Virat Kohli powers RCB’s clinical run chase in dominant victory over PBKS
New Delhi: In a clinical performance at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a dominant 7-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 37th match of IPL 2025. The victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance followed by a commanding chase led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal.
After being put in to bat, PBKS struggled to build momentum early on. Young opener Priyansh Arya began with promise but was dismissed for 22 (15) by Krunal Pandya, who struck gold with his slow left-arm spin. Krunal then removed the dangerous Prabhsimran Singh, who had looked threatening with 33 off 17 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
RCB bowlers consistently applied pressure as Romario Shepherd dismissed captain Shreyas Iyer cheaply for 6, thanks to a brilliant running catch by Krunal Pandya at long-on. Josh Inglis attempted to steady the ship with a brisk 29 off 17, but his wicket to Suyash Sharma at a crucial moment set PBKS back again.
Middle-Order Fails to Fire
Punjab’s middle-order woes continued as Nehal Wadhera was involved in a messy run-out, and Marcus Stoinis couldn’t get going, falling for just 1. While Shashank Singh (31*) and Marco Jansen (25* off 20) added some late runs, the total of 157/6 in 20 overs never looked enough on a batting-friendly surface.
RCB’s bowling attack was tidy and effective. Krunal Pandya stood out with 2/25 from his four overs, while Suyash Sharma chipped in with 2/26. Hazlewood and Shepherd bowled with control, limiting boundaries in the middle overs.
RCB Lose Salt Early, Kohli Stays Steady
Chasing 158, RCB lost Philip Salt in the very first over to a sharp short ball from Arshdeep Singh, but from there, it was smooth sailing. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a composed and classy 73 off 54 balls*, showing both elegance and control.
He stitched together a 103-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal, who was in sublime touch, smashing 61 off just 35 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 3 sixes, putting PBKS bowlers under constant pressure.
Finishing in Style
After Padikkal fell to Harpreet Brar and Rajat Patidar chipped in with a quick 12, Kohli and Jitesh Sharma calmly finished the game. Jitesh contributed an unbeaten 11 off 8 as RCB chased down the target in 18.5 overs, sealing the win with 7 wickets in hand.
PBKS bowlers never recovered from the early onslaught. Arshdeep was the most economical, but the rest struggled with line and length, allowing RCB to dictate terms.
Turning Point
The 103-run partnership between Kohli and Padikkal was the game-changer. It took the sting out of Punjab’s bowling and put Bengaluru in complete control of the chase.
What’s Next?
With this win, RCB climb further up the points table, continuing their push for playoff qualification. PBKS, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as the race intensifies in the second half of the season.
News