Cricket Highlights, April 18: IPL 2025 (34th Match) – RCB vs PBKS

RCB vs PBKS (34th Match) – Highlights

In this match RCB vs PBKS, Match 34, Punjab Kings defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 5 wickets IPL 2025. In a rain-curtailed encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Punjab Kings cruised to a dominant five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 34 of the 2025 Indian Premier League. With the match shortened to 14 overs per side due to persistent rain, RCB struggled with the bat, managing only 95 for 9. PBKS chased down the target with ease, reaching the finish line in just 12.1 overs.

RCB’s innings struggled to gain traction right from the start after being put in to bat, as their top order crumbled against Punjab’s fiery and disciplined bowling display. Arshdeep Singh set the tone early, removing both Phil Salt and Virat Kohli in quick succession—Kohli falling for a rare failure, scoring just 1 off 3 balls. Stand-in skipper Rajat Patidar offered brief resistance with a gritty 23 off 18, but the regular fall of wickets meant RCB never found stability and remained on the back foot throughout.

The middle order offered no resistance, with Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya departing cheaply. At one stage, RCB were staring at disaster at 42 for 7. Tim David was the only silver lining for Bengaluru. His counterattacking knock of 50 off just 26 balls included five boundaries and three sixes, single-handedly dragging the team towards a semi-respectable total.

However, with no support from the tail, RCB could only post 95/9 in their allotted 14 overs. Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal were instrumental with the ball, picking up two wickets each, while Marco Jansen and Arshdeep also chipped in.

In reply, Punjab Kings got off to a flying start. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh added 22 runs in no time before both were dismissed trying to accelerate further. Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for RCB, delivering a superb spell of 3 for 14 in his 3 overs. He accounted for Arya, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis, offering a glimmer of hope to the home side.

Despite a few challenges in the middle overs, Punjab Kings kept the chase well under control. Nehal Wadhera was the standout performer, staying composed to score an unbeaten 33 off 19 balls, which featured three beautifully struck boundaries and three massive sixes. His steady approach and flawless striking left no room for any dramatic turnarounds. Marcus Stoinis then wrapped up the win with confidence, hitting a six to finish the game with 11 balls to spare.

This win propelled Punjab Kings higher up the points table, keeping their playoff hopes firmly alive. For RCB, it was yet another disappointing outing in a season that has seen more lows than highs. The batting fragility, especially in the top order, remains a concern they’ll need to address quickly.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Scoreboard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 95/9 (14)

Punjab Kings – 98/5 (12.1)

Result – PBKS won by 5 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Tim David

RCB vs PBKS Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Manoj Bhandage, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

Punjab Kings

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

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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