PBKS Clinch Clinical Victory Over RCB in Rain-Shortened Thriller

 

## PBKS Clinch Clinical Victory Over RCB in Rain-Shortened Thriller

**Bengaluru, April 19, 2025** - In a captivating Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) showcased a dominant performance to secure a 5-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a match curtailed to 14 overs due to a significant rain delay

The wet conditions played a crucial role, leading to a delayed toss and an eventual reduction in the game. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that proved instrumental in the context of the match.

## RCB's Batting Order Crumbles Under Pressure

RCB's innings got off to a shaky start and never truly recovered. The opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli were dismissed cheaply within the first three overs, courtesy of Arshdeep Singh's fiery spell. The middle order struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined PBKS bowling attack.

Captain Rajat Patidar offered some resistance with a 23-run knock, but wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. RCB found themselves reeling at 63/9 before a late, explosive counter-attack from Tim David. He smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 26 deliveries, including three towering sixes in the final over, to drag RCB to a total of 95/9 in their allotted 14 overs. However, his valiant effort appeared to be a lone battle against a determined PBKS bowling unit.

## PBKS Navigates Tricky Chase with Wadhera's Composure

Chasing a modest target of 96 in 14 overs, PBKS began cautiously. They lost a couple of early wickets, including the crucial scalp of Priyansh Arya, who looked promising before falling to Josh Hazlewood. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis attempted to steady the innings, but Hazlewood's brilliant spell, where he picked up both Iyer and Inglis in a single over, brought RCB back into the contest.

Just when the pressure seemed to be mounting, Nehal Wadhera played a crucial innings for PBKS. He held his nerve and attacked the RCB spinners, smashing timely boundaries and sixes to ease the pressure. His 33-run knock off just 19 balls proved to be the game-changer. Marcus Stoinis finished the chase in style, hitting a six to take PBKS to 98/5 in 12.1 overs, securing a clinical victory.

## Hazlewood's Heroics in Vain for RCB

Despite the batting collapse, RCB's Josh Hazlewood put up a spirited fight with the ball, picking up 3 crucial wickets for just 14 runs in his 3 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also chipped in with two wickets. However, the low total proved insufficient for their bowlers to defend against a composed PBKS batting lineup.

## Key Performances:

* **Tim David (RCB):** 50\* off 26 balls

* **Josh Hazlewood (RCB):** 3/14 in 3 overs

* **Nehal Wadhera (PBKS):** 33 off 19 balls

* **Arshdeep Singh (PBKS):** 2/13 in 3 overs

* **Marco Jansen (PBKS):** 2/15 in 3 overs

* **Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS):** 2/11 in 3 overs

## Post-Match Analysis:

This victory propels Punjab Kings to the second spot in the IPL 2025 points table, showcasing their strong form this season. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this marks their third consecutive loss at home, a concerning trend they will be eager to reverse in their upcoming matches. The match highlighted the importance of adapting to conditions, with PBKS' bowlers exploiting the sluggish pitch effectively and their batsmen showing composure in a tricky chase. Tim David was adjudged the Player of the Match for his fighting half-century in a losing cause.

Both teams will face each other again on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Mullanpur, where RCB wil

l be looking to avenge this defeat.