RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 Match 52 Highlights: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s thriller Victory by 2 Runs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 Match 52: Man of the Match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Romario Shepherd has been named as the Man of the Match for his blistering unbeaten 14-ball 53. Smiles on receiving the award and says that he was waiting for his opportunity for a long time, and made use of it. Details that he was only trying to give the team a good finish. On the secret of the power he generates, Shepherd replies that the way he swings, just looks at the pace of the ball, and shoots, maybe it comes out well. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 Match 52: Top Performers

Ayush Mhatre 94 (48)

Ayush Mhatre put on a great show in the clash as the youngest CSK player scored a half century record-breaking score in 94 off 48 balls. Like the previous games, he continued to bat in a blistering manner without paying much heed to the fact that he is facing some of the best bowlers from the world. 

Ayush Mhatre came close to overshadowing Romario Shepherd’s explosive 14-ball fifty with a sublime 94-run knock, but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowlers held their composure in the final overs to pull off a thrilling two-run victory over Chennai Super Kings, boosting their chances of reaching the IPL playoffs on Saturday.

Virat Kohli 62 (33)

There is no other batter than Virat Kohli who can so consistently see off chases. The former RCB skipper scored yet another half-century in a successful chase. While Kohli could not remain unbeaten to finish off the game, he still made sure that his team was right on top of the clash when he went back to the pavilion. Kohli scored 62 runs in 33 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes. With his opening partnership with Jacob Bethel, he nailed the clash with a consistent chasing performance.

Jacob Bethel 55 (33)

Bethell, on the other hand, started strongly by hitting Ahmed for three fours in a row in the first over — using sharp cuts and powerful drives — as RCB got off to a fast start. He reached his first IPL fifty with a clever reverse scoop for four off Jadeja. Kohli also completed his fifty soon after, with a smooth shot through the covers for four, also off Jadeja. Just as the partnership was looking dangerous, Bethell hit a high shot off Pathirana (3/36) and was caught well by Dewald Brevis, ending a promising stand.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 Match 52: 1st Innings Summary

Just like a true Southern Derby, this match went back and forth like a swing. RCB were 159 for 5 after 18 overs, and then smashed 54 runs in the last 2 overs. CSK started their chase well, thanks to a strong partnership between Ayush Mhatre and Ravindra Jadeja. But even after dropping 4 catches, the home team made a strong comeback. 

The 16th over looked like it had ruined their chances, as both Mhatre and Jadeja were dropped within 4 balls. But in the very next over, Lungi Ngidi took two wickets in two balls, and the match turned again. RCB were back in control and putting pressure on CSK. Then came a no-ball from Yash Dayal in the final over, and it looked like the game might slip away. But the left-arm bowler showed great courage and made a brilliant comeback to help his team win.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 Match 52: 2nd Innings Summary

Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a mixed day with the ball. They gave away too many no-balls, which really hurt them. Except for Krunal Pandya, the other bowlers couldn’t find their rhythm. With the dew coming in, the ball was hard to grip, and the batters hit boundaries all over the ground. After 16 overs, the team chasing needed just 43 runs from 24 balls with 8 wickets in hand — a very gettable target. 

But everything changed in the 17th over when Lungi Ngidi took two wickets in two balls. That shifted the game completely. It was a good reminder that in T20 cricket, nothing is over until the last ball. Ngidi ended with three wickets, but Suyash Sharma also bowled a great 18th over, giving away only six runs. And Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over, bowling the last three legal balls really well to seal the win.