RCB vs PBKS Highlights: Bengaluru Triumph Over Punjab by 7 Wickets

RCB vs PBKS Highlights: In a riveting turnaround, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) avenged their recent loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS) with a commanding seven-wicket victory in Match 37 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. This win marked RCB’s fifth consecutive away victory this season, propelling them to third place in the points table, while PBKS slipped to fourth after a shaky batting performance.

Match Overview

Table of Contents

Toss and Decision
RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field first, a decision influenced by the team’s confidence in their bowling attack and the pitch’s reputation for favouring chasing sides. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, aimed to post a competitive total but struggled against RCB’s disciplined bowling.

PBKS Innings: 157/6 in 20 Overs
Punjab Kings’ innings was a mix of explosive starts and middle-order stumbles. Openers Priyansh Arya (22 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh (33 off 17) provided a fiery start, racing to 42 runs in 4.2 overs. However, RCB’s spinners turned the tide:

Krunal Pandya (2/25) struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both openers with clever variations.
Suyash Sharma (2/26) dismantled the middle order, trapping Josh Inglis (29 off 17) and Marcus Stoinis (1 off 2) with his deceptive googlies.
Romario Shepherd contributed with a crucial breakthrough, removing Shreyas Iyer (6 off 10), who struggled to accelerate.

Nehal Wadhera (31* off 33) anchored the latter stages, but PBKS managed only 157/6—a below-par total on a pitch that promised higher scores.

IPL 2025 Schedule

RCB’s Clinical Chase: 159/3 in 18.5 Overs

RCB’s chase was anchored by a masterful partnership between Virat Kohli (73* off 54) and Devdutt Padikkal (61 off 35), who combined for a 103-run stand that dismantled PBKS’ bowling plans.

Key Moments:

Early Setback: Phil Salt (1 off 3) fell to Arshdeep Singh in the first over, but Kohli steadied the ship with his 59th IPL fifty.
Padikkal’s Aggression: Padikkal dominated the powerplay, smashing 5 fours and 4 sixes, including a 30-ball fifty. His dismissal to Harpreet Brar (1/27) briefly revived PBKS’ hopes.
Kohli’s Composure: Kohli rotated strike effortlessly, hitting 7 boundaries and a six, and partnered with Jitesh Sharma (11* off 8) to seal the win with 7 balls to spare.

PBKS’ bowlers, including Yuzvendra Chahal (1/36), struggled to contain RCB’s batters, with only Arshdeep Singh (1/26) making an impact.

Standout Performances

Virat Kohli (Player of the Match): The veteran’s unbeaten 73 showcased his adaptability, blending caution with aggression. “I wanted to hold one end and let others play freely,” he said post-match.
Devdutt Padikkal: His explosive 61 earned praise from Kohli, who humorously questioned why the award wasn’t given to the young opener.
RCB’s Bowling Unit: Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma’s combined 4 wickets restricted PBKS to a manageable total.

Post-Match Reactions

Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain): Credited the bowlers for executing tight lines and highlighted improved fielding efforts.
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain): Admitted his team’s batting frailties but praised bowlers for their consistency.
Marco Jansen (PBKS Bowler): Emphasized the need for adaptability and lauded Iyer’s leadership.

Impact on the Points Table

RCB’s victory elevated them to third place with 10 points, while PBKS dropped to fourth. Both teams remain strong contenders for playoff spots, with RCB’s away dominance (5 wins) contrasting sharply with their home struggles.

Looking Ahead

The teams will face off again on April 25 in Bengaluru, where RCB will aim to break their home jinx. For now, Kohli’s men have solidified their reputation as road warriors, blending youth and experience to mount a serious title challenge.

Final Scorecard

PBKS: 157/6 (20 overs) | Nehal Wadhera 31, Marco Jansen 25
RCB: 159/3 (18.5 overs) | Virat Kohli 73*, Devdutt Padikkal 61

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