Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kept their playoff hopes alive in the IPL 2025 with a thrilling last-ball victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a nail-biting encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. The match will be remembered as one of the most electrifying finishes of the season.
Defending a challenging total of 213, RCB pacer Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over, conceding just three runs off the last three deliveries to secure a two-run win for his team. With CSK needing four runs off the final ball, Dayal bowled a perfect yorker to limit them to just a single, sparking celebrations among the fans in the packed stadium.
The match had its fair share of drama, with Shivam Dube hitting a crucial six off a high full toss, which was deemed a no-ball upon review. CSK’s hopes surged as they needed six runs from three balls, but Dayal dismissed MS Dhoni with a pinpoint yorker to swing the match back in RCB’s favor.
RCB’s innings was powered by a spectacular late assault from Romario Shepherd, who smashed an astonishing 53 off just 14 balls, including a 33-run over against Khaleel Ahmed. Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell also made significant contributions, with Kohli scoring 62 off 33 balls and Bethell adding 55 off 33 balls.
In response, CSK showed remarkable grit with Ayush Mhatre scoring a sublime 94 off 48 balls and Ravindra Jadeja contributing a brisk 50 in a 95-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite their efforts, CSK fell short in the final over, with Dayal’s heroics securing the win for RCB.
The match showcased individual brilliance, shifting momentum, and high-stakes drama, making it one of the standout contests of the season. For CSK, the narrow defeat highlighted the fine margins that define T20 cricket’s most intense battles.
As the league approaches its climax, RCB’s victory keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot, while CSK will look to bounce back from this close loss in their upcoming matches.
