Cricket Highlights, April 20: IPL 2025 (37th Match) – PBKS vs RCB

PBKS vs RCB (37th Match) – Highlights

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal putting on a stellar show that saw RCB win by seven wickets in the 37th match of IPL 2025 on Mullanpur’s pitch. While PBKS managed to post a competitive score for RCB to chase, RCB comfortably finished with an appropriate head and space in terms of overs, with seven balls left to spare.

Punjab Kings, after being put in to bat, got off to a promising start with young openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh showing positive intent. The duo raced to 42 in just 4.2 overs before Arya was dismissed for 22 off 15 balls by Krunal Pandya. Prabhsimran continued to play aggressively and scored 33 from just 17 balls, including five boundaries and a six, but he too fell to Pandya soon after.

The mid-order struggled to maintain their momentum, Captain Shreyas Iyer did not get anything going either with just 6 runs. Josh Inglis was looking comfortable in his 29 off 17 before trying to accelerate, but he was bowled by Suyash Sharma. A gritty 31 off 33 balls from Shashank Singh held the innings together, and Marco Jansen with 25 off 20 at the back end helped PBKS to a respectable 157 for 6 in their 20 overs.

RCB demonstrated discipline in their bowling and Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma were the standout bowlers both getting two wickets apiece. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood did not have any wickets but bowled fairly tightly at times. Romario Shepherd also got a wicket.

In response, RCB had a rough beginning with Phil Salt being dismissed for just 1 in the first over from the bowling of Arshdeep Singh. What followed was a dominant partnership for RCB between the two wickets of Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, which clearly swung the match in favor of Bengaluru. Padikkal struck a fine innings of 61 off 35 balls with five fours and four sixes with effortless timing. Padikkal’s aggressive stroke play helped RCB get off to a great start and build momentum.

Conversely, Kohli played an excellent anchoring innings. With a 73 not out off 54 balls he anchored the chase nicely. He was playing with good aggression, but he was also playing freely and kept his composure. Kohli was very good in anchoring the innings, keeping the chase in the right direction even after Padikkal fell in the 13th over. Rajat Patidar contributed a quick cameo of 12, and Jitesh Sharma finished the chase off quickly with a blistering 11 not out.

Punjab’s bowlers failed to exert pressure consistently. Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal picked up a wicket each, while Arshdeep Singh struck early but couldn’t contain the runs in his final over. Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett were expensive, and the PBKS attack lacked the cutting edge to defend their total.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Scoreboard

Punjab Kings – 157/6 (20)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 159/3 (18.5)

Result – RCB won by 7 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Virat Kohli

PBKS vs RCB Playing XI

Punjab Kings

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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