Romario Shepherd Scores Fifty in 14 Balls as RCB Posts Mammoth Total

As part of the IPL 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bangalore batters unleashed a torrent of runs in their match against Chennai Super Kings. The contest, held on Saturday night at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, saw RCB, after losing the toss and opting to bat first, post a commanding total of 213 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Openers Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell laid a solid foundation with their respective half-centuries. Virat Kohli played an aggressive innings, scoring 62 runs off just 33 deliveries, which included five boundaries and five sixes. Jacob Bethell supported him with a fluent 55 off 33 balls, comprising eight fours and two sixes. The duo added a 97-run partnership for the first wicket in 9.5 overs. By the end of the powerplay, RCB had reached 71 without losing a wicket.

Chennai Super Kings, however, struck back through their bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who disrupted RCB's momentum by claiming crucial wickets at regular intervals. Pathirana first dismissed the threatening Bethell, then removed Devdutt Padikkal (17 off 15) and captain Rajat Patidar (11 off 15). Jitesh Sharma (7) also fell cheaply to Noor Ahmad, while Sam Curran dismissed Virat Kohli.

At one stage, RCB appeared to be stalling at 157 for 5 in 17.4 overs. However, Romario Shepherd turned the tide with a sensational late flourish. In a blitzkrieg of power hitting, Shepherd smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 14 balls, hammering four fours and six sixes at a staggering strike rate of 378.57. His blistering assault included a remarkable 33-run 19th over, lifting RCB past the 200-mark to end at 213.

Romario Shepherd's 14-ball fifty marked the second-fastest half-century in IPL history. The fastest remains Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 13-ball fifty recorded during the 2023 season. Shepherd now joins KL Rahul and Pat Cummins, who also scored fifties in 14 balls.

Among Chennai's bowlers, Matheesha Pathirana stood out with figures of 3 for 36 in four overs. Noor Ahmad delivered economically, conceding just 26 runs in four overs and taking one wicket. Sam Curran picked up one wicket for 34 runs in his three overs. In contrast, Khaleel Ahmad proved expensive, giving away 65 runs in three overs. Ravindra Jadeja and Anshul Kamboj went wicketless.

During the innings, Virat Kohli’s reaction to Matheesha Pathirana’s unusual celebration—mimicking a meditative pose after taking a wicket—captured public attention.