Nehal Wadhera smashed an unbeaten 33 as PBKS chased down a paltry 96-run target with 47 balls to spare
Punjab Kings produced a clinical performance to crush Royal Challengers Bengaluru by five wickets in the 34th match of IPL 2025 at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. After RCB collapsed for 95 in rain-reduced 14 overs, the hosts hunted down the target in just 12.1 overs to seal a one-sided affair.
Punjab’s bowlers first laid the foundation for the win, bundling out the star-studded RCB batting line-up for a meagre 95. Tim David’s fighting 50* off 26 balls was the only saving grace in an otherwise disappointing outing for Bengaluru.
Chasing 96, Punjab’s top order stuttered a bit, slipping to 53/4 after the eighth over. However, Nehal Wadhera anchored the chase with a fluent 33 not out off 19 deliveries, laced with three fours and three sixes. He found a reliable partner in Marcus Stoinis, who smashed 7* off 2 balls, including a towering six that ended the match in style.
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Earlier, RCB had a forgettable outing with the bat. Arshdeep Singh (2/23), Marco Jansen (2/10), and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/11) ran through the top and middle order after Virat Kohli (1 off 3) and Philip Salt (4 off 4) fell cheaply. RCB captain Rajat Patidar tried to hold the innings together with 23, but lacked support at the other end. The last-wicket partnership between Tim David and Josh Hazlewood added 32 runs, taking RCB close to the 100-run mark.
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Josh Hazlewood gave RCB a brief glimmer of hope by claiming three wickets inside the powerplay, including Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis. However, the target proved too low for a real comeback. With this win, Punjab Kings moved up the points table, while Royal Challengers’ struggles with the bat continued, raising questions about their batting depth and top-order consistency this season.
Nehal Wadera just showed his potential!! Top knock!! Great bowling from hazelwood to keep RCB in the game!! RCB have their work cut out at home from here on. They need to win at least 3 outta the next 4 home games. Lots to think ponder now for them!
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) April 18, 2025
So, PBKS and RCB will play each other three days in a row. 🤪
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 18, 2025
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