In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a narrow 2-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), moving to the top of the points table. The win puts RCB in a strong position for playoff qualification, now needing just two wins from their remaining three matches.
RCB entered the match in third place with seven wins from ten games, while CSK had already been eliminated from the playoff race after losing eight of their ten matches. With nothing to lose, CSK posed a late threat, nearly derailing RCB’s campaign.
Opening batters Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell gave RCB a flying start, putting together a 97-run partnership. Bethell registered his maiden IPL half-century before being dismissed. Virat Kohli followed with his 62nd IPL fifty, scoring 62 before getting out. CSK bowlers then tightened the innings, with Matheesha Pathirana claiming three wickets and Noor Ahmad and Romario Shepherd chipping in. However, Shepherd’s explosive 53 off just 14 balls helped RCB post a daunting 213/5.
Despite a spirited chase from CSK, RCB held their nerve in the final overs to secure a nail-biting win.
