source : BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) slumped to their third straight home defeat in IPL 2025, this time at the hands of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a low-scoring, rain-affected 14-over clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. On a pitch that turned into a bowlers’ paradise after a brief shower, PBKS held their nerve and chased down 96 with five wickets to spare, thanks to a cool-headed finish from Nehal Wadhera and a disciplined bowling effort led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh.
Batting first, RCB found themselves in deep trouble early as Arshdeep and Jansen triggered a top-order collapse, reducing them to 42 for 7. The pitch offered unpredictable bounce, and RCB’s aggressive approach only added to the chaos. Chahal then worked his magic with his trademark loop and guile, scalping two more as RCB teetered at 63 for 9. It was only Tim David’s clean hitting at the death—an unbeaten 50 off 26 balls—that lifted RCB to a somewhat respectable 95 for 9.
In response, PBKS too had early jitters, losing Prabhsimran and Arya cheaply, with Hazlewood breathing fire. Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer tried to stabilize the innings but Hazlewood’s extra bounce accounted for both, putting the chase in doubt at 53 for 4. The run rate wasn’t alarming, but the pitch kept everyone guessing. It was turning into a nervy affair until Wadhera stepped in with composed aggression.
Wadhera played with a mature head on young shoulders. After a cautious start where he was beaten multiple times, he broke free with a reverse sweep and a towering six over cow corner. He found gaps, timed the ball sweetly, and turned the pressure back on RCB. A bit of luck with an edge running away for four helped, but Wadhera’s calm and smart strokeplay tilted the game decisively. Stoinis then sealed the deal with a six, ending RCB’s hopes of a home revival.
This match may not have had big totals, but it packed drama, tension, and standout individual performances. For RCB, the concern now is real—with three home losses on the bounce, their fortress is crumbling. For PBKS, this was a timely boost, with their bowling attack clicking perfectly on a tricky surface. And once again, Chahal proved that guile and game sense can dismantle even the most aggressive line-ups.
