RCB’s Exciting Win Over CSK by 50 Runs at Chepauk

A Dominant Win for RCB at Chepauk

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk. Their 50-run victory was a testament to their batting strength and disciplined bowling attack. Rajat Patidar led from the front with a captain’s knock, while the bowlers ensured CSK never found their rhythm.

RCB’s Batting Firepower

After losing the toss and being put to bat, RCB’s top order capitalized on Batting. Phil Salt provided a fiery start, smashing 32 runs off just 16 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 200. Devdutt Padikkal followed up with a brisk 27 off 14 balls, clearing the ropes twice and maintaining a high tempo.

Rajat Patidar played a crucial role in anchoring the innings, scoring a well-compiled 51 off 32 balls. His knock included four boundaries and three sixes. However, CSK missed three golden opportunities to dismiss him, dropping catches that proved costly. In the final overs, Tim David added valuable runs with an unbeaten 22 off just eight balls, boasting a phenomenal strike rate of 275.00. As a result, RCB finished with a strong total of 196/7 in 20 overs.

On the bowling front, CSK struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive approach. Noor Ahmad was the standout performer, picking up three wickets for 36 runs in his four-over spell. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with two wickets, and Khaleel Ahmed kept things tight with an economy rate of just 7.00, conceding only 28 runs while taking one wicket.

CSK’s Struggles in the Chase

Chasing 197, CSK needed a solid start, but they failed to gain momentum. Rachin Ravindra showed promise at the top, scoring 41 runs off 31 balls with five boundaries. However, with wickets falling at regular intervals, CSK’s chase quickly became difficult.

MS Dhoni, known for his finishing abilities, fought hard till the end. Remaining unbeaten on 30 off just 16 balls, he smashed three fours and two sixes, entertaining the Chepauk crowd. However, his lone efforts were not enough, as CSK managed only 146/8 in 20 overs, falling short by 50 runs. Additionally, they lost a crucial review early in the innings, further denting their hopes.

RCB’s Bowling Masterclass

RCB’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, keeping CSK’s batters under constant pressure. Josh Hazlewood led the charge, taking three wickets for just 21 runs in his four overs. Yash Dayal complemented him well, grabbing two wickets while conceding only 18 runs in three overs.

Liam Livingstone also played a crucial role, taking two wickets for 28 runs in his four-over spell. Notably, five out of RCB’s six bowlers maintained an economy rate below 10, highlighting their exceptional discipline and control throughout the innings.

Pitch and Ground Conditions at Chepauk

The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium, or Chepauk, offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. The square boundaries measured 70m and 63m, while the straight boundary stretched to 74m. The surface had minimal grass, causing the ball to grip slightly, which helped spinners and off-pace deliveries from pacers.

Dew became a factor later in the evening, making it tougher for bowlers to grip the ball. However, with 160-170 being considered a competitive total, RCB’s 196 proved to be a match-winning score. Historically, teams chasing have found success at this venue, except for RCB, and the team’s clinical performance maintained the pattern with ease.

Conclusion

RCB outplayed CSK in all departments, displaying their batting firepower and disciplined bowling attack. Rajat Patidar’s 51 and Josh Hazlewood’s three-wicket haul set the tone for this dominant performance. Meanwhile, CSK’s fielding lapses and lack of big partnerships cost them dearly.

Earlier Matches : LSG vs SRH  |  RR vs KKR  |  GT vs PBKS | DC vs LSG