RCB vs PBKS: Punjab Kings Outclass RCB in Rain-Curtailed Clash, Clinch 5-Wicket Win at Chinnaswamy

RCB vs PBKS: A rain-shortened contest in the IPL 2025 saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) cruise to a 5-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, chasing down a modest target of 96 in just 12.1 overs in a 14-overs-a-side encounter.

The match, reduced due to persistent evening showers, began with PBKS winning the toss and electing to bowl first - a decision that paid off handsomely as their bowlers dismantled the RCB batting lineup.

RCB Collapse Despite Tim David's Lone Resistance

RCB's innings never found momentum, losing both openers Phil Salt (4) and Virat Kohli (1) within the first three overs. Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh ran riot in the powerplay, while Chahal and Harpreet Brar stifled the middle order.

Only Tim David stood tall, smashing a brutal 50 off 26 deliveries*, laced with 3 fours and 5 sixes. His counterattacking knock ensured RCB reached 95/9 in 14 overs, a score that looked improbable after they were 42/7 at one stage. No other batter crossed 25, with Rajat Patidar (23 off 18) being the next-best contributor.

Bowling for PBKS:

Arshdeep Singh: 3-0-23-2

Marco Jansen: 3-0-10-2

Yuzvendra Chahal: 3-0-11-2

Harpreet Brar: 2-0-25-2

RCB's innings included a telling collapse: 33/5 in the sixth over to 63/9 by the 12th - a spell where wickets fell like dominoes.

Punjab Kings Seal Victory with Ease

PBKS came out firing in their chase, with Priyansh Arya (16 off 11) and Prabhsimran Singh (13 off 9) getting them off to a flyer. Though Josh Hazlewood (3/14) provided breakthroughs in quick succession, removing Arya, skipper Shreyas Iyer (7), and Josh Inglis (14 off 17), the chase was never out of reach.

The real game-changer was Nehal Wadhera, who struck a blazing 33 off just 19 balls*, guiding the Kings home calmly. He found support from Marcus Stoinis (7*) after the fall of Shashank Singh (1), as PBKS wrapped up the win with 11 balls to spare.

RCB's Bowling Highlights:

Josh Hazlewood: 3-0-14-3

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 3-0-26-2

Despite Hazlewood's efforts, the lack of runs on the board proved too much to defend.

Score Summary:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - 95/9 (14 overs)
Tim David 50* (26), Rajat Patidar 23 (18)
Arshdeep 2/23, Chahal 2/11, Jansen 2/10

Punjab Kings - 98/5 (12.1 overs)
Nehal Wadhera 33* (19), Priyansh Arya 16 (11)
Hazlewood 3/14, Bhuvneshwar 2/26