The hat-trick of Romario Shepherd initiated the debate among the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans whether the franchise should retain the West Indies international for the IPL 2026. Romario was an instrumental figure behind RCB's maiden IPL trophy-winning campaign in the 2025 season. 

The Caribbean all-rounder played some brief but important knocks with the bat and did the same with his bowling work. The pace bowling all-rounder has the potential to wreak havoc, but his IPL 2025 may not have suggested that. In the third match against Bangladesh, he took a hat-trick in the first innings of the match and helped the West Indies to clean sweep the home team in the 3-match T20I series. 

Three reasons why RCB should retain Romario Shepherd for the IPL 2026 season:

1. Dual impact with both bat and ball:

Maintaining a balanced squad is a very important instrument to become successful in a highly competitive tournament like the Indian Premier League. The West Indian can bring stability into the squad. This balance allows RCB to experiment more freely with their top order and specialist bowlers. As a batter, he can contribute from the number 7 or number 8 position, and with the ball, Shepherd can deliver 2-3 crucial overs during the middle overs of a match. 

Read More: WATCH: Team India cricketers jam with Diljit Dosanjh amid AUS vs IND T20Is

2. Proven talent as a finisher:

With the immense muscle power and ability to hit the ball out of the park, he is undoubtedly a serious contender. With the hat-trick against Bangladesh, he proved his bowling skills yet again. But more than the bowling skills, Romario Shepherd is known for his batting firepower. 

3. Energy and match-winning mentality:

The mentality and body language RCB players showed during the IPL 2025 were truly threatening for the opposing teams. His performances for the West Indies and in various leagues show he’s not just a role player but a potential match winner on his day. That Caribbean flair can be what RCB needs to protect their hard-earned title. 

Trinbago Knight Riders had a solid run through the league stage, finishing third on the table with six wins and four defeats. They have lifted their level in the playoffs, first cruising past Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by 9 wickets in the Eliminator, then brushing aside Saint Lucia Kings in Qualifier 2 with a commanding 56-run victory. 

On the other hand, Guyana Amazon Warriors have been one of the standout teams in this year’s Caribbean Premier League, finishing second in the group stage with six wins and four defeats. They carried that form into the playoffs, beating Saint Lucia Kings by 14 runs in Qualifier 1 to book their place in the final.

GAW vs TKR Match Details

Date: 22nd September, 2025

Time: 5:30 AM IST

Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

GAW vs TKR Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs PAK Today Match Prediction– Super Four, Match 2, Who will win today?

Top Batters GAW vs TKR

• Shai Hope (GUY) - 479 runs in this tournament 

• Nicholas Pooran (TKR) - 425 runs in this tournament 

• Colin Munro (TKR) - 393 runs this tournament 

Top Bowler GAW vs TKR

• Imran Tahir (GUY) - 20 wickets in this tournament 

• Usman Tariq (TKR) - 19 wickets in this tournament 

• Gudakesh Motie (GUY) - 18 wickets in this tournament 

GAW vs TKR Recent Performance

GAW vs TKR Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If TKR bats first

• First Innings score prediction- TKR is expected to score 205-220 runs

• Result prediction- TKR will win the match by 15-35 Runs 

Scenario 2- If GAW bats first

• First Innings score prediction- GAW is expected to score 165-185 runs.

• Result prediction- TKR will win the match by 4 wickets 

GAW vs TKR Predicted Playing XI

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Playing XI 

Ben McDermott, Quentin Sampson, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shamarh Brooks, Moeen Ali, Hassan Khan, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Playing XI

Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Darren Bravo, Keacy Carty, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Saurabh Netravalkar, Usman Tariq.

GAW vs TKR Complete Squad

Guyana Amazon Warriors - 

Imran Tahir (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Glenn Phillips, Gudakesh Motie, Moeen Ali, Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Shamarh Brooks, Kemol Savoury, Hassan Khan, Jediah Blades, Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson, Riyad Latif.

Trinbago Knight Riders -

Kieron Pollard (Captain), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Colin Munro, Usman Tariq, Ali Khan, Darren Bravo, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Terrance Hinds, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Da Silva, Nathan Edward.

GAW vs TKR Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Trinbago Knight Riders to win

We predict that Trinbago Knight Riders will win this CPL 2025 match. Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell will be key players to watch out for.

An exhibition of shot-making is worth looking back on again. Romario Shepherd was in full flow during the Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St. Lucia Kings (GAW vs. SLK) match of the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2025). The well-built all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 73 runs against 34 deliveries, powered by 5 boundaries and 7 over boundaries, which took his strike rate to well over 200.

On Tuesday (September 2, 2025), a short video of that innings is shared from the official social media account of CPL T20. The 13th game of the tournament was a high-scoring contest between Guyana and St. Lucia; both teams scored two hundred-plus runs, with SLK as the winner of the night. Shepherd powered GAW to register 202 runs in their 20-over limit, batting first.

Before the arrival of the all-rounder, Guyana was struggling, losing top 5 batters for only 78 runs. From 78/5 to 202 for 6, that became possible mostly because of Romario Shepherd's heroics. Unfortunately, his efforts went in vain as the opponent easily chased down the tough target in just 18.1 overs. The unbeaten 73-run innings was Shepherd's best individual batting work of his entire CPL career. 

Shepherd sending rockets into the stands! 🚀

One miss and you are punished! 😤#CPL25 #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #SLKvGAW pic.twitter.com/4kxIzO0EKh

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 2, 2025

Read More: Virat Kohli’s biopic predicted to earn big, unexpected actor tipped for lead role

Performance for RCB in IPL 2025

The Guyana-born proved effective for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as well during their IPL 2025 triumph, with Romario Shepherd and RCB able to claim their maiden IPL trophy. With the Bengaluru-based franchise, the 30-year-old scored 70 runs in 3 innings, including an unbeaten 53-run knock. 

His bowling, though, needs some improvement to maintain a reputation as a pace bowling all-rounder. In 4 CPL 2025 matches, he has so far gotten only 3 wickets for GAW. And for RCB, he took 6 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 10.78, which was pretty expensive. 

West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against Pakistan. The three-match series will be played in Trinidad. The team will be led by Shai Hope and includes several young players who have performed well for the West Indies recently. All-rounder Romario Shepherd makes a return to the ODI squad for the first time since the series against Bangladesh last year.

Young Talents Retained as West Indies Announce Squad for Pakistan ODIs

Eighteen-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year, has kept his place in the team. He also played in the recent ODI series in England. Left-arm fast bowler Jediah Blades, who got his first cap against Bangladesh in 2024, has been called back. Amir Jangoo, who scored a century on his ODI debut against Bangladesh last year, is also included after playing against Ireland in May.

Also Read -‘Mahi bhai bas haath uthaye’- Former Indian player reflects on rare moment MS Dhoni lost his temper in IPL 2019 match against Rajasthan Royals

Coach Sammy Focused on World Cup Qualification

The West Indies are going into the series after losing the T20I series 2-1 at home. Head coach Daren Sammy said this ODI series is important for the team’s chances to qualify for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“Pakistan will be a different challenge as we push for automatic qualification,” Sammy said. “Our main goal is to qualify, but we also want to build a winning mindset and team unity for long-term success.”

He added, “Playing against stronger teams like Pakistan gives us a chance to earn important ranking points that will help us in the road to the World Cup.”

West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. Pakistan are ranked 4th, behind India, New Zealand, and Australia.

West Indies Squad for Pakistan ODI Series:

Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.

San Francisco Unicorns Stay Unbeaten with Dominant Win Over Seattle Orcas

In Match 16 of the Major League Cricket season 2025 , the Seattle Orcas played against San Francisco Unicorn. The Seattle Orcas won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to break the San Francisco Unicorns’ winning streak in this match. But it was the San Francisco Unicorns who once again stole the show and won the easy game, securing their sixth win and holding on to the top spot .

Batting first, the San Francisco Unicorns put up a solid total of 176 for 8 in their 20 overs. Romario Shepherd was in power-hitting mode, smashing 56 off just 31 balls. Skipper Matthew Short continued his fine form with a quickfire 52 off 29 deliveries, while Jake Fraser-McGurk added momentum with a handy 34 off 21.

Seattle’s bowlers did have their moments Harmeet Singh stood out with figures of 3 for 22, and Gerald Coetzee also impressed with 3 for 34. Cameron Gannon added one wicket to his name with a spell of 1 for 32.

Chasing 177, Seattle began well but couldn’t hold on under pressure. Shayan Jahangir top-scored with a quick 40 off 22 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with 30 from 16 and David Warner made 23. However, no one stayed long enough to guide the chase.

San Francisco’s bowlers turned up the heat Haris Rauf led the way with 4 for 32, and captain Matthew Short surprised everyone with 3 for 12 in just 2 overs. Romario Shepherd capped off a brilliant all-round performance by picking 2 for 16 in his 3-over spell.

Seattle were bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, giving San Francisco a comprehensive 32-run victory and keeping their perfect season alive.

ALSO READ: "Shardul can start the bowling with Siraj" - former India captain's huge claim after ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Twitter reactions after SFU wins 16th match of  MLC 2025

🏏 The orcas do well to restrict SFU to 176-8. Run chase up next!

📺 Watch live and exclusive on https://t.co/ktQmbfqs7H#MLC | #SEOvSFU pic.twitter.com/HsEuR11poi

— Willow TV US (@willowtv) June 26, 2025

Great comeback this is from SFU.. Much appreciated lads !! 😍#MLC25#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/FOnhvC2D41

— NEXSUN (@nexsunn) June 26, 2025

SanFrancisco form this season - W W W W W W !!

SFU are sure shot trophy contenders this season 🏆 !!#MLC2025 #MLC #SFU pic.twitter.com/FxRql1gc4Y

— TheXReplier (@ReplySensei) June 26, 2025

San Francisco Unicorns in #MLC2025 Playoffs. 6 Wins in a Row for @SFOUnicorns in #MLC2025. SFU won by 32 Runs. What a Performance Matt Short 52(29) & 3/12 and Romario Shepherd 56(31) & 2/16. Excellent spell H Rauf 4/32.@SFOUnicorns #SOvSFU @mattshort95 @DavidDejonge2

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) June 26, 2025

MLC 2025 SOR vs SFU Highlights | San Francisco Unicorns Won by 32 Runs

Read: https://t.co/fSA5YxhquP#MLC2025 #CricketNews

— Times of Sports (@timesofsports) June 26, 2025

Another win for SFU & they have qualified for the playoffs . Unbeaten till now , TSK has to compete with WF for the top 2 . #MLC25

— ★ 𝘖𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 ★ (@aravindmsd_07) June 26, 2025

In Match 16 of the 2025 Major League Cricket season, Seattle Orcas played hosts to undefeated San Francisco Unicorns at Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas. Seattle won the toss and decided to bowl first, but the Unicorns went from strength to strength with both bat and ball to record their sixth win on the trot and stay comfortably at the top of the table.

San Francisco Unicorns Innings

Batting first, the Unicorns scored a total of 176/8 in 20 overs. Romario Shepherd took charge with a muscular 56 from 31 deliveries, while captain Matthew Short kept his good touch going with a brisk 52 off 29 balls. Jake Fraser-McGurk added a brisk 34 off 21 balls to give the innings momentum. Seattle’s bowlers found some success, with Harmeet Singh (3/22) and Gerald Coetzee (3/34) being the standout performers. Cameron Gannon also chipped in with 1/32.

Seattle Orcas Innings

In reply, Seattle started positively but soon crumbled under pressure. Shayan Jahangir top-scored with 40 off 22 balls, and Shimron Hetmyer contributed a handy 30 from 16. David Warner added 23, but no batter managed to anchor the innings. San Francisco’s bowling attack was ruthless—Haris Rauf once again delivered with 4/32 in 4 overs, while Matthew Short grabbed a surprising 3/12 in 2 overs. Romario Shepherd completed a superb all-round game with 2/16 in his 3-over spell as Seattle were bundled out for 144 in 18.2 overs.

See Also: MLC 2025: Points Table, leading run scorers and wicket takers after SEA vs SF Match 16

Seattle Orcas vs San Francisco Unicorns: Match Scorecard

San Francisco Unicorns – 176/8 (20 Overs)

Seattle Orcas – 144/10 (18.2 Overs)

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have released their 15-player side for the 2025 ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL), as they prepare to defend their home turf at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. With an intimidating combination of experienced internationals and emerging Caribbean talents, the Warriors are ready to give a performance to remember in front of their home crowd.

Having recorded a strong third-place finish in the first 2024 edition, the Warriors have maintained a sound core with strategic reinforcements. Seasoned players such as leg-spin sorcerer Imran Tahir, English all-rounder Moeen Ali, pace king Romario Shepherd, and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie are back to lead the side's activities across departments.

The GSL 2025 will kick off on 10 July, with the Warriors launching their campaign in a high-octane battle against Rangpur Riders, who won the last edition, in the night match, after the tournament starter between first-timers Central Stags (New Zealand) and Hobart Hurricanes XI (Australia). Having six strong teams like the ILT20's Dubai Capitals, the GSL this year will present world-class T20 cricket.

New Faces and Key Absentees

The Warriors have added depth to their team with some game-changing signings. The explosive openers Johnson Charles and Evin Lewis are new additions along with emerging wicketkeeper-batters Amir Jangoo and Jewel Andrew. Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz also returns, having made an impact in earlier CPL campaigns with his pugilistic shot selection.

See Also: GSL 2025: Rangpur Riders announce their squad for upcoming season

In the bowling ranks, Irish seamer Mark Adair and spin all-rounder Akeal Hossein bring depth and diversity, while Saud Shakeel of Pakistan brings balance to the middle order. But the team would miss Shai Hope, Kevlon Anderson, and Roston Chase—missing out on West Indies Test action—as well as all-rounder Keemo Paul, who is recovering from injury.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors 2025 GSL squad includes:
Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, and Amir Jangoo.

Warrior Nation is primed for battle at home! 🇬🇾

The Guyana Amazon Warriors confirm their squad for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League 🌎

READ MORE: https://t.co/bRxdaFMyhc#GSLT20 #GlobalSuperLeague #GuyanaAmazonWarriors pic.twitter.com/MCQrEqDkQg

— Global Super League (@gslt20) June 13, 2025

Dwayne Bravo, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2025 mentor, posted a thrilling video on May 14, 2025, showing the arrival of West Indian players in India for the current tournament. The video, uploaded on Bravo's social media, shows Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Romario Shepherd, who arrived in India to play for their respective IPL teams. The IPL, which was suspended for a week following geopolitical tension before resuming on May 17, had the Caribbean stars joining it, adding another level of excitement to the league as it enters its decisive phase.

The camaraderie between the West Indian trio is brought out in the video, with Narine (KKR), Russell (KKR), and Shepherd (RCB) traveling together, reflecting their excitement about the IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, especially, welcomed Shepherd's arrival, as his addition bolsters their team, which is currently 2nd with 16 points from 11 games. Shepherd's participation, however, could be curtailed by England's ODI series against the West Indies, which conflicts with the latter part of the IPL, including the playoffs.

A Boost to IPL Teams

Shepherd's addition is a huge fillip for RCB, who signed him for INR 1.5 crore prior to the 2025 season. His all-round ability, with a T20I batting strike rate of close to 140 and a bowling average of less than 28, brings depth to RCB's lineup as they chase their maiden IPL title. Narine and Russell's inclusion strengthens KKR, even though they are 6th-placed with 11 points from 12 games.

Watch the video here

🚨🎥Mentor DJ Bravo, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are back in India for remaining part of IPL 2025. 💜 pic.twitter.com/e2VyPXzpS3

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) May 14, 2025

Also Read: BCCI drops bomb shell update on replacement players of remainder of IPL 2025

The West Indian players' arrival has generated hope among fans, with the IPL to gain from their panache. But their availability is a cause of concern because of international obligations, putting franchises' depth to the test as the tournament moves closer to the June 3 final.

Romario Shepherd's blistering innings forced cricket lovers to reopen the IPL record book to check the fastest 50 the tournament has ever witnessed. The Caribbean batter created mayhem in M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match 52 of IPL 2025. Here, in the article, we'll show you the top 10 half-centuries scored at a rapid pace. 

10. 16-ball half-century for Suresh Raina 

May 30, 2014, when Chennai Super Kings collided with Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings. In this match, Raina produced one of the best IPL innings he had ever played. He completed his half-century in 26 balls, missing a ton by a 13-run margin. The match was high-scoring; Virendra Sehwag, the man of the match, recorded a 122-run innings for Punjab. CSK scored 202 in a reply to 226. 

15-ball half-century 

There are 4 cricketers who scored 50 by playing only 15 balls. Yusuf Pathan, Sunil Narine, and Nicholas Pooran once, and Jake Fraser-McGurk twice achieved this feat. 

9. Jack Fraser-McGurk's 50 in 15 balls

The Australian explosive batter started his IPL career with a bang. In IPL 2024, he completed two half-centuries, facing 15 balls. The Delhi Capitals batter took his team to a fairytale start when he scored a lightning-fast 50 against the Mumbai Indians on April 27. DC, batting first, registered a mammoth total of 257, 84 for Jake. Mumbai, in this thrilling match, scored 247. 

Read More: [IPL 2025] DRS Controversy: Dewald Brevis Out Without Timer, Rohit Sharma Took Late Review – Double Standards?

8. Again a 15-ball 50 for Jake Fraser-McGurk 

In the same season, Fraser-McGurk again hammered a 15-ball half-century, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH, with their top game, scored 266. DC, with Jake, pushed hard to get the total but could not succeed. The Aussie batter scored his remarkable 50 under high pressure. 

7. Nicholas Pooran with 15 balls half century 

Lucknow Super Giants emerged victorious while chasing Royal Challengers Bengaluru's 212. Nicholas Pooran was the star performer of the match, scoring 62 off 19 balls and taking 15 deliveries to reach 50. 

6. Sunil Narine scored 50 in 15 balls

The mystery spinnerned all-rounder has a fast 50 under his belt while playing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2017. The Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer scored a total of 54 in 17 balls as an opener in this match. KKR won the match with ease by 6 wickets. RCB scored only 158 in the 20 overs limit. 

5. 15-ball 50 for Yusuf Pathan

It was a Yusuf Pathan show at the Eden Gardens against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014. Another entry in the list who took only 15 balls to deliver a 50. Pathan scored 72 in 22 balls and secured a victory for KKR. 161 was the target for KKR, set by the visiting team. 

14-ball 50

Three cricketers are in the list, including Romario Shepherd. KL Rahul and Pat Cummins are the other two cricketers in the category. 

4. Romario Shepherd completed 50 in 14 balls

The latest addition to the list, whose unbeaten 53 with 14 balls secured 213 in 20 overs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB won thek-and-neck match against Chennai Super Kings by only 2 runs. 

3. Pat Cummins produced a 14-ball 50

Back in 2022, Pat Cummins was a Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer who scored one of the fastest half centuries in IPL history. Cummins's unbeaten 56 off 15 balls helped KKR to safely reach the target of 162 set by the Mumbai Indians. 

2. KL Rahul also scored 50 runs in 14 balls

A Lokesh Rahul masterclass for Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings in IPL 2018, confirmed a swift victory for Punjab against Delhi Capitals. Kings easily achieved the target of 167, with Rahul coming as an opener and scoring 51 runs against 16 balls. 

Quickest IPL 50 of all time 

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal took only 13 balls for his half century 

The number 1 candidate in the list. The young Indian batter took only 13 balls to complete his half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023. Rajasthan Royals won the match by 9 wickets and 41 balls to spare. KKR set a target of 150 for Royals. 

In IPL 2025 Match 52, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 2 runs, easily defending 213/5 in what turned out to be an entertaining match, with CSK scoring 211/5. CSK was unable to cross RCB's target. RCB held off CSK thanks to their explosive batting and smart bowling. Below are the main reasons CSK came up short in the match.

CSK's chase started well with Ayush Mhatre (94 runs off 48) and Ravindra Jadeja (77 runs off 45) showing strong intent; however, the run rate got behind the 214-run target. RCB seems to have good bowling plans with their bowlers applying pressure and needing to step up for their team when it was most needed, particularly Krunal Pandya (1/24) and Yash Dayal (1/41), which help CSK slow down their scoring rate, with Pandya having dispatched a key batter in the 17th over. MS Dhoni did his best to finish the potentially winning runs, hitting a late 12 runs off 8 balls, but he could only manage abysmal shots, leaving too much to the tail. CSK's death bowling also failed, giving up more than 70 runs in the last five overs of the innings, with Romario Shepherd's two-ball blitz of an unbeaten 53 runs off 14 balls hurting CSK with extra runs! CSK bowler Pathirana had 3/36, but CSK missed yorkers and using their variations in particular in the last, which allowed RCB to set the formidable target amount that CSK ultimately came so close to, however, just missed out on in their finishing stage.

Romario Shepherd’s Game-Changing Death Overs

RCB posted a tough score to chase of 213/5 largely due to Romario Shepherd’s 53* off 14 balls, a remarkable clearing of the boundary late on. Shepherd’s innings, in conjunction with rapid scoring from other batsmen, saw RCB score over 70 runs in the final 5 overs, which was remarked as the difference in turning a good score into a better score during the death overs. CSK’s bowlers did not have answers in the death overs, and Shepherd took full advantage of CSK's bowlers' inability to execute as planned while under pressure. 

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Full Match Highlights

Bowling Ineffectively In The Death Overs

To quote CSK Captain MS Dhoni, "The final overs were expensive." CSK's bowling plans fell apart quite easily, and execution of yorkers and such went missing on the day, leaving only Matheesha Pathirana (3/36) a positive. Sam Curran (1/34) and Noor Ahmad (1/26) were expensive when CSK were looking for an excellent close to the innings. This was more so when RCB was able to finish with exactly what CSK did not want, while CSK was looking to keep RCB from setting a supernova target for the 2nd inning. 

Lack of Finishing Touch in the Chase

In chasing 214, CSK managed to fall short with their 211/5 final after an extraordinary innings of 94 by Ayush Mhatre off 48 and 77 by Ravindra Jadeja off 45. Notably, MS Dhoni entered the crease quite late and could not convert on some key shots, which he acknowledged was crucial. The absence of a finishing touch to round out a chase, however good it was, did not carry forth, with RCB’s Krunal Pandya (1/24) and Yash Dayal (1/41) holding their nerve in the tense final overs.