Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a commanding efficiency to defeat Punjab Kings by 7 wickets with seven balls to spare within the thirty seventh match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at Mullanpur. Chasing 158, RCB rode on a sensational 109-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal to seek out the goal in simply 18.5 overs. Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 73 off 54 balls, whereas Padikkal offered the proper enhance with a blazing 61 off 35 balls. Earlier, Punjab struggled after a brisk begin, managing solely 157/6 of their 20 overs regardless of a strong opening stand.
RCB’s high order powers a medical chase led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal
RCB’s pursuit started on a shaky word as Phil Salt departed cheaply within the first over, caught behind for simply 1. Nevertheless, the innings quickly stabilized as Kohli and Padikkal mixed to pile strain on the PBKS bowlers. Padikkal was the aggressor, enjoying fearless cricket with 5 fours and 4 sixes en path to his 30-ball fifty. His proactive intent took RCB previous 100 in simply 11.4 overs. Kohli, however, rotated strike neatly and unleashed large hits when wanted. After Padikkal’s dismissal, Rajat Patidar chipped in with 12 earlier than falling to Yuzvendra Chahal, however Kohli held agency. Jitesh Sharma’s late cameo ensured there have been no hiccups as RCB reached 159/3 with ease. Notably, Kohli’s composure and expertise stood out, whereas Padikkal’s clear hitting proved decisive in organising the chase.
Additionally WATCH: Virat Kohli’s ice-cold celebration after working out Nehal Wadhera in PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 conflict
Punjab Kings’ momentum misplaced after aggressive begin
PBKS began aggressively, reaching 62/1 throughout the powerplay, because of Priyansh Arya (22 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh (33 off 17). However as soon as the duo departed, the center order collapsed underneath strain. Captain Shreyas Iyer’s wrestle continued as he managed solely 6 runs off 10 balls, whereas Josh Inglis confirmed promise with a 17-ball 29 earlier than falling to Suyash Sharma. The decrease order couldn’t present a lot momentum both. Shashank Singh (31 not out off 33) and Marco Jansen (25 not out off 20) performed helpful fingers however did not speed up. RCB’s bowling unit, led by Krunal Pandya (2/25) and Suyash Sharma (2/26), utilized the brakes successfully. With no vital partnerships publish the powerplay, PBKS fell practically 15-20 runs quick on a good floor. Regardless of the robust begin, their incapacity to transform it into an enormous complete proved pricey.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Devdutt Paddikal’s footwork has lot extra readability this season. Total Extra balanced too. Constantly scoring runs for RCB 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 20, 2025
Typical Kohli chase. These targets are bread and butter for him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 20, 2025
When Virat Kohli stays not out in a run chase, he makes sures to make his staff win. The true finisher! pic.twitter.com/4fL57AHSXp
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) April 20, 2025
Kohli with out helmet is my favourite model of Kohli 💉🔥 pic.twitter.com/NvD5QAUweU
— Kevin (@imkevin149) April 20, 2025
Dying.
Taxes.
Virat Kohli in a runchase. 👑 pic.twitter.com/joz9aC9v8r— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 20, 2025
Kohli working 4 runs at 36 principally sums up his insane run in ODIs. It is humorous folks give you these egocentric narratives cuz it is that strategy which held the center order collectively all these years. Minimizing the danger however conserving the scorecard ticking on the similar time.
— D.⛅ (@Deep_Take001) April 20, 2025
Good knock Paddikal, this can be a tough floor. Might have gone both method with Brar and Chahal towards this spin suspect line up
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) April 20, 2025
Joyful that DDP is fulfilling the function that fairly a couple of of us noticed coming!
The bridge between the openers and Rajat. He’s batted with the suitable intent, hope he will get the assist when he has a couple of unhealthy video games too! #IPL2025
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 20, 2025
Performed Padikkal. Excellent 👏🏼
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 20, 2025
Revenge efficiently taken by RCB 💪#PBKSvsRCB #IPL2025
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/SNoE88TK2g #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/nDDQo4fDco— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 20, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Suyash Sharma cleans up Marcus Stoinis with an unplayable googly | PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025
