The 42nd match of the IPL 2025 season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was a high-octane thriller that ended with RCB breaking their home jinx, clinching an 11-run victory. This result not only rejuvenated RCB’s campaign but also deepened RR’s woes, marking their fifth consecutive defeat of the season.
Match Summary
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Result: RCB won by 11 runs
- RCB: 205/6 (20 overs)
- RR: 194/9 (20 overs)
RCB’s Batting: Kohli and Padikkal Lead the Charge
Virat Kohli was at his imperious best, anchoring the innings with a masterful 70 off 42 balls. His innings was a blend of classical strokes and aggressive intent, providing RCB the stability they needed at the top. Kohli’s partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 27 balls) was crucial, as the duo stitched together a 95-run stand that set the tone for a formidable total.
Key Batting Highlights:
- Phil Salt gave RCB a steady start, adding 25 runs before falling early.
- After Salt’s dismissal, Padikkal took the initiative, accelerating the scoring rate and complementing Kohli’s style.
- A mini-collapse saw RCB lose three wickets for just seven runs, with Sandeep Sharma picking up two wickets in quick succession, threatening to derail RCB’s momentum.
- However, Tim David (quick 20s) and Jitesh Sharma (quick 20s) provided a late surge, adding 42 crucial runs in the death overs to push RCB past the 200-mark.
Bowling Standout for RR:
- Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2 wickets for 45 runs, and was instrumental in RCB’s brief middle-order stumble.
RR’s Chase: Fast Start, Faltering Finish
Chasing 206, Rajasthan Royals began their innings with intent. Yashasvi Jaiswal blazed away to 49 off just 19 balls, giving RR a flying start alongside Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The openers put on a brisk half-century partnership, and at 110/2 after 9 overs, RR looked well on course.
Key Moments in the Chase:
- Suryavanshi fell for 16, but Jaiswal’s aggressive approach kept the run rate healthy.
- Nitish Rana and captain Riyan Parag kept the scoreboard ticking, with the asking rate dropping below 9 runs per over at one stage.
- The introduction of Krunal Pandya turned the tide. He dismissed Parag with his first ball and later removed Nitish Rana, applying the brakes on RR’s chase.
- Despite regular wickets, RR were always within striking distance, needing just 18 runs off the last 12 balls with set batters at the crease.
RCB’s Bowling: Hazlewood’s Death Over Brilliance
The turning point came in the penultimate over when Josh Hazlewood delivered a masterclass in death bowling. He conceded just one run and took two wickets in the 19th over, swinging the momentum decisively in RCB’s favor.
Bowling Highlights:
- Hazlewood finished with 4/33, earning the Player of the Match for his clutch performance under pressure.
- Krunal Pandya’s 2/31 was pivotal in the middle overs, breaking partnerships and stifling RR’s momentum.
- Suyash Sharma and Yash Dayal also contributed with tight overs, especially during the crucial middle phase when RR’s chase began to unravel.
Turning Points
- Krunal Pandya’s Double Strike: His introduction in the middle overs and the wickets of Parag and Rana shifted the pressure back onto RR, halting their charge.
- Hazlewood’s 19th Over: With RR needing 17 off the final over, Hazlewood’s double strike and miserly bowling effectively sealed the match for RCB.
- RCB’s Death Overs Batting: The late flourish by Tim David and Jitesh Sharma ensured RCB had enough runs to defend, proving decisive in the end.
SEO Optimized Analysis: Key Takeaways
RCB Breaks Home Jinx
This win was RCB’s first at home in IPL 2025, ending a streak of three consecutive losses at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The victory not only boosts their playoff hopes but also injects much-needed confidence into the squad.
RR’s Campaign in Trouble
For Rajasthan Royals, this was their fifth loss in a row, putting their playoff aspirations in jeopardy. Despite strong starts and promising positions, their inability to close out matches has become a recurring issue.
Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood’s death bowling was the difference, as he not only took crucial wickets but also maintained composure under pressure, showcasing why he is one of the best in the business.
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 70 (42) |
| Devdutt Padikkal | RCB | 50 (27) |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | 4/33 (4 overs) |
| Sandeep Sharma | RR | 2/45 (4 overs) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | 49 (19) |
Conclusion
Match 42 of IPL 2025 between RCB and RR was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket. RCB’s combination of top-order brilliance, a late batting surge, and world-class death bowling proved just enough to edge out a determined RR side. For RCB, this could be the turning point of their season, while RR must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign.
