IPL 2023, CSK vs RCB: Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 8 runs

Bengaluru : The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by eight runs in a thrilling encounter in Match 24 of IPL 2023 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. Despite brilliant half-centuries by Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis, RCB fell short of the mammoth target of 227 set by CSK.

CSK got off to a good start with Virat Kohli falling early for RCB, dragging on an under edge onto his body and then the stumps while attempting a big shot off Akash Singh. Maheesh Theekshana dropped a straightforward catch, giving Mahipal Lomror a reprieve, but he was dismissed without scoring, caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad at cover-point off Tushar Deshpande.

However, Maxwell and Du Plessis came together for a sensational counter-attacking partnership of 126 runs for the third wicket, resurrecting RCB's innings. Maxwell was in devastating form, smashing three fours and eight sixes in his 36-ball 76, while Du Plessis hammered a 33-ball 62, displaying his prowess with the bat. They played aggressive cricket, hitting boundaries and sixes at regular intervals, keeping RCB's hopes alive in the chase.

Maxwell took on the CSK bowlers, hitting them to all parts of the ground. He dispatched Akash Singh for two sixes in an over and then smashed Matheesha Pathirana for a boundary and a six off successive deliveries. Du Plessis, on the other hand, capitalized on an early drop chance by MS Dhoni and played some delightful shots, including two fours and a six off Deshpande in one over. He brought up his fifty with a six over long-off.

The Maxwell-Du Plessis partnership completed its century in just 47 balls, showcasing their exceptional batting prowess. However, CSK made a crucial breakthrough when Theekshana got Maxwell to sky a ball and Dhoni took a simple catch. Maxwell's innings came to an end, but he had already done significant damage with his powerful hitting.

Du Plessis was dropped once again by Theekshana, but he soon perished, top-edging Moeen Ali to Dhoni as CSK clawed their way back into the match. RCB lost wickets at regular intervals as they tried to chase down the massive target. Shahbaz Ahmed and Dinesh Karthik made valuable contributions, but CSK kept taking wickets to keep the pressure on RCB.

With 31 runs needed off the last two overs, Suyash Prabhudessai hit Deshpande for a six over deep midwicket, and with 19 runs required off the final six balls, he struck Pathirana for a reverse scoop six on the third delivery. However, Pathirana had the last laugh as Prabhudessai holed out at deep midwicket, and CSK secured victory by eight runs.

Although CSK emerged as the winners, they were fortunate as they dropped multiple catches during RCB's innings. However, Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant fielding at the boundary, saving eight runs, proved to be the difference between the two teams.

In a high-scoring encounter, a total of 444 runs were scored, with 33 sixes hit in both innings combined, showcasing the power-hitting on display. Deshpande was the standout bowler for CSK, picking up three wickets for 45 runs in his four overs.

The victory for CSK was a thrilling one, with their bowlers stepping up at crucial moments to secure the win.