The M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed yet another classic on Saturday night as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) held their nerve to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by just 2 runs in a high-scoring thriller. With this crucial win in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, RCB inched closer to a spot in the playoffs, while CSK were left ruing what could have been a heroic chase.
Virat Kohli and Romario Shepherd light up Chinnaswamy with batting brilliance
Put in to bat first after losing the toss, RCB batters made full use of the flat pitch and lightning-fast outfield. Virat Kohli turned back the clock with a powerful 62 off just 33 balls, featuring 5 fours and 5 maximums. He set the tone alongside Jacob Bethell, who also dazzled with a 33-ball 55. Although there was a middle-order wobble, the late blitz from Romario Shepherd, who smashed an unbeaten 53 from just 14 deliveries, propelled the hosts to a massive total of 213/5.
Matheesha Pathirana was the pick of the bowlers for CSK, grabbing 3 wickets, while the usually economical Khaleel Ahmed endured a night to forget, leaking 65 runs in just 3 overs.
Ayush Mhatre and Ravindra Jadeja fight hard, but CSK fall agonizingly short
Chasing a daunting 214, CSK found early momentum thanks to young Ayush Mhatre, who played a breathtaking knock of 94 off 48 balls, peppered with 9 boundaries and 5 sixes. After a brief cameo from Shaik Rasheed, Ravindra Jadeja joined Mhatre and almost turned the game on its head with a sensational 77 from 45 balls. Despite their valiant efforts, CSK fell short by just 2 runs as Yash Dayal and Lungi Ngidi’s tight spell at the death proved decisive.
Also WATCH: Khaleel Ahmed gives a fiery send-off to Virat Kohli during RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 clash
With this thrilling win, RCB have moved to 16 points, putting them on the brink of playoff qualification. While not officially through yet, the victory has significantly boosted their chances, making it highly likely they will feature in the knockout stage.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Yash Dayal does it AGAIN against #CSK ❤️
The #RCB pacer holds his nerves in the final over to defend 1️⃣5️⃣ & clinch a thrilling 2️⃣-run win! 😬
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/I4Eij3ZNlN#TATAIPL | #RCBvCSK | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/QQUNdhPjgS
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2025
The going got tough and the boys got tougher!
We complete a double over CSK in this IPL🔥 pic.twitter.com/1hn9VQ0G6r
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 3, 2025
RCB has invisible Q in front of them. Brilliant win.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 3, 2025
History repeats itself. Yash Dayal bowling the last over, 17 to defend last year. Today, 15 to defend. Again, a change of ball because of the six going out of the stadium…..
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 3, 2025
CSK in IPL 2025 pic.twitter.com/Hc49pZQkTY
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 3, 2025
ayush mhatre. you are the fundamental of next gen csk my brother. gritty innings! to many more. 💛
— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) May 3, 2025
Yash Dayal seals it at the Chinnaswamy! 🏟️🔥
A fitting finish to a thrilling contest, held his nerve in the final over and wrapped up a brilliant win for RCB. Quality cricket, top-notch finish! 🙌🔴⚫
Scorecard: https://t.co/aiKxIwAoun#Cricket #IPL #IPL2025 #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/VYnsLuXEG5
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 3, 2025
What a cracker of a game woooow!
RCB RCB RCB 👏👏
Everything happened in the last over.
Kudos to Yash Dayal 🙌#CSKvRCB #TATAIPL2025— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) May 3, 2025
Huddling through the tough times. #RCBvCSK #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/qkjRgDSVeO
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 3, 2025
Innings filled with intent, bravery and fire! The future is here👏
Remember the name🔥 pic.twitter.com/jf5kPCITrf— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) May 3, 2025
What A game 💥❤️🫶
— thaman S (@MusicThaman) May 3, 2025
https://t.co/yqQv7YemMv! 😱#RCBvsCSK
— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) May 3, 2025
Congratulations to @RCBTweets for being the first team to the 2025 @IPL playoffs for sure 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. What a game today. Last ball finish. Nail bitting for sure
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) May 3, 2025
Also WATCH: IPL 2025 – Dewald Brevis’ jaw-dropping catch ends Jacob Bethell’s stunning knock during RCB vs CSK clash
