In a high-octane clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs in the 42nd match of IPL 2025. Fueled by a classic knock from Virat Kohli and a match-turning spell from Josh Hazlewood, RCB defended a steep target of 206 to reignite their campaign.
Kohli Leads from the Front
Put in to bat after losing the toss, RCB started positively, thanks to their ever-reliable icon, Virat Kohli. The former India captain was in sublime touch, anchoring the innings with a commanding 70 off 42 balls. His innings was a delightful blend of precision and power, including crisp boundaries and smart rotation of strike.
Kohli stitched a vital partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who returned to form with a swift 50 off just 27 deliveries. Their 91-run stand laid the foundation for a competitive total. Phil Salt added a handy 26 off 23 balls, while the middle order provided finishing touches to take RCB to a challenging 205/5.
Sandeep Sharma stood out with the ball for Rajasthan Royals, picking up 2 wickets but conceding 45 runs in his full quota. Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga kept things tight in the middle overs, claiming a wicket each.
Jaiswal’s Blitz Goes in Vain
In reply, RR had a flying start, thanks to a blistering knock from young Yashasvi Jaiswal. He smashed 49 runs off just 19 balls, including 6 boundaries and 3 sixes, sending early jitters to the RCB camp. But just as he was taking the game away, Josh Hazlewood broke through to remove the danger man.
Dhruv Jurel then took over the chase, anchoring the middle phase with a fighting 47 off 34 deliveries. However, the regular fall of wickets around him made things difficult for the Royals.
Nitish Rana chipped in with a composed 28 off 22, but the RCB bowlers, led by Hazlewood, kept tightening the screws. Hazlewood delivered a fiery spell of 4/33, proving too hot to handle for the RR batting line-up.
Bowlers Seal It for RCB
Krunal Pandya’s all-round show also played a crucial role, as he took 2 wickets for 31 runs in a disciplined spell. Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj supported well in the death overs, denying the Royals any chance of a late surge.
The final over saw RR needing 17 runs with two wickets in hand, but Hazlewood returned to knock over the tail and seal the win for RCB.
Turning Point
The game’s momentum tilted when Hazlewood dismissed Jaiswal and later sent back Jurel in the 18th over. These wickets swung the match decisively in RCB’s favor.
What This Means for the Table
With this win, RCB climb the points table and boost their net run rate, keeping playoff hopes alive. Rajasthan, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunity and look to bounce back in the next fixture.
