Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: In a high-octane clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) chased down a target of 164 with ease, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 6 wickets with 13 balls to spare in the 24th match of IPL 2025. The night belonged to KL Rahul, who played a captain’s knock, staying unbeaten on 93 off 53 balls, ensuring DC cruised home to their fourth win of the season.
Toss: DC opt to bowl and execute to perfection
After winning the toss, KL Rahul decided to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface. His bowlers responded with clinical discipline, keeping the explosive RCB batting lineup under control despite a brisk start.
RCB innings: Salt sizzles but middle-order crumbles
RCB started strong with Phil Salt smashing 37 off just 17 balls, including a fiery 30-run over off Mitchell Starc. However, the middle-order couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. Despite Rajat Patidar’s 25 (23) and a much-needed finishing act by Tim David (37 off 20)*, RCB could only manage 163/7 in their 20 overs.
The Capitals’ spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and emerging talent Vipraj Nigam (2/18), were instrumental in applying the brakes during the middle overs. Mohit Sharma also impressed with figures of 1/10 in 2 overs, while Mukesh Kumar bowled a rare wicket maiden.
DC chase: KL Rahul anchors, Stubbs finishes
In reply, Delhi Capitals started cautiously but steadily. KL Rahul anchored the innings superbly, playing with poise and aggression. His knock included 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, showcasing vintage Rahul form. He was well-supported by Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls, as the duo stitched an unbroken partnership to take the team home.
Axar Patel chipped in with a quick 15 off 11, while RCB’s bowling failed to find breakthroughs at key moments. The only notable resistance came from Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/26) and Suyash Sharma (1/25), but it wasn’t enough to stop the DC juggernaut.
Turning Point: Salt’s blitzkrieg turned irrelevant
Although Phil Salt’s early fireworks threatened to set a huge total, DC’s smart bowling changes and tight fielding ensured RCB couldn’t capitalize. The calm yet aggressive approach from KL Rahul during the chase made the target look much smaller than it was.
Match Summary
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 163/7 (20)
Phil Salt 37 (17), Tim David 37 (20); Kuldeep Yadav 2/17, Vipraj Nigam 2/18*
Delhi Capitals – 169/4 (17.5)
KL Rahul 93 (53), Tristan Stubbs 38* (23); Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/26*
Result: DC won by 6 wickets (13 balls remaining)
