RCB Posts 196/7 as Rajat Patidar Shines
In a high-stakes clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set a competitive total of 196/7 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Rajat Patidar led the charge with a brisk 51 off 32 balls, supported by Phil Salt (32 off 16) and Devdutt Padikkal (27 off 14). Tim David’s late cameo (22* off 8) further boosted RCB’s total.
For CSK, Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler, claiming 3/36, while Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with two crucial wickets.
CSK in Trouble as Hazlewood Strikes Early
Chasing 197, CSK faced immediate setbacks as Josh Hazlewood dismissed both Rahul Tripathi and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad within the first two overs. At 9/2 in 2.2 overs, CSK found themselves in deep trouble.
RCB’s Bowling Dominates Early Overs
• Hazlewood’s Impact: Hazlewood removed Tripathi (8 off 7) with a well-directed short ball before sending Gaikwad back for a low score.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Tight Start: The experienced pacer bowled a disciplined first over, conceding only seven runs.
Noor Ahmad’s Perspective on the Chase
CSK’s key bowler Noor Ahmad, who currently holds the Purple Cap, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to chase the target. “The wicket looks better. We need a good start, and we will chase it down,” he said.
RCB’s Late Flourish Pushes Total Near 200
Despite Virat Kohli’s slow innings (31 off 30), RCB managed to accelerate towards the end. Rajat Patidar’s fifty and Tim David’s hat-trick of sixes in the final over helped them reach a formidable total.
Current Match Situation
• CSK: 9/2 (2.2 overs), Need 188 runs in 106 balls
• Batsmen: Rachin Ravindra (4* off 6), Deepak Hooda (0* off 1)
• Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1.2-0-8-0), Josh Hazlewood (1-0-2-1)
Can CSK recover from the early blows, or will RCB break their long-standing losing streak at Chepauk? Stay tuned for further updates.
