RCB edge CSK by 2 runs in last-ball thriller, take firm step towards playoffs

RCB beat CSK by 2 runs in last-ball thriller

Ayush Mhatre’s 94 and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 77 went in vain as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pipped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by two runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing 214, CSK scored 211/5 in their 20 overs. Mhatre played a brilliant knock of 94 which included 9 boundaries and 5 sixes while adding 114 runs with Jadeja for the second wicket.

For RCB, Lungi Ngidi returned with great figures of 3/30. While Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal picked up a wicket each to restrict CSK from winning the match.

Earlier, half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (55), Virat Kohli (62) and Romario Shepherd (53*) took RCB to 213/5 in 20 overs.

While Bethell and Kohli put on 97 runs for the opening wicket to set a platform, Shepherd blasted 4 fours and 6 maximums to make 53 not out off only 14 balls, recording the fastest fifty of the season and joint second-fastest overall.

For CSK, Matheesha Pathirana found his rhythm and lengths with his spell of 3/36 while Noor Ahmad and Sam Curran also picked up a wicket each.

The win sees RCB remain at the top of the table with 16 points from 11 matches and are among the favourites to qualify for the playoffs.

Brief scores: RCB – 213 for 5 in 20 overs (Jacob Bethell 55, Virat Kohli 62, Romario Shepherd 53*; Matheesha Pathirana 3/36).

CSK – 211 for 5 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 94, Ravindra Jadeja 77*; Lungi Ngidi 3/30).