Rain might have shortened the game, but there was nothing boring about the action at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 18. Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday achieved an resounding five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in match 34 of IPL 2025, compounding the woes for the home team on their fortress.
RCB Nightmare Continues at Home
Batting first in a rain-affected game, with 14 overs allotted for each side, RCB never got going. The home team’s top order fell away in clusters under pressure. Australian bowlers put a spanner on the works despite just Tim David making a fighting half-century. His 50 not out was the sole bright spot in an underwhelming total of 95/9.
Punjab’s bowlers were sharp and disciplined. Yuzvendra Chahal who was up against his old franchise formed a web around RCB’s middle order, ending up with incredible figures of 2 for 11. The likes of Harshal Patel, who also picked up vital wickets in between, lent him good support.
Punjab’s Calm Chase
Set a target of 96 under the lights, PBKS started cautiously and never looked flustered. Nehal Wadhera top-scored with a paced 33 not out with Punjab chasing the target in only 12.1 overs. Although RCB attempted to build pressure with a couple of early strikes, there was just not enough runs on the bank to defend.
The chase was measured, planned and a reflection of Punjab’s burgeoning confidence as a collective this season.
Chahal Sparkles in Comfortable Surroundings
Yuzvendra Chahal was named Player of the Match for his economical, game changing spell. The leg-spinner, who used to be a fan-favorite in Bengaluru, looked comfortable taking apart his former team’s batting order.
“Coming back here and doing well means a lot. I just backed my strengths and looked to hit the right areas,” Chahal said after the game.
RCB’s Worrying Trend
It was the third successive home defeat for RCB, who have been demolishing the opponents away till he came to the M. Chinnaswamy. While they have a formidable squad in its ranks, they just have not managed to hit the right chord in Bengaluru, and the pressure is beginning to take its toll.
However, with this win, Punjab Kings rose up the points table and seem to be hitting their stride at the right time in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Both the teams will face each other again on April 20 in a crucial game for both the sides. While RCB will be desperate to end their home curse, Punjab will be looking to gain further on the momentum.
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