Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 172/6 in 20 overs, where as Chennai Super Kings scored 176/4 in 18.4 overs.
So, finally Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 6 wickets
Royal Challengers Bengaluru put up a fierce bowling effort, pushing the chase of 173 to the penultimate over, but Chennai Super Kings ultimately surpassed the target comfortably, clinching victory by a 6-wicket margin, with Mustafizur Rahman’s four-wicket haul proving decisive in the closely contested match.
RCB adopts a short-ball strategy to extend the game
On a pitch favoring batsmen, RCB utilized the height of Cameron Green and Alzarri Joseph to deliver a barrage of short and back-of-length deliveries, aiming to stifle CSK’s scoring and pick up crucial wickets.
This tactic paid off early on, with Ajinkya Rahane and Daryl Mitchell falling to pull shots.
By capitalizing on the allowance of two bouncers per over, RCB effectively restricted CSK’s boundary flow, crucial to their game plan.
Why was this strategy crucial?
CSK had made an impressive start to the chase, nearing 100 runs within the first ten overs, fueled by a blistering 37 off 15 balls from debutant Rachin Ravindra, supported by contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane.
RCB’s short-ball approach disrupted CSK’s momentum, shifting the balance of the game.
Why couldn’t RCB sustain the pressure?
Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja formed an unbeaten 66-run partnership, steering CSK to victory.
Despite Dube’s initial discomfort against the short ball, he adjusted his approach alongside Jadeja, finding gaps and even dispatching boundaries through the third man region.
Dube’s pulled six sealed the win for CSK.
Was RCB’s total of 173 enough?
Dinesh Karthik, who batted on the pitch, believed otherwise, considering the conditions favorable for batting.
Karthik and Anuj Rawat’s partnership of 95 runs off 50 balls for the sixth wicket propelled RCB from 78/5 to a competitive total.
However, under the evening lights, CSK was well-positioned to chase the target.
Why couldn’t RCB post a bigger total?
Mustafizur Rahman’s impactful debut for CSK played a significant role.
The Bangladesh seamer’s left-arm angle posed a challenge for the batsmen, claiming four wickets in his first ten balls.
Mustafizur’s early strikes, including the dismissals of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, destabilized RCB’s top order.
Despite a spirited effort from Karthik and Rawat, RCB fell short in posting a larger total, setting the stage for CSK’s victory.
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