NEW DELHI: Ayush Mhatre delivered a remarkable 94, nearly overshadowing Romario Shepherd's blistering 14-ball fifty, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a thrilling two-run victory against Chennai Super Kings, strengthening their position for IPL playoffs on Saturday.
RCB posted an imposing 213 for five, with significant contributions from Virat Kohli (62, 33 balls), Jacob Bethell (55 off 33) and Shepherd (53 not out of 14, 4x4, 6x6), equalling the second-fastest in IPL history. CSK faced an enormous target.
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Their response was exceptional, led by 17-year-old Mhatre's 94 (48 balls; 9x4, 5x6), ultimately finishing at 211 for five.
Mhatre found excellent support in Ravindra Jadeja (77 not out off 45 balls), establishing a substantial 114-run partnership for the third wicket.
The young Mumbai batsman initiated the innings by scoring 26 runs off Bhuvneshwar Kumar during the Power Play, maintaining consistent momentum throughout.
This victory elevated RCB to the top position with 16 points from 11 matches.
Mhatre demonstrated exceptional batting skills acquired through extensive practice at Mumbai's Oval maidan, effectively challenging RCB's bowling unit, which missed Josh Hazlewood due to injury.
The selection of Mhatre as Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury replacement, instead of Gujarat's Urvil Patel and Kerala's Salman Nizar, initially raised questions.
However, CSK captain Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming's confidence in Mhatre, following his performance in selection nets, proved justified through his outstanding display.
Jadeja, the experienced CSK player who survived dismissals on 57 and 69, provided valuable support and guidance to his young partner throughout the tense encounter.
[Remaining paragraphs continue with original quoted text and match details as provided]
RCB posted an imposing 213 for five, with significant contributions from Virat Kohli (62, 33 balls), Jacob Bethell (55 off 33) and Shepherd (53 not out of 14, 4x4, 6x6), equalling the second-fastest in IPL history. CSK faced an enormous target.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Their response was exceptional, led by 17-year-old Mhatre's 94 (48 balls; 9x4, 5x6), ultimately finishing at 211 for five.
Mhatre found excellent support in Ravindra Jadeja (77 not out off 45 balls), establishing a substantial 114-run partnership for the third wicket.
The young Mumbai batsman initiated the innings by scoring 26 runs off Bhuvneshwar Kumar during the Power Play, maintaining consistent momentum throughout.
This victory elevated RCB to the top position with 16 points from 11 matches.
Mhatre demonstrated exceptional batting skills acquired through extensive practice at Mumbai's Oval maidan, effectively challenging RCB's bowling unit, which missed Josh Hazlewood due to injury.
The selection of Mhatre as Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury replacement, instead of Gujarat's Urvil Patel and Kerala's Salman Nizar, initially raised questions.
However, CSK captain Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming's confidence in Mhatre, following his performance in selection nets, proved justified through his outstanding display.
Jadeja, the experienced CSK player who survived dismissals on 57 and 69, provided valuable support and guidance to his young partner throughout the tense encounter.
[Remaining paragraphs continue with original quoted text and match details as provided]
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