Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cruised to a comfortable 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their latest IPL encounter on Friday, as the visitors defended a challenging total of 196.
CSK won the toss and opted to bat first, but their decision backfired early on.
Despite a solid 45-run opening partnership between Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, the innings struggled to gain momentum. Salt, who hit 32 off 16 balls, was dismissed by Noor Ahmed in his first over.
Devdutt Padikkal showed intent as he joined Kohli at the crease, but was soon dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin for 16.
Kohli, who played a cautious knock of 31 from 30 balls, also fell to Ahmed, leaving RCB in a tricky position. Liam Livingstone’s departure shortly after left the team reeling.
However, RCB captain Rajat Patidar steadied the ship with a composed 51 off 32 balls, featuring three sixes and four boundaries. A late surge from Tim David, who smashed 22 from just eight balls, including three consecutive sixes in the final over, helped RCB reach a competitive total.
Noor Ahmed was the standout bowler, claiming 3/33 from his four overs, while Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana supported well with two wickets.
Chasing 197, CSK’s reply was stifled by a fiery spell from Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood’s brilliance left CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi baffled, both falling in quick succession.
CSK’s middle order never fully recovered. Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Deepak Hooda, and Sam Curran’s hopes were dashed by Liam Livingstone as CSK found themselves 52/4.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra fought valiantly with a knock of 41, but once he was dismissed by Yash Dayal, CSK’s chances faded.
Shivam Dube (19) and Ravindra Jadeja (30) tried to revive the chase, but the required target proved too steep.
MS Dhoni, coming in at number nine, launched a late assault with 30 off 16 balls. However, it was too little, too late, as CSK could only manage 146/8, handing RCB a comprehensive 50-run victory.
Hazlewood was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Dayal and Livingstone each claimed two, securing the win for Bangalore.
