Romario Shepherd produced one of the most memorable performances in IPL history on May 3, 2025, during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) clash with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Shepherd’s astonishing knock of 53 off just 14 balls* lifted RCB to a daunting 213/5 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Walking in at 157/5 in the 18th over, Shepherd's late assault changed the course of the match. He took charge of the CSK bowlers, with Khaleel Ahmed being the primary victim, conceding 33 runs in the 19th over, marking the most expensive over of IPL 2025 and the joint third most costly in IPL history.
Shepherd’s blistering innings featured four sixes and three boundaries, and he reached his maiden IPL half-century in just 14 balls, making him only the third player in IPL history to achieve this feat. He now shares the second-fastest fifty record with KL Rahul and Pat Cummins, trailing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who holds the record with 13 balls.
Fastest Fifties in IPL History (by balls faced):
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13 balls – Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) vs KKR, 2023
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14 balls – KL Rahul (PBKS) vs DC, 2018
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14 balls – Pat Cummins (KKR) vs MI, 2022
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14 balls – Romario Shepherd (RCB) vs CSK, 2025
RCB’s innings were initially set up by Jacob Bethell, who scored a quick 55, and Virat Kohli, who contributed 66. However, CSK fought back in the middle overs, with Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana tightening the screws on a surface that began to slow and grip. Just when CSK seemed to be gaining momentum, Shepherd’s fiery finish swung the game back in RCB’s favor, ensuring a formidable total for the hosts.
CSK now faces a tough chase, with their bowlers having to contend with one of the most explosive innings in IPL history.
