RCB beat CSK by 50 runs for first win in Chennai since 2008

KATHMANDU: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continued their impressive form with a crucial 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday.

Chasing a target of 197 runs, Chennai Super Kings were restricted to just 146 runs, losing 8 wickets. Rachin Ravindra was the top scorer for CSK with 41 runs off 31 balls, but the top five batsmen were all dismissed for a duck.

Coming in at number nine, MS Dhoni played an aggressive knock of 30 runs from 16 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 25 runs.

For RCB, the bowling was led by Josh Hazlewood, who delivered a stellar performance, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs in his 4 overs.

Thisara Perera and Liam Livingstone also chipped in with two wickets each, keeping the pressure on CSK throughout their innings.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being put into bat first, RCB posted a competitive total of 196 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Captain Rajat Patidar played a brilliant knock of 51 runs off 32 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes.

CSK’s fielders had a tough time, dropping Patidar’s catch three times, which was pointed out by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad as a key reason for the defeat. Patidar was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Other contributions came from Phil Salt, who scored 32 runs off 16 balls, and Virat Kohli, who made 31 runs from 30 balls. In the final overs, Tim David’s explosive 22 runs off 8 balls, including three consecutive sixes off Sam Curran, helped RCB finish strong.

For CSK, Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 36 runs.

This loss marked the first time since 2008 that Chennai Super Kings had been defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore at their home ground.