Key Highlights:
RCB vs CSK Strategic Timeout: Bengaluru 128/2 After 13 Overs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have made the most of their batting conditions at Chinnaswamy, racing to 128/2 at the second strategic timeout in their Match 52 clash against Chennai Super Kings. The innings has been headlined by fifties from Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell, setting a commanding tone before both were dismissed during the middle phase.
Powerplay Launchpad
RCB got off to a dream start with 71 runs in the Powerplay—their best of the season:
- 50 runs in 4.3 overs
- Kohli and Bethell partnership: 50 off 27 balls
- No wickets lost, no extras conceded
Bethell reached his maiden IPL fifty in 28 balls (8×4, 2×6), while Kohli followed with his 55th IPL half-century—setting a new league record—with 3 boundaries and 5 sixes off 29 deliveries.
Impact Player Watch
RCB Subs: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh
CSK Subs: Shivam Dube, R Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh
While none have been activated yet, tactical moves could come into play during the final overs or second innings based on the match equation.
Middle Overs Shift
CSK finally broke through after the 10-over mark:
- Bethell out for 55 (caught Brevis, bowled Pathirana)
- Kohli out for 62 (caught Khaleel, bowled Curran)
Despite the double strike, RCB maintained their tempo and crossed 100 in 10.1 overs.
At the time of timeout:
- Score: 128/2 in 13 overs
- Batters at crease: Devdutt Padikkal (4*) and Rajat Patidar (6*)
- Run Rate: 9.84
What Happens Next
With seven overs left, RCB are well-placed for a total in the 190–200 range, especially if Tim David and Romario Shepherd are held back for the final 4–5 overs. For CSK, another breakthrough could limit the damage.
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