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Kohli and Padikkal Shine as RCB Extend Away Dominance with Commanding Win Over PBKS
RCB Continue Unbeaten Away Streak with Clinical Chase
Virat Kohli once again proved why he’s one of the finest chasers in T20 cricket, crafting a calm yet impactful 73* to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by seven wickets in IPL 2025. With this win, RCB remain unbeaten in away games this season and now move to third on the points table, continuing their strong campaign in the tournament.
RCB’s victory in this match was largely built on their disciplined bowling through the middle overs and an assured partnership between Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, who also struck a vital half-century.
How RCB Outplayed PBKS – A Tale of Spin and Strategy
PBKS Start Strong but Lose Steam in the Middle
After being asked to bat first, Punjab Kings began positively with a powerplay score of 62/1. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya capitalized on the conditions early, especially after seeing off a quiet first over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
However, once RCB introduced spin into the attack, the momentum began to shift. Krunal Pandya broke the opening partnership by dismissing Arya, and Suyash Sharma joined the party with a double blow in the middle overs, sending back Inglis and Marcus Stoinis in a single over. Punjab collapsed from a promising 70/1 to 119/6, severely impacting their final score.
Middle-Overs Masterclass from RCB Spinners
The contrasting middle-overs approach was perhaps the biggest difference between the two sides. RCB lost only one wicket while maintaining a steady run-rate. In comparison, Punjab lost five key wickets in that same phase, including a run-out and two soft dismissals due to poor shot selection.
The likes of Suyash Sharma (2/26) and Krunal Pandya (2/25) were pivotal in throttling PBKS’s momentum and keeping them under control.
📌 Related Read: Top RCB Performances in IPL History
RCB’s Clinical Chase Anchored by Kohli and Padikkal
A Watchful Yet Aggressive Powerplay
Despite losing Phil Salt early to Arshdeep Singh, RCB maintained composure. Kohli and Padikkal responded with a steady build-up, mixing caution with well-timed aggression. The duo ensured RCB ended the powerplay at 54/1, setting up a platform for the middle overs.
Kohli-Padikkal Stand Seals the Deal
The second-wicket partnership of 103 runs between Kohli and Padikkal was the bedrock of RCB’s chase. Padikkal, who registered his first IPL fifty in 22 innings, played confidently and scored a brisk 61 off 35 balls. Kohli, ever the calm chaser, rotated strike, dispatched loose deliveries, and stayed till the end to ensure there were no late hiccups.
Even when Padikkal fell, Kohli kept up the scoring pressure, and a composed cameo from Rajat Patidar was enough to keep the scoreboard ticking. Jitesh Sharma finished the game in style with a towering six.
What Lies Ahead for Both Teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will now head home to face Rajasthan Royals on April 24. On the other hand, Punjab Kings will have a short break before traveling to Eden Gardens to take on Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26.
With five wins on the road and key players hitting form, RCB look like strong playoff contenders. PBKS, despite two earlier wins, need to re-evaluate their middle-overs approach, especially against spin-heavy sides.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings: 157/6 (Prabhsimran Singh 33; Krunal Pandya 2-25, Suyash Sharma 2-26)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 159/3 (Virat Kohli 73*, Devdutt Padikkal 61)
Result: RCB won by 7 wickets.
