In a rain-affected encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18, 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a match that saw former players play pivotal roles. Despite a valiant effort from RCB’s Josh Hazlewood, PBKS chased down a revised target with 11 balls to spare, continuing RCB’s struggles at home.
RCB’s Innings: A Tale of Early Collapse
The match commenced under overcast conditions, leading to an early interruption due to rain. Upon resumption, RCB’s top order faltered against PBKS’s disciplined bowling attack. Harpreet Brar and Kagiso Rabada exploited the conditions effectively, reducing RCB to 28/4 within the first six overs.
The middle order couldn’t stabilize the innings, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Tim David’s resilience stood out as he anchored the innings, ensuring RCB reached a total that, while modest, was defendable.
PBKS’s Chase: Wadhera’s Composure Guides the Team
In reply, PBKS faced early pressure with the loss of Jonny Bairstow. However, Nehal Wadhera’s steady 33* anchored the chase. Supported by contributions from the top order, PBKS managed to chase down the target with 11 balls to spare, securing a crucial victory.
🏏 Match Summary
The match was reduced to 14 overs per side due to rain. RCB, opting to bat first, posted a modest total of 95/9. Tim David’s unbeaten 50 was the highlight of their innings. In response, PBKS reached 98/5 in 12.1 overs, with Nehal Wadhera remaining not out on 33, guiding his team to victory.
🌧️ Rain and Revised Targets
Persistent rain led to a delay, shortening the match to 14 overs per side. RCB’s innings was further curtailed to 12 overs due to the weather conditions. The revised target for PBKS was adjusted accordingly, and they achieved it with relative ease, underscoring RCB’s ongoing challenges at their home ground.
🔥 Hazlewood’s Heroics
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood delivered a commendable performance with the ball, taking crucial wickets and maintaining pressure throughout his spell. His efforts were instrumental in restricting PBKS’s scoring opportunities. However, despite his heroics, RCB’s batting frailties and the revised target proved too much to overcome.
🏆 Player of the Match: Yuzvendra Chahal
Former RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance. Chahal claimed 2 wickets for just 11 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Rajat Patidar, which halted RCB’s progress. His spell was a testament to his skill and experience, playing a key role in PBKS’s victory.
📊 Statistical Highlights
RCB Batting: Tim David top-scored with an unbeaten 50. The team managed to reach 95/9 in their allotted overs.
PBKS Bowling: Yuzvendra Chahal was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 11 runs. Harpreet Brar and Kagiso Rabada also contributed with vital breakthroughs.
PBKS Batting: Nehal Wadhera remained not out on 33, anchoring the chase. Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran provided early momentum.
🏟️ RCB’s Home Woes Continue
This defeat marked RCB’s third consecutive loss at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, highlighting a concerning trend in their home performances. Despite a perfect away record, RCB’s inability to capitalize on home advantage remains a significant challenge. The team will need to address these issues promptly to stay competitive in the tournament.
On the other hand, PBKS’s clinical performance highlighted their depth and adaptability. Their ability to chase down targets under pressure, coupled with consistent contributions across departments, positions them as strong contenders in the tournament.
🔄 Looking Ahead
RCB will face PBKS again in a rematch on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The team will be eager to bounce back and rectify their home form. With key players like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell expected to return to form, RCB will look to turn the tide in their favor.
