New Delhi: Romario Shepherd delivered a thunderous statement at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, smashing the fastest fifty in Royal Challengers Bengaluru history and the joint-second fastest overall in the IPL. His unbeaten 53 off just 14 balls lifted RCB to a commanding total of 213/5 against Chennai Super Kings — a knock that may go down as one of the most explosive finishes of the season.
Put in to bat first, RCB were given a flying start by youngster Jacob Bethell (55) and a composed 66 from Virat Kohli. However, at 157/5 in the 18th over, their innings appeared to be losing steam. That changed dramatically when Romario Shepherd walked out to bat.
The West Indian all-rounder unleashed a brutal assault on the CSK bowlers, especially in the 19th over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed, which went for 33 runs. The over featured four sixes, a no-ball, and some brilliant hitting that left the visitors shell-shocked and the crowd roaring.
Romario Shepherd vs Khaleel Ahmed 19th Over Ball-By-Ball🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/ae5OLam5yS— A (@cmmoncheeks) May 3, 2025
Joint-second fastest IPL fifty
Shepherd brought up his 50 in just 14 balls with a towering six off the final delivery of the innings, bowled by Matheesha Pathirana. His knock featured six sixes and four boundaries in total.
With this effort, Shepherd not only registered his personal best in the IPL but also became the fastest half-centurion in RCB history. His 14-ball fifty equals KL Rahul’s effort from 2018 and is only one ball shy of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s all-time record of 13 balls, achieved in 2023.
A knock for the ages
Coming in when RCB needed a boost, Shepherd smashed 37 runs in just 11 balls in the final two overs and turned the tide completely in their favour. CSK’s death bowlers had no answer to his ferocity as he dismantled their plans with pure brute force.
With Shepherd’s fireworks, RCB finished with 213/5. A total that puts them in a commanding position heading into the second innings.
If this innings is anything to go by, Romario Shepherd has not just won hearts but has also etched his name into IPL folklore with one of the most impactful cameos the tournament has seen.
Romario Shepherd smashes fastest half century for RCB in IPL history, scoring unbeaten 53 off 14 balls to power RCB to 213/5 vs CSK. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
