Bengaluru: The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru set the stage for a high-stakes encounter as two of the most celebrated franchises in the Indian Premier League—Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings—locked horns in Match 52 of IPL 2025. With the playoff race heating up and net run rates becoming decisive, both teams had everything to play for. RCB, backed by their loyal home crowd, looked to assert dominance, while CSK, led by the ever-composed Ravindra Jadeja, were eager to display their trademark resilience.
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What followed was nothing short of an IPL classic—a run-fest that went down to the very last ball, showcasing not just explosive batting and disciplined bowling, but also nerve-wracking tension and moments of individual brilliance. The evening witnessed Virat Kohli’s return to form, Ayush Mhatre’s breakout innings, and a death-over masterclass by RCB’s bowling attack. With over 420 runs scored across 40 overs, fans were treated to one of the most gripping matches of the season.
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Toss: Chennai Super Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first
Result: RCB won by 2 runs
📝 FIRST INNINGS: Royal Challengers Bangalore – 213/5 (20 overs)
Despite being sent in to bat, RCB took full advantage of the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy track.
🔝 Top Order Impact:
🔝 Top Order Impact:-
Virat Kohli (62 off 33 balls)
Kohli was at his vintage best — timing the ball superbly, rotating strike, and punishing anything short. He reached his fifty off just 29 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. His partnership with Bethell set the tone for the innings. -
Jacob Bethell (55 off 33 balls)
The English youngster looked composed, combining power with placement. He built momentum in the middle overs and complemented Kohli with a quick-fire half-century of his own.
💥 Late Inning Carnage:
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Romario Shepherd (53 off 14 balls)*
The Caribbean all-rounder unleashed chaos in the death overs. He smashed the CSK bowlers for 4 sixes and 5 fours in an explosive finish. His 14-ball fifty came in record time, swinging the momentum sharply in RCB’s favor.
🎯 RCB scored 73 runs in the last 5 overs, thanks largely to Shepherd’s heroics.
🔄 CSK Bowling Analysis:
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Matheesha Pathirana – 4-0-36-3
The Sri Lankan slinger was CSK’s standout bowler, picking key wickets including Kohli and Bethell. Despite going for runs, his breakthroughs helped keep RCB in check during the middle overs. -
Noor Ahmad – 4-0-26-1
The Afghan spinner impressed with tight lines and kept the batters guessing. He claimed the wicket of Faf du Plessis and was the most economical bowler of the innings. -
Sam Curran – 3-0-34-1
Picked up a wicket but was expensive, particularly in the death overs.
📝 RCB Total: 213/5 – a strong score on this ground, backed by an aggressive finish.
📝 SECOND INNINGS: Chennai Super Kings – 211/5 (20 overs)
Chasing 214 was always a tall order, but CSK made it thrilling until the last ball.
👑 Ayush Mhatre’s Breakout Performance:
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Ayush Mhatre (94 off 48 balls)
The young gun shocked everyone with a stunning innings full of confidence, innovation, and power. He dominated both pace and spin, hitting 8 fours and 6 sixes. He reached his fifty in 27 balls and looked well set for a hundred before getting out in the 18th over.
🛡️ Jadeja’s Captain’s Knock:
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Ravindra Jadeja (77 off 45 balls)*
Captain Jadeja played a classic finisher’s role. Calm under pressure, he rotated the strike well early before unleashing in the final overs. He hit 4 sixes and 5 boundaries, but couldn’t get 10 runs needed in the final over. -
Shaik Rasheed (14 off 11 balls)
Played a supporting role during the middle overs but couldn’t accelerate when required.
🔄 RCB Bowling Brilliance:
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Lungi Ngidi – 4-0-30-3
The South African pacer broke the back of the CSK chase by dismissing Mhatre in the 18th over and maintaining discipline under pressure. -
Krunal Pandya – 3-0-24-1
His left-arm spin helped restrict boundaries in the middle overs and took the crucial wicket of Rasheed. -
Yash Dayal – 4-0-41-1
Bowled the decisive final over. Despite conceding 8 in the first 4 balls, he defended 10 off the last 6 and held his nerve under immense pressure to seal the win.
🔥 Final Over Drama of Match 52:
CSK needed 10 runs off the last over.
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1st ball: Single (Jadeja on strike)
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2nd ball: Two runs
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3rd ball: Dot ball
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4th ball: Four!
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5th ball: Single
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6th ball: Needed 2 to tie, 3 to win – just 1 run taken!
😱 RCB held on to win by just 2 runs – a true nail-biter that had fans on the edge of their seats.
📊 Score Summary:
🔴 Royal Challengers Bangalore – 213/5 (20)
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Virat Kohli – 62 (33)
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Jacob Bethell – 55 (33)
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Romario Shepherd – 53* (14)
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Matheesha Pathirana – 3/36 (4)
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Noor Ahmad – 1/26 (4)
🟡 Chennai Super Kings – 211/5 (20)
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Ayush Mhatre – 94 (48)
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Ravindra Jadeja – 77* (45)
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Lungi Ngidi – 3/30 (4)
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Krunal Pandya – 1/24 (3)
🧠 Key Takeaways:
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Romario Shepherd’s last 3 overs turned the game in RCB’s favor.
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Ayush Mhatre’s 94 may go down as one of the best losing knocks of IPL 2025.
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Yash Dayal’s final over was a masterclass in death bowling under pressure.
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RCB’s batting depth and pace bowling won them the match despite a solid chase by CSK.
Conclusion: RCB Edge Past CSK in a High-Voltage Thriller
In a match brimming with intensity, drama, and world-class cricketing performances, Royal Challengers Bangalore held their nerve to clinch a narrow 2-run victory over Chennai Super Kings. While RCB’s top-order powered them to a formidable 213/5, it was Romario Shepherd’s game-changing 53 off 14* that shifted momentum at the death. On the other hand, CSK’s Ayush Mhatre lit up the night with a breathtaking 94, nearly steering his team to a historic chase before falling short in the final overs.
The final over bowled by Yash Dayal epitomized high-pressure cricket, defending 10 runs and sealing the win in the face of CSK’s aggressive finish. With this victory, RCB not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also delivered a strong statement of intent heading into the business end of the tournament. CSK, despite the loss, gained admiration for their fearless chase and the emergence of young talent in Mhatre.
This encounter will be remembered as one of the standout thrillers of IPL 2025—a true testament to the electrifying spirit of T20 cricket.
For more match related info, visit IPL t20 website.
