Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) break the chain to clinch their first home win in IPL 2025, defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs in a nail-biting encounter at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Powered by Virat Kohli’s 70 and Devdutt Padikkal’s 50, RCB posted 205/5, setting a challenging target. RR’s chase, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 49 and Dhruv Jurel’s 47, seemed on track until Josh Hazlewood’s game-changing 19th over. According to ESPN Cricinfo, Hazlewood’s 4/33, including two wickets in the penultimate over, sealed RCB’s victory.
The match showcased RCB’s improved batting template and RR’s struggles in crunch moments, as per Cricbuzz. With this win, RCB strengthens its playoff chances, while RR faces an uphill battle. This article breaks down the match in nine key points, highlighting performances, turning points, and assumptions to understand the game better.
The highlights were Kohli’s 70 and Hazlewood’s two wickets in the 19th over. This win gives RCB hope for the playoffs, while RR keeps struggling. It was a sunny day in Bengaluru, perfect for cricket. Let’s explore how this thrilling RCB vs RR match unfolded.
RCB’s Batting Begins Strong
RCB’s innings started with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt facing Jofra Archer. The pitch offered bounce, but they hit nine fours in the powerplay. As per ESPN Cricinfo, RCB scored 59 runs without losing a wicket.
Riyan Parag dropped Salt’s catch, giving him a chance to score. Kohli led with regular boundaries, showing his skill. This strong start was new for RCB at home this season.
It set the stage for a big total, unlike small totals, which are tricky, and even small teams like Zimbabwe have proven capable of creating upsets. Salt played smartly alongside Kohli. The crowd roared as RCB finally found their rhythm.
Middle Overs – Padikkal and Kohli Take Charge
Phil Salt got out, but Devdutt Padikkal joined Kohli to keep going. They hit five sixes in two overs, thrilling the fans. According to Cricbuzz, RCB scored 97 runs at a fast rate.
Kohli reached 50 with two boundaries off Sandeep Sharma. Padikkal, who knows Chinnaswamy well, smashed the bowlers too. This partnership added 95 runs, pushing RCB toward 200.
The middle overs were key to their success. RR’s bowlers struggled to stop them. RCB looked set for a huge score.
Death Overs – Royals Fight Back
In the final overs, RR’s bowlers fought back hard. Sandeep Sharma got Kohli and Padikkal out quickly. As per BBC Sports, RCB still reached 205 runs in total.
Rajat Patidar also fell, but Jitesh Sharma hit some boundaries. The score could’ve been higher without those wickets. Dew made it tough for bowlers later, as happens in local leagues of India.
RCB’s 49 runs in the death overs were decent. It gave their bowlers a chance to win. RR had slowed RCB’s big finish.
RR’s Chase Starts Fast – Jaiswal Goes for the Kill in PowerPlay
RR’s chase began with Yashasvi Jaiswal hitting a six off the first ball. He and Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed seven fours and six sixes. Aaj Tak Sports says RR scored 72 runs, losing two wickets.
Jaiswal’s 19-ball 49 was a big boost, but he got out. Hazlewood bowled tight to slow them down. The start kept RR ahead in the game.
Young Suryavanshi also pulled a six confidently. RCB’s bowlers felt the pressure early. RR looked ready to chase 205 effortlessly.
Middle Overs – Game Stays Close
Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag kept the runs coming for RR. Krunal Pandya got Parag out, and Rana fell soon after. According to Wikipedia, RR scored 76 runs in this phase.
Dhruv Jurel hit a six to keep hopes alive. The spinners slowed RR’s scoring rate a bit. RR needed 58 runs from the last five overs where they dominated like India in semi final and game seemed easy.
The match stayed tight and exciting. RCB fought back with smart bowling. Both teams had a chance to win here.
Death Overs – RCB Steal the Win
Jurel smashed 22 runs off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 18th over. RR then needed 18 runs from 12 balls only. Hazlewood’s next over change everything, taking two wickets.
He gave just one run, says Cricbuzz, swinging the game. RR’s batting fall apart at the end. Yash Dayal finished it, and RR lost by 11 runs.
Jurel’s 47 wasn’t enough to save them. RCB’s bowlers showed great skill. RR choked again in a close chase.
Kohli’s Run Machine Mindset
Virat Kohli was RCB’s hero with a brilliant 70 runs, like he did in CT 2025 against major teams. He hit eight fours and played with thoughtful planning. The first six of RCB’s innings came in the 14th over.
His strike rate was 166, showing his power and control. Kohli stayed calm, letting others attack around him. He knows Chinnaswamy Stadium better than anyone.
This innings helped RCB set a winning total. Kohli’s experience made a huge difference. Fans cheered his every shot loudly.
What If RR Hadn’t Lost Wickets Late?
RR were close, needing 18 runs from 12 balls. They might’ve won if Hazlewood hadn’t taken Jurel and Archer out. Jurel was set to finish the game strong.
A calmer approach could’ve changed the result, says experts. RR’s rash shots cost them dearly. This shows how pressure affects T20 matches; they choked like South Africa in the later stages.
RCB’s luck turned at the right moment. RR could’ve chased 205 with better play. It’s a big “what if” for their fans.
Could Toss Have Changed the Game?
RCB lost the toss and had to bat first again. Kohli said dew helps teams chasing at Chinnaswamy. If RCB had chased, they might’ve won more easily like a godfather.
Batting first has been tough for them this season. The toss plays a big role in IPL 2025. As per BBC Sports, conditions favored RR later.
RCB still managed to defend 205 somehow. Winning the toss could’ve made it smoother. It’s a key factor in Bengaluru matches.
Conclusion
RCB’s first home win in IPL 2025 against RR was a huge moment. Kohli’s great batting and Hazlewood’s super bowling were the main reasons. They finally got the monkey off their back at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
After losing three home games, RCB finally won, thanks to Virat Kohli’s brilliant batting and Josh Hazlewood’s exceptional bowling. The game was full of action, with big hits and close moments that kept fans cheering. RCB scored 205 runs, and RR started strong but couldn’t finish the chase.
RR’s chase started well but ended in another choke, disappointing their fans. After losing three home games, RCB showed they can fight back. This boosts their playoff chances with three more home matches. RR needs to fix their mistakes fast for the next game. Both teams will learns from this exciting match. T20 cricket is full of surprises, and this game proved it.
