RCB vs PBKS April 20, 2025

In a thrilling encounter RCB vs PBKS of IPL 2025, it turned out to be a showcase of dominant cricket as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 7 wickets on April 20. The match, hosted at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, witnessed top performances from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, helping RCB chase down 158 with ease.

PBKS Innings Start Strong but Falters Midway

The RCB vs PBKS clash began with Punjab Kings opting to bat first. Their openers, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, gave a fiery start. Arya hit 22 off just 15 balls, while Prabhsimran smashed 33 off 17 balls, giving PBKS early momentum.

However, in the battle, it was Krunal Pandya who brought RCB back by dismissing both openers. Arya mistimed a lofted shot, while Prabhsimran was caught on the boundary. From 65/0, PBKS quickly slipped to 90/4.

Middle Order Stumbles as RCB Strikes Back

In this RCB vs PBKS thriller, Josh Inglis tried to rebuild for Punjab Kings. He played some innovative strokes and added 29 off 17 balls. But Suyash Sharma turned the game in RCB’s favor, bowling Inglis and then removing Stoinis in the same over.

The RCB vs PBKS scorecard soon showed a struggling Punjab side at 114/6. With every over, RCB tightened its grip.

Hazlewood and Bhuvi Dominate the Death Overs

In the RCB vs PBKS clash, the death bowling of Royal Challengers Bengaluru was clinical. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled brilliant spells, restricting PBKS from accelerating in the last few overs.

Hazlewood’s variations and yorkers proved difficult to handle. Bhuvneshwar, bowling with supreme control, gave away very little in the 17th and 19th overs. PBKS could only manage 157/6 in their 20 overs, a par score at best in the high-scoring RCB fortress.

RCB’s Chase Fueled by Padikkal and Kohli

The second innings of RCB lost Phil Salt early to Arshdeep Singh. But the loss didn’t slow them down. In walked Devdutt Padikkal, who turned the tide quickly.

The match witnessed one of the best opening partnerships of the season as Padikkal and Kohli added 95 runs. Padikkal reached his half-century in just 30 balls, playing classy drives and aggressive pulls.

Padikkal’s 61 off 35 balls was the standout knock in this fixture. He was eventually dismissed trying to go big off Harpreet Brar, but the damage had been done.

Kohli Anchors the Chase with a Fluent Fifty

Virat Kohli, playing in top form during the RCB vs PBKS match, scored a composed 52* off 39 balls. His timing, placement, and shot selection were exemplary, as he guided RCB safely through the middle overs.

When Padikkal fell, Rajat Patidar stepped in and added a few crucial runs. The RCB vs PBKS match then saw Kohli take charge again, supported briefly by Jitesh Sharma.

Sharma Seals It with a Six

With 14 needed off the last three overs in this encounter, Jitesh Sharma walked out confidently. Facing Nehal Wadhera, Sharma smacked a six over midwicket to seal the game in RCB’s favor with 12 balls to spare.

RCB finished at 158/3 in 18 overs, registering a convincing win in this face-off.

Top Performers

Some of the best moments in RCB vs PBKS included:

• Devdutt Padikkal – 61 (35) – Player of the Match
• Virat Kohli – 52* (39) – Anchor and finisher
• Suyash Sharma – 2 wickets – Game-changing spell
• Josh Hazlewood – 1/23 – Superb death overs

These four players defined the result and were instrumental in shaping the game.

What the Win Means

This victory in boosts RCB’s standing in the IPL 2025 points table. Their net run rate also gets a healthy push. For PBKS, it’s back to the drawing board after back-to-back losses.

In the context of the tournament, the match could be a turning point for RCB as they now look like genuine title contenders with both bat and ball.

RCB vs PBKS: Score Summary

PBKS: 157/6 (20 overs)

Top scorer: Prabhsimran Singh – 33 (17)

Best bowler (RCB): Suyash Sharma – 2/12

RCB: 158/3 (18 overs)

Top scorer: Devdutt Padikkal – 61 (35)

Best bowler (PBKS): Harpreet Brar – 1/26

Result: RCB won by 7 wickets

RCB vs PBKS: Final Thoughts

The April 20 clash between RCB vs PBKS was more than just another league game—it was a statement from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their bowlers controlled the tempo, and their batters finished the job in style.

If they continue this momentum, future RCB vs PBKS battles could be more one-sided unless the Punjab Kings make key changes to their approach.

With stars like Kohli and Padikkal peaking at the right time, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has made a strong claim in the RCB vs PBKS series and beyond in IPL 2025.

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