KL Rahul’s Masterclass and Spinners’ Brilliance Seal Six-Wicket Victory
RCB vs DC Highlights: The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed a gripping encounter on April 10, 2025, as the Delhi Capitals (DC) extended their unbeaten streak in IPL 2025 with a commanding six-wicket win over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Led by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 93 and a disciplined bowling performance, DC chased down a modest target of 164 with 13 balls to spare, solidifying their position at the top of the table. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match highlights, key performances, and turning points.
RCB’s Innings: A Tale of Two Halves
Explosive Start, Middle-Order Collapse
RCB’s innings began with fireworks as opener Phil Salt unleashed a brutal assault on DC’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, plundering 24 runs in the third over alone. Salt’s 17-ball 37, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, propelled RCB to 53/0 in just three overs. Partner Virat Kohli (22 off 14) added momentum, but a mix-up led to Salt’s run-out in the fourth over, derailing RCB’s rhythm.
The middle order crumbled under pressure from DC’s spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18), who exploited the sluggish pitch. Nigam’s frugal fifth over (2 runs) and Mohit Sharma’s dismissal of Devdutt Padikkal (1) triggered a collapse. Kohli, Jitesh Sharma (3), and Liam Livingstone (4) fell in quick succession, reducing RCB to 91/4 by the ninth over.
Late Flourish by Tim David
Skipper Rajat Patidar (25) offered brief resistance, but Kuldeep’s googly ended his stay. Tim David’s late surge, 37* off 20 balls, including four sixes helped RCB post 163/7. However, DC’s bowlers, led by Nigam and Kuldeep, restricted RCB to a below-par total after their fiery start.
DC’s Chase: Rahul Anchors Amid Early Jitters
Powerplay Woes
DC’s chase began disastrously as Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/26) and Yash Dayal (1/45) struck early. Faf du Plessis (2) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (7) fell cheaply, while Abishek Porel’s dismissal left DC reeling at 30/3 in 4.3 overs.
Rahul-Stubbs Partnership Steers Recovery
KL Rahul, dropped on 5 by Patidar, capitalized on the lifeline to anchor the innings. He forged a 76-run stand with Axar Patel (15) before Suyash Sharma’s dismissal of the DC captain brought Tristan Stubbs to the crease. Rahul shifted gears in the 15th over, smashing Josh Hazlewood for 22 runs (4, 4, 2, 2, 4, 6) to neutralize the required rate.
Stubbs (38* off 23) complemented Rahul’s aggression, targeting spinners with reverse sweeps and lofted drives. Their unbroken 111-run partnership sealed the win, with Rahul finishing the game in style, a six off Yash Dayal in the 18th over.
Key Performances
KL Rahul’s Heroics (93* off 53)
- Scored his 39th IPL fifty, striking 7 fours and 6 sixes.
- Accelerated after reaching 50, dominating Hazlewood and Livingstone.
Tristan Stubbs’ Cameo (38* off 23)
- Provided stability under pressure, hitting 4 boundaries and a six.
DC’s Spin Trio
- Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18) stifled RCB’s middle order.
- Suyash Sharma (1/25) broke the Axar-Rahul partnership.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Effort in Vain
- RCB’s standout bowler with 2/26, but lacked support.
Turning Points
- Salt’s Run-Out: RCB lost momentum after Salt’s dismissal, collapsing from 61/0 to 102/5.
- Rahul’s Drop: Patidar’s missed catch at 30/3 allowed Rahul to rebuild.
- Hazlewood’s Costly Over: Rahul’s 22-run blitz in the 15th over shifted the game decisively.
Post-Match Reactions
- Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain): Admitted the batting collapse was unacceptable and praised Tim David’s late surge.
- Axar Patel (DC Captain): Credited spinners for exploiting the pitch and hailed Rahul’s composure.
- KL Rahul: Dedicated the win to DC’s bowling unit and emphasized staying grounded despite the perfect start.
Implications for the Tournament
DC’s fourth consecutive win positions them as title contenders, while RCB’s second home loss raises questions about their middle-order fragility. With KL Rahul in sublime form and DC’s spinners delivering under pressure, the Capitals have emerged as the team to beat in IPL 2025.
Final Scorecard
- RCB: 163/7 (Salt 37, David 37*; Nigam 2/18, Kuldeep 2/17)
- DC: 169/4 in 17.5 overs (Rahul 93, Stubbs 38; Bhuvneshwar 2/26)
Match Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets.
This match underscored the importance of adaptability in T20 cricket, with DC’s strategic bowling changes and Rahul’s calculated aggression proving decisive. As the league progresses, RCB must address their middle-order vulnerabilities, while DC’s balanced squad looks poised for a deep playoff run.
Also Read:
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- KKR vs PBKS Playing XI, Toss Update and Match Preview
- KKR vs PBKS Preview: Redemption and Rivalry Collide at Eden Gardens
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