IPL 2025: Patidar's half-century propels RCB to 196/7 against CSK

Synopsis

In Match 8 of IPL 2025, RCB's captain Rajat Patidar scored his maiden half-century leading his team to 196/7 against CSK at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Tim David's explosive final over and contributions from key players secured RCB's competitive total in a thrilling contest.

Key Takeaways

Rajat Patidar scored his first half-century as captain.
RCB achieved a total of 196/7 in 20 overs.
Tim David hit a trio of sixes in the final over.
Key contributions came from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli.
Noor Ahmad excelled with bowling figures of 3-36.

Chennai, March 28 (NationPress) Captain Rajat Patidar notched his first half-century while leading as Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a total of 196/7 in 20 overs during a thrilling Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.

Patidar took full advantage of a couple of missed opportunities by the CSK fielders, showcasing some outstanding shots to achieve his half-century off just 30 balls. He was dismissed shortly after, and just when it seemed RCB might not breach the 200-run marker, Tim David struck a remarkable hat-trick of sixes in the final over, bringing them close to a competitive score.

Most of the RCB batsmen made contributions, with Phil Salt scoring 32 off 16 balls, Virat Kohli managing 31 off 31, Devdutt Padikkal hitting 27 off 14, and Tim David finishing not out at 22 off eight balls in an impressive cameo, as RCB and CSK exchanged control throughout the match.

For CSK, Noor Ahmad was exceptional once again, recording figures of 3-36, adding to his earlier performance of 4-18 against Mumbai Indians in the opening match. Matheesha Pathirana also showcased his skills by taking two wickets in a single over during the crucial death overs.

Opting to bat first, RCB got off to a swift start, largely due to Phil Salt, who unleashed a barrage of boundaries, striking Khaleel Ahmed for consecutive hits to the fence in the first over. He further entertained the crowd by pulling Ravichandran Ashwin over fine leg, followed by a cut through extra cover and another pull shot for successive fours.

His explosive innings concluded when MS Dhoni executed a stunning stumping off Noor Ahmad, ending his 16-ball innings at 32, which included five boundaries and a six. Dhoni's swift reflexes behind the stumps astonished the audience.

The match took an intriguing turn as both teams traded moments of brilliance, maintaining a precarious balance throughout.

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal contributed 30 runs for the second wicket before Padikkal, who had hit several big shots, fell to Ashwin. Patidar and Kohli, after a cautious beginning, hit Pathirana for a six and a four off consecutive deliveries before Kohli was dismissed by Noor Ahmad for 31.

Patidar benefitted from drops in the deep off Ravindra Jadeja and Noor, making the most of his opportunities with some spectacular shots that propelled the team to a commendable position. He smashed a six and a four off Jadeja and treated Pathirana for another six and Khaleel Ahmed for a four before being caught by Sam Curran off Pathirana.

RCB lost Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya while chasing quick runs before Tim David injected momentum with his last-over fireworks, hitting Sam Curran for a trio of sixes.

Summary of scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 196/7 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 51, Phil Salt 32, Tim David 22 not out; Noor Ahmad 3-36, Matheesha Pathirana 2-36) against Chennai Super Kings.