCB openers set the tone
After being put into bat, RCB openers Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli launched an assault on the CSK bowling attack. The pair raced to 71 runs in the powerplay by dominating from the start. Bethell scored 55 off 33 balls, while Kohli smashed 62 off just 33 deliveries. They added 97 runs for the first wicket, setting a solid platform.
2. CSK bowlers regain control
Following the dismissal of the openers, CSK bowlers fought back with disciplined bowling. They tightened their lines and lengths, picking up wickets at regular intervals and reducing the scoring rate during the middle overs.
3. Romario’s explosive finish
When RCB seemed to be losing momentum, Romario Shepherd provided a sensational finish. In the penultimate over, he hammered Khaleel Ahmed for 32 runs, followed by 20 runs off Matheesha Pathirana in the final over. Shepherd reached a half-century in just 14 balls, becoming the second-fastest in IPL history, and took RCB to a total of 213 in 20 overs.
4. Mhatre-Jadeja lead CSK’s fightback
CSK lost a couple of early wickets in the powerplay during their chase. The 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre announced his arrival by smashing 26 runs in a single over off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and went on to score a brilliant 94 off 48 balls. Ravindra Jadeja provided solid support from the other end and remained unbeaten on 77 off 45 deliveries. The duo stitched together a 114-run partnership, keeping CSK in the chase.
5. RCB hold nerve in final over
Despite the flurry of runs in the middle overs, RCB bowlers remained composed till the end. With 15 runs required off the final over and the experienced MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, Yash Dayal bowled a brilliant final over, conceding just 12 runs and securing a 2-run win for the team. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers for RCB, claiming three wickets in his four-over spell.
Who said what?
MS Dhoni, CSK (Losing Captain)
When I went into bat, with the kind of deliveries and the runs needed, I felt I should’ve converted a couple more shots to ease the pressure. I take the blame. They got off to a good start, in between we pulled it back, but Romario Shepherd was brilliant. Whatever the bowlers bowled, he was able to get maximum runs. We need to practice more yorkers. More often than not, when the batters start to connect, you have to rely on yorkers. Also the margin of error (yorkers provide) – so if you’re looking for a perfect yorker, if that doesn’t happen, a low full toss is the next best thing. It’s one of the most difficult balls to hit.
Somebody like Pathirana, if the yorker isn’t happening, he has got pace. He can bowl the bouncer and keep the batter guessing. At times if he’s looking for yorkers, batters are looking to line it up and if he misses, batters have a chance of hitting. It can be used, but not all batters are comfortable playing it (the scoop). If it comes naturally, then definitely. If not, it becomes difficult. It is something you need to practice in the new era. Most of our batters don’t play the paddle shot. Jaddu plays it but he’s more comfortable down the ground so he was backing his strength.
Rajat Patidar, RCB (Winning Captain)
It was a tight game. Credit goes to their batters, the way they batted, it was really nice to see. The way the bowlers have shown their (ability), it was incredible. He (Dayal) is the main bowler of our team, a death-overs specialist. It was a clear-cut message to give him the last over. Last year as well, he did the same thing for the team and he did it again (tonight). I had confidence in Suyash also.
He has been bowling good overs for RCB. The decision was 50-50 at the moment and I backed my bowler, and the way he bowled, it was really good. (On Shepherd’s sixes) That was not easy to go straightaway and hit those big sixes. He has the power and the skill, just enjoying his long sixes from the dugout. The way Lungi (bowled), he is a very experienced bowler. I have good confidence in him. As a team, it is a positive to be on the top. We are not aiming for qualification, and these three matches are crucial. (On if there will be a party tonight) A little bit but we will do it at the end.
Romario Shepherd, Player of the Match
I had my opportunity today, was waiting for it for a long time. Wanted to give the team a good finish. (On where his power come from) My base and the way I swing. Even today, I was just trying to hold my shape and took it from there. (Does he train for these shots) DK came and gave us some specific work and tonight, it paid off for the team.
I was not thinking about the score. Just taking it ball by ball, and wanted to hit each ball for four or six. Was trying to stay relaxed, hold my base and hit. (On if he is more of a batter or a bowler) I try to keep it 50-50, but did not come off with the ball (laughs). Bad day with the ball (for me), but we got over the line with the boys (Dayal, Bhuvneshwar and Ngidi) pulling us out of the mud.
India
