The first innings of the RCB vs CSK match was nothing short of a firestorm! RCB posted a massive 213/5 in 20 overs, and it was Romario Shepherd’s unbelievable fire innings that left CSK clueless
Virat Kohli Sets the Stage with Explosive 62
opening the innings, Virat Kohli was in classic King mode, smashing 62 runs off 33 balls with 5 fours and 5 sixes. He gave RCB the perfect start and kept the pressure on CSK bowlers from the very first over.
Jacob Bethell’s 55 Keeps Momentum High
alongside Kohli, Jacob Bethell played a brilliant knock of 55 off 33 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive intent helped RCB reach the 100-run mark quickly.
Romario Shepherd 53 off 14
Then came the Shepherd Storm! In the 19th over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed, Shepherd smashed 33 runs, turning the game upside down. His final score? 53 off just 14 balls — with 4 fours and 6 sixes — at a strike rate of 378.57
Khaleel Ahmed’s Nightmare Over: 3-0-65-0
Poor Khaleel Ahmed had a forgettable outing, conceding 65 runs in just 3 overs at an economy of 21.67 — major chunk thanks to Shepherd’s 19th over rampage.
Other Key Performances and Fall of WicketsDevdutt Padikkal: 17 (15)Rajat Patidar: 11 (15)Jitesh Sharma (wk): 7 (8)Tim David: 2* (3)Bowling-wise, CSK’s most successful bowler was Matheesha Pathirana with 3/36, while Noor Ahmad and Sam Curran picked one each.
Other Key Performances and Fall of Wickets
- Devdutt Padikkal: 17 (15)
- Rajat Patidar: 11 (15)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk): 7 (8)
- Tim David: 2* (3)
Bowling-wise, CSK’s most successful bowler was Matheesha Pathirana with 3/36, while Noor Ahmad and Sam Curran picked one each.
RCB’s Batting Scorecard Summary
| Batter | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 62 | 33 | 187.88 |
| J Bethell | 55 | 33 | 166.67 |
| R Shepherd | 53* | 14 | 378.57 |
| Others | — | — | — |
| Total Score | 213/5 | 20 ov |
Final Thoughts on First Innings
RCB’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely, with Virat Kohli, Bethell, and Romario Shepherd powering the team to 213/5. CSK bowlers, especially Khaleel, had no answers during the death overs.
Now all eyes are on CSK’s chase — can they match this madness or crumble under pressure