Bangalore, April 18, 2025 – In a stunning turn of events at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were bundled out for just 95 runs in their allotted 14 overs, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowlers ran riot in Match 34 of IPL 2025. Chasing a modest target of 96, PBKS find themselves with a golden opportunity to bag a crucial win in the tightly contested league.
Having won the toss, PBKS skipper opted to bowl first on a fresh Bangalore pitch—and the decision paid immediate dividends. The Royal Challengers never really recovered from early setbacks, losing wickets in clusters as PBKS bowlers tightened the screws.
RCB’s Top Order Crumbles Under Pressure
RCB’s innings got off to a nightmare start with Phil Salt (4 off 4) falling in the very first over to Arshdeep Singh. The bigger shock came when Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of RCB, managed just 1 run from 3 balls before falling to Arshdeep again—caught by Marco Jansen. RCB were soon reduced to 26/3 by the fourth over, as Liam Livingstone, who had been subbed in, added only 4 runs before being dismissed by Xavier Bartlett.
Captain Rajat Patidar tried to steady the innings with a fluent 23 off 18 balls, hitting a four and a six, but his resistance ended in the 8th over when Yuzvendra Chahal trapped him with a clever delivery.
Tim David’s Lone Battle Goes in Vain
Australian powerhouse Tim David stood tall amidst the ruins, smashing a quickfire 50 off just 26 deliveries. His innings included 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, providing the only significant resistance in RCB’s disappointing innings.
Unfortunately, David found no support from the other end as the middle and lower order collapsed. Kunal Pandya (1), debutant Mahesh Bhandage (1), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8) all fell cheaply. The final nail in the coffin was hammered by Harpreet Brar, who picked up two wickets in one over—removing Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar in successive deliveries.
PBKS Bowlers Shine Bright
It was a collective masterclass from the PBKS bowling unit:
- Marco Jansen was the most economical, conceding just 10 runs in 3 overs and picking up two wickets.
- Arshdeep Singh continued his brilliant form with the new ball, taking 2/23.
- Yuzvendra Chahal, showing glimpses of vintage brilliance, bagged 2 wickets for just 11 runs in his 3-over spell.
- Xavier Bartlett and Harpreet Brar contributed with a wicket each, while Brar also took a sharp catch and bowled a game-changing over.
RCB’s total of 95/9 in 14 overs was further marred by poor shot selection and sharp fielding from PBKS, with just one extra (a no-ball) conceded.
What Lies Ahead: PBKS Eyeing Easy Chase
With only 96 runs to chase in 84 balls, PBKS are in the driver’s seat. The required run rate of 6.86 is manageable even on a tricky pitch. Unless RCB conjures a bowling miracle, Punjab look poised to register a comfortable win.
A win for PBKS would strengthen their position in the top half of the table, while RCB will be left to rue their batting collapse in a crucial mid-season fixture.
Key Moments Recap:
- Arshdeep’s Double Strike: Removed Salt and Kohli in quick succession.
- Tim David’s Heroics: A lone fifty amidst chaos.
- PBKS’ Disciplined Attack: Chahal and Jansen kept things tight in the middle overs.
- Harpreet Brar’s Game-Changer: Broke RCB’s final hope with a double strike.
