RCB vs RR Match Report: Bengaluru Stuns Rajasthan Royals in a High-Voltage IPL Thriller

RCB vs RR IPL 2025 delivered one of the most thrilling encounters of the season as Royal Challengers Bangalore edged past Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs at the Chinnasamy Stadium. With Rajasthan needing just 18 runs from the final 12 balls, the game seemed all but lost for Bangalore—until Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya turned the tide in a sensational finish.

With this crucial win, RCB secured their sixth victory of the season, keeping their playoff dreams alive and giving fans hope of a strong finish. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals slumped to their fifth straight defeat, leaving their campaign hanging by a thread.

RCB Sets a Power-Packed Total of 205

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, RCB came out with intent. Virat Kohli, who has been in superb form this season, once again rose to the occasion. The veteran batter scored a commanding 70 off 42 balls, studded with 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, laying the foundation for a big total.

Opening alongside him, Phil Salt played a short yet impactful knock of 26 off 23 balls. The pair gave RCB a solid start, bringing up 59 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Although Salt fell to Wanindu Hasaranga shortly after, RCB did not lose momentum.

Devdutt Padikkal, returning to the lineup with a point to prove, anchored the middle overs with a well-paced 50 off 27 deliveries, which included 4 fours and 3 sixes. He stitched a crucial partnership with Kohli to stabilize the innings after a brief dip in the scoring rate.

Even after the dismissals of Kohli, Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar in quick succession, Tim David (23 off 15) and other lower-order contributions ensured RCB finished strong. They added 38 runs in the last three overs, helping Bangalore post a challenging 205/5 in their 20 overs.

Rajasthan’s Blazing Start and Sudden Collapse

Rajasthan Royals began the chase with confidence and aggression. Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his fearless stroke play, came out all guns blazing. He played a blistering knock of 49 off just 19 balls, smashing 7 fours and 3 towering sixes. His aggressive approach put immense pressure on the RCB bowlers and had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Despite losing his opening partner Vaibhav Suryavanshi (16) in the fifth over, Jaiswal continued to attack before eventually falling just short of his fifty. After his dismissal, Nitish Rana (28) and Riyan Parag (22) took on the responsibility and kept the scoreboard ticking. By the end of the 9th over, Rajasthan looked in complete control at 110/2, with the required rate well within reach.

But then came the twist.

Krunal Pandya and Hazlewood Turn the Game

RCB’s fortunes changed when Krunal Pandya was introduced into the attack in the 10th over. He bowled with excellent control and broke the rhythm of Rajasthan’s innings. Pandya dismissed Parag and later removed Rana in the 14th over, creating a massive dent in RR’s chase.

As the pressure mounted, RCB tightened the screws. Spinner Suyash Sharma supported well from the other end, keeping the run rate in check and forcing the Royals to take risky shots.

The final nail in the coffin came from Josh Hazlewood, who made a stunning comeback after an expensive first spell. Hazlewood, bowling the crucial 17th and 19th overs, turned the match in RCB’s favor. In the 19th over, he gave away just 1 run and took 2 wickets—dismissing the dangerous Dhruv Jurel (47 off 34) and Jofra Archer, effectively killing Rajasthan’s hopes.

With 18 needed off the final two overs, Rajasthan’s chase derailed. Yash Dayal, tasked with bowling the final over, defended comfortably as RR managed just 5 runs and lost two more wickets, ending their innings at 194/9.

Key Performers and Turning Points

Virat Kohli: 70 off 42 balls – led from the front with a captain’s knock.
Devdutt Padikkal: 50 off 27 balls – provided crucial middle-over stability.
Josh Hazlewood: 4/33 – hero with the ball in the death overs.
Krunal Pandya: 2/31 – pivotal in breaking the back of RR’s middle order.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 49 off 19 balls – blistering start that almost sealed the game early.

What This Result Means

For RCB, this win is massive. Not only does it keep them in the playoff hunt, but it also ends a string of home losses, boosting morale and fan confidence. They now have momentum and will look to carry it into the remaining matches.

For Rajasthan Royals, things are bleak. This was their fifth consecutive defeat and seventh overall in the tournament. Even if they manage to win all their remaining matches, qualifying for the playoffs will be extremely difficult without a favorable net run rate and some help from other teams’ results.

Final Thoughts

This RCB vs RR encounter was everything IPL fans crave—high scores, nail-biting moments, heroic performances, and a thrilling finish. It reminded us why T20 cricket is so exhilarating and unpredictable.

As the league stage nears its conclusion, every match becomes a virtual knockout. With form, momentum, and belief, RCB looks ready to fight till the end, while RR needs a miracle to stay alive in the tournament.

Stay tuned for more match reports, insights, and IPL 2025 updates right here!

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