Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hard-hitters Robin Uthappa and Shivam Dube created Indian Premier League (IPL) history in the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. The 165-run partnership between Uthappa and Dube from 73 deliveries is the highest third-wicket stand in league’s history.
The previous highest third-wicket stand was between Craig White and Kumar Sangakkara for now-defunct Deccan Chargers against Pune Warriors India. They shared a 157-run stand which helped Chargers post 186/4 in 2012 season. Overall, the highest partnership record for any wicket belongs to Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. The RCB duo shared a 229-run opening partnership against now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016 edition.
Interestingly, both batters registered their IPL career-best scores against a depleted RCB bowling attack in the absence of death overs specialist, Harshal Patel. The third-wicket partnership between them is also the third-highest by an Indian player for any wicket.
Uthappa scored 88 runs from 50 deliveries including four fours and nine sixes. He was given a reprieve in the 17th over when Mohammed Siraj got his wicket but off a no ball. However, he could add only seven runs to his score after the second chance. The veteran got out in the penultimate over to Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
On the other end, Dube missed his maiden IPL century by five runs as he failed to clear the boundary off the final ball of the over. The left-handed batter stayed unbeaten for 95 runs off 46 deliveries. His innings was studded with five fours and eight sixes. Also, his strike rate was 206.52. The big knocks also helped CSK post 216/4, the highest total of the tournament so far.
CSK hit a total of 17 sixes in the innings. This is the highest for the franchise in any match.
