The IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18 was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a delayed start due to rain, a strategic toss, and a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Toss and Weather Conditions
The match faced a delayed start owing to unexpected rain showers in Bengaluru. Once the weather cleared, RCB won the toss and opted to field first, a decision influenced by the pitch conditions and historical data favoring teams chasing at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings Innings:
- Total: 176/6 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Shikhar Dhawan (45 off 37 balls)
- Other Contributors: Jitesh Sharma (27), Prabhsimran Singh (25)
- RCB Bowling Highlights: Harpreet Brar and Kagiso Rabada each took 2 wickets.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings:
- Total: 178/6 in 19.2 overs
- Top Scorer: Virat Kohli (77 off 49 balls)
- Finishing Touches: Dinesh Karthik (28* off 10 balls), Mahipal Lomror (17* off 8 balls)
- PBKS Bowling Highlights: Harpreet Brar and Kagiso Rabada each took 2 wickets.
Key Performances and Awards
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
- Electric Striker of the Match: Dinesh Karthik
- Most Fours: Virat Kohli (11)
- Most Sixes: Virat Kohli (2)
- Ultimate Fantasy Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (124 fantasy points)
Head-to-Head and Standings
With this victory, RCB continues to narrow the gap in their head-to-head record against PBKS. As of now, PBKS leads with 17 wins to RCB’s 16 in their 33 encounters.
RCB’s next match is eagerly anticipated, with fans hoping for continued stellar performances from key players like Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik. PBKS will look to regroup and strategize for their upcoming fixtures to climb the IPL 2025 points table.
Also Read: Youngest Player in IPL History