The 34th match of IPL 2025 saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) edge past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 5 wickets with 11 balls to spare in a rain-shortened contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. PBKS chased down a modest 96-run target in just 12.1 overs, riding on Nehal Wadhera’s calm 33* off 19 balls and a disciplined all-round bowling performance.
Toss and Conditions
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast skies. The game was reduced to 14 overs per side due to a rain delay, forcing both teams to adjust their strategies accordingly.
RCB Innings: Tim David Wages Lone Battle
RCB struggled right from the beginning, losing key wickets in quick succession. Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Philip Salt failed to provide momentum as PBKS bowlers ran through the top order.
At 52/6, the match looked almost out of reach for RCB, until Tim David launched a counterattack. The Australian powerhouse smashed an unbeaten 50 off 26 deliveries, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes, single-handedly dragging RCB to 95/9 in their 14 overs.
Key Batting Performances (RCB):
- Tim David: 50* (26)
- Rajat Patidar: 23 (18)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 8 (13)
PBKS Bowling Highlights:
- Marco Jansen: 2/10 (3)
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 2/11 (3)
- Arshdeep Singh: 2/23 (3)
PBKS Innings: Calm Under Pressure
Despite losing early wickets to Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell (3/14), PBKS kept their composure. Openers Priyansh Arya (16 off 11) and Josh Inglis (14 off 17) laid a steady platform before Nehal Wadhera took over the chase.
Nehal’s calculated aggression and ability to find boundaries at crucial junctures helped PBKS cross the finish line comfortably at 98/5 in 12.1 overs.
Key Batting Performances (PBKS):
- Nehal Wadhera: 33* (19)
- Priyansh Arya: 16 (11)
- Josh Inglis: 14 (17)
RCB Bowling Highlights:
- Josh Hazlewood: 3/14 (3)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2/26 (3)
Player of the Match
Despite RCB’s loss, Tim David was named Player of the Match for his brilliant rescue act with the bat, scoring a fighting fifty on a tough wicket under pressure.
What This Win Means
This win boosts PBKS’s campaign significantly as they push for a playoff spot. With Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and the team firing in all departments, PBKS is looking increasingly dangerous.
For RCB, this loss exposes their middle-order fragility yet again, and despite Tim David’s brilliance, questions remain about their top-order consistency and bowling depth.
RCB must regroup quickly as the league stage heats up. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will look to ride the momentum as they face stronger opponents in the coming fixtures.
