Download the AppGet Fastest Score
GolfBoxingChessKabaddiBadmintonFormula 1OlympicsHockey
Powered BySG media
Ayushi Singh

Calendar Iconviews : 839

4 Min Read

PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 match

Three talking points from the PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 match

Credits: IPL/X

There's surely something that has gone wrong for RCB at Chinnaswamy this season beyond just 'coincidence'. A rematch against Punjab Kings, this time in their backyard in New Chandigarh for the PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 match, and the Challengers are back to winning ways as they avenged the last defeat. Playing at the Mullanpur venue, Royal Challengers Bengaluru curbed Punjab Kings in an all-round performance as the visitors claimed a comprehensive 7-wicket victory. With spinners at the fore in the opening innings, RCB kept the runs in check as PBKS struggled at their home ground. In the chase, Devdutt Padikkal finally found a milestone to adorn the impact he has made for the team at No.3. The rest was completed by the chase master, as Virat Kohli became the batter with the most fifty-plus scores in IPL history.

Clinical bowling by RCB in the opening innings, courtesy of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma

Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first in the afternoon fixture at the Punjab home ground. What followed was an impressive control imposed by the bowlers. Punjab openers, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, found 39 runs across three overs in the powerplay. However, the introduction of Krunal Pandya into the attack broke the partnership before it turned big. While Prabhsimran extended his stay until the end of the powerplay, Pandya returned to take the other opener out. Romario Shepherd, replacing Liam Livingstone in the RCB Playing XI, started by dismissing the PBKS captain, Shreyas Iyer, at 6 off 10.

Already in a puddle, the in-form man for PBKS, Nehal Wadhera, was run out as the attack fell flat from there. Suyash Sharma extended the tone set by Krunal Pandya, removing Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis in the same over. While the scorecard would show Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as wicketless, the pace duo ensured that the death overs remained meek for the home team. In the last 24 deliveries, RCB gave away a mere 28 runs as Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen failed to go big despite settling in on the pitch.

A stable partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal in the middle to see the chase off

RCB was shaken up early in the chase as Arshdeep Singh boasted his credentials against Phil Salt. The firepower went out early for the visitors as Salt departed in the opening over. However, his departure laid the path for Devdutt Padikkal to claim the stage and make the most of the opportunity. With the pitch turning slower with every ball, Kohli remained a gritty presence at the other end. Meanwhile, Padikkal banked on the stray deliveries to maintain a healthy strike rate. The No.3 batter reached his maiden half-century of the season, getting to his fifty off 30 deliveries.

With boundaries hard to find, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal ran for four while PBKS tried to save a four. Eventually, Kohli and Padikkal cruised to a 103-run partnership, seamlessly driving the chase away from PBKS in the middle. While Padikkal was dismissed for a 35-ball 61 following his fifty, Virat Kohli stayed till the very end. A major factor in RCB’s dominance was their superior handling of spin in the middle overs. While Punjab collapsed, losing five wickets between overs 6 and 15, RCB conceded just one. Kohli, alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who also struck a fifty, ensured steady progress in that crucial phase, preventing any control from PBKS.

Kohli's stay till the very end pushes RCB towards their fifth victory in IPL 2025

While Patidar departed cheaply from the other end, Kohli reached another fifty, sealing another milestone to his name. Jitesh Sharma smashed the winning sixer, but it was the unbeaten 73 by Kohli that earned RCB their fifth victory of the season. With this win, RCB have won all of their away fixtures in IPL 2025, while the three defeats have all come at home. The win in the PBKS vs RCB match lifted RCB to third in the standings, while Punjab Kings took a hit to their momentum after back-to-back victories. RCB now return to Bengaluru to face Rajasthan Royals, while Punjab Kings enjoy a short break before their next outing against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26.

SBZ app
SBZ app