IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Outshine RCB in a Thrilling 5-Wicket Victory
Tim David guided RCB to a respectable score with his brilliant batting
On April 18, 2025, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed an electrifying IPL 2025 clash, where Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched a 5-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 34th match of the season. Rain shortened the game to 14 overs per side, but the excitement was relentless. Let’s dive into the heart-pounding moments, the detailed scoreboard, and the standout performer of this unforgettable match.
Match Overview
PBKS’ skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first. Rain delayed the start, trimming the match to 14 overs. RCB’s batting crumbled early, slumping to 43/7, but a fiery 50 from Tim David lifted them to 95/9. Punjab Kings (PBKS) stumbled early in their chase but clinched the victory, powered by Nehal Wadhera’s dynamic 33 off 19 balls, securing second spot on the points table.
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Key Moments That Defined the Match
1. RCB’s Top-Order Collapse
RCB’s innings started on a shaky note. Punjab’s bowlers, led by Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh, were ruthless, dismantling the top order with pinpoint accuracy. In-form Phil Salt (4) and Virat Kohli (1) fell cheaply, leaving RCB reeling. Yuzvendra Chahal, returning to his old hunting ground, struck twice, and by the 9th over, RCB was 43/7. It looked like they’d struggle to cross 60.
2. Tim David’s Blazing Half-Century
When all seemed lost, Tim David turned the tide with a breathtaking 50 off 26 balls. Smashing 5 fours and 3 sixes, he single-handedly revived RCB’s hopes. His onslaught in the final over against Harpreet Brar—21 runs, including 3 sixes and a no-ball—was a game-changer, pushing RCB to a respectable 95/9. This was David’s maiden IPL fifty, a knock that kept RCB in the fight.
3. PBKS’s Rocky Start
Chasing 96, PBKS stumbled early. Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone with a tight first over, conceding just 3 runs. In the third over, Prabhsimran Singh (13) was caught by Tim David. Josh Hazlewood struck in the fourth, removing Priyansh Arya (16), leaving PBKS at 33/2. Hazlewood continued his fiery spell, dismissing Shreyas Iyer (7) and Josh Inglis (14), reducing PBKS to 53/4 and keeping RCB’s hopes alive.
4. Nehal Wadhera’s Match-Turning Knock
The game’s defining moment came from Nehal Wadhera, who smashed 33 off 19 balls. His composure under pressure was remarkable, especially in a crucial over against Suyash Sharma, where he scored 10 runs (1 six, 1 four). Wadhera’s calculated aggression guided PBKS to the brink of victory. In the final over, Marcus Stoinis sealed the deal with a towering six off Yash Dayal, securing a 5-wicket win.
5. Josh Hazlewood’s Spirited Fightback
For RCB, Josh Hazlewood was a standout with the ball. His 3-wicket haul, including the scalps of Iyer and Inglis in quick succession, gave RCB a glimmer of hope. His disciplined bowling in the middle overs piled pressure on PBKS, but Wadhera’s brilliance overshadowed his efforts.
Scoreboard
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 95/9 (14 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| Phil Salt | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Virat Kohli | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Rajat Patidar (C) | 23 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 127.78 |
| Tim David | 50* | 26 | 5 | 3 | 192.31 |
| Others | – | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 95/9 | 14 Overs | 7 | 4 | – |
Bowling (PBKS):
- Marco Jansen: 2/10
- Arshdeep Singh: 2/23
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 2/11
- Harpreet Brar: 2/25
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 96/5 (13.2 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| Prabhsimran Singh | 13 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 144.44 |
| Priyansh Arya | 16 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 145.45 |
| Shreyas Iyer (C) | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 70.00 |
| Nehal Wadhera | 33* | 19 | 3 | 3 | 173.68 |
| Marcus Stoinis | 7* | 2 | 0 | 1 | 350.00 |
| Total | 96/5 | 13.2 Overs | 6 | 5 | – |
Bowling (RCB):
- Josh Hazlewood: 3/14
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2/26
- Yash Dayal: 0/18
Target: 96 runs (14 overs)
Result: PBKS won by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match
Tim David (RCB)
Tim David earned the Player of the Match award for his stunning unbeaten 50. Facing a dire situation, he blended patience with aggression, giving RCB a fighting total. “It was tough out there,” David said. “I just tried to read the pitch and pick my moments.”
Impact on the Points Table
This victory propelled PBKS to second place with 5 wins from 7 matches and 10 points. RCB, with 4 wins and 8 points from 7 games, slipped to fourth.
Wrapping Up
This match was a rollercoaster, showcasing the best of IPL 2025. Tim David and Nehal Wadhera stole the show with their clutch performances, while Josh Hazlewood and Punjab’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Fans are already buzzing for the rematch on April 20 in New Chandigarh, expecting another blockbuster showdown.
FAQs: RCB vs PBKS Match
**1. When and where was the RCB vs PBKS match played in IPL 2025?**
The match was played on April 18, 2025, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
**2. Why was the RCB vs PBKS match reduced to 14 overs?**
Rain delayed the start of the match, and to ensure a result, the game was shortened to 14 overs per side.
**3. Who won the RCB vs PBKS match in IPL 2025?**
Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the match by 5 wickets, chasing down RCB’s total of 95/9 in 12.1 overs.
**4. Who was the Player of the Match in the RCB vs PBKS game?**
Tim David from RCB was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 50 off 26 balls, which helped RCB reach a competitive total.
**5. What was the key moment that turned the match in PBKS’s favor?**
Nehal Wadhera’s 33 off 19 balls, including crucial boundaries and sixes, shifted the momentum, guiding PBKS to victory despite early setbacks.
**6. How did RCB perform with the bat?**
RCB struggled early, collapsing to 43/7, but Tim David’s explosive 50, with 5 fours and 3 sixes, lifted them to 95/9 in 14 overs.
**7. Which bowlers stood out in the match?**
For PBKS, Marco Jansen (2/10) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/11) were exceptional. For RCB, Josh Hazlewood shone with 3/14, keeping PBKS under pressure.
**8. What was the impact of the match on the IPL 2025 points table?**
PBKS climbed to second place with 5 wins and 10 points from 7 matches, while RCB dropped to fourth with 4 wins and 8 points.
**9. Where can I watch the highlights or live stream of the RCB vs PBKS match?**
The match was streamed live on JioCinema and Jio Hotstar, with highlights on these platforms. Star Sports also broadcasts the game with English and Hindi commentary.
**10. When will RCB and PBKS face each other again in IPL 2025?**
The two teams are scheduled to meet again on April 20, 2025, in New Chandigarh, promising another exciting clash.