RCB Triumphs Over CSK with Strong Bowling Performance in IPL Clash

RCB Secures Victory Against CSK at Chepauk

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India] - On March 28, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a 50-run victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter held at Chepauk Stadium. The standout performances from pacers Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal were pivotal in this win.

With this victory, RCB has now won both of their matches, placing them at the top of the points table. Notably, this marks RCB's first win against CSK at their home ground since 2008.

Chasing a target of 197, CSK struggled from the outset, with Hazlewood striking early by dismissing Rahul Tripathi (5) and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (0) in the second over, leaving CSK at a precarious 8/2.

Deepak Hooda joined Rachin Ravindra at the crease, but both batters found it challenging against RCB's relentless bowling attack, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood applying constant pressure. Hooda fell for just four runs, caught by Jitesh Sharma, leaving CSK at 26/3 after 4.4 overs.

By the end of the powerplay, CSK was struggling at 30/3, with Sam Curran (2*) joining Rachin (18*) to stabilize the innings.

Spinners Liam Livingstone and Suyash Sharma continued to stifle CSK's scoring, increasing the run-rate pressure. Curran's innings ended at eight runs after a catch by Krunal Pandya, leaving CSK at 52/4 in 8.5 overs.

Shivam Dube, brought in as an impact player, attempted to shift momentum with a four and a six. At the halfway mark, CSK was 65/4, with Rachin (35*) and Shivam (12*) still at the crease.

RCB maintained their dominance, dismissing Rachin for 41 runs off 31 balls, and Yash Dayal also took out Shivam for 19 runs, reducing CSK to 80/6.

Livingstone then removed Ravichandran Ashwin for just 11 runs, further tilting the match in RCB's favor, as CSK found themselves at 99/7 in 15.2 overs.

CSK ultimately finished their innings at 146/8, with Dhoni scoring 30* off 16 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Noor Ahmad remained not out.

Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, supported by Yash Dayal (2/18) and Livingstone (2/28).

In their batting innings, RCB posted 196/7, thanks to a blistering half-century from skipper Rajat Patidar and explosive contributions from Phil Salt and Tim David.

Despite a solid start from RCB, only Patidar converted his innings into a significant score, while Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for CSK, claiming three wickets, including that of Virat Kohli.

After CSK opted to field first, Phil Salt gave RCB a strong start, hitting Ashwin for two fours and a six. However, a swift stumping by MS Dhoni ended Salt's innings at 32 runs off 16 balls, leaving RCB at 45/1.

RCB reached 56/1 at the end of six overs, with Padikkal (9*) and Kohli (11*) at the crease. Padikkal then showcased his intent against Jadeja, hitting two fours and a six before falling for 27 runs.

At the halfway point, RCB was at 93/2, with Patidar (11*) and Kohli (16*) looking to build a partnership.

Virat's innings ended at 31 runs, caught by Rachin Ravindra, while Patidar continued to score freely, reaching his fifty in just 30 balls.

Tim David's explosive batting in the final overs helped RCB finish at 196/7, with Noor Ahmad taking 3 wickets for 36 runs. Pathirana and Ashwin also contributed with wickets for CSK.