The high-voltage IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium continued to tilt heavily in favour of the hosts as another crucial wicket fell in the chase. Shivam Dube became the latest batter to depart, thanks to a sharp piece of glovework from Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps.
Dube’s dismissal marked CSK’s sixth wicket, leaving them struggling at 108/6 in just 9.5 overs while chasing a daunting target of 251. In their desperate attempt to keep up with the required run rate, CSK’s batting unit continued to crumble under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals.
The breakthrough came from young pacer Abhinandan Singh, who impressed with his hard lengths. Bowling just outside off, he generated extra bounce and skid, forcing Dube onto the back foot. The left-hander attempted an ambitious stroke but was late on the shot, resulting in a faint edge. Jitesh reacted brilliantly, moving swiftly to his right to complete a clean catch — a moment that summed up RCB’s dominance in the field.
WATCH – Tim David’s Ruthless Batting Powers RCB to 250 As Aussie Star Smashes Blazing Fifty
Earlier in the match, RCB had put on a batting exhibition, posting a mammoth 250/3 in their 20 overs. Apart from Virat Kohli, who managed 28, the rest of the batting unit fired collectively. Phil Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 29) set the platform before the middle order took over.
Jitesh Sharma takes a amazing catch pic.twitter.com/1Fzwh7Fvzv
— Nickk Knight (@KnightNick34590) April 5, 2026
The real carnage, however, unfolded in the death overs. Rajat Patidar (48* off 19) and Tim David (75* off 25) stitched together a stunning partnership, dismantling the CSK bowling attack with brute force. David’s power-hitting stood out, as he smashed eight sixes in a breathtaking display of finishing.
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CSK’s bowling unit had a forgettable outing, with Dube conceding 30 runs in two overs, while Jamie Overton leaked 42 in his spell. The rest of the attack struggled to contain the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface.
The chase never really took off for CSK, who had already lost Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ayush Mhatre early in the innings. With the required rate soaring and wickets tumbling, the task now looks nearly impossible for the visitors.
