Key Takeaways
- PBKS defeated RCB in a rain-shortened IPL 2025 match by five wickets.
- Tim David’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls was a rare highlight in RCB’s struggling innings.
- Punjab’s bowling unit dominated early, dismantling RCB’s top and middle order.
- Nehal Wadhera anchored PBKS’s chase with a composed and timely knock.
- The win marked Punjab’s second consecutive victory, lifting them to second in the IPL 2025 standings.
IPL 2025 Match 34 RCB vs PBKS: Match Summary
In a gripping encounter under the Bengaluru skies, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a clinical five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League 2025. Despite a shortened game due to rain, the contest offered drama, collapse, and a solitary blaze of brilliance from Tim David—whose unbeaten half-century wasn’t enough to prevent a second consecutive defeat for RCB.
Rain Disrupts Play, Toss Favors Punjab
The match was cut short to a 14-over-per-side encounter with a 4-over powerplay due to heavy showers that delayed the start of play. After winning the toss, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first, a choice that would prove crucial on the soggy field at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB’s Top Order Crumbles Under Pressure
Phil Salt hit the first ball to the boundary to give RCB a good start to their innings. But almost instantly the momentum changed. Josh Inglis’s fast catch allowed Arshdeep Singh to eliminate Salt for just four. Virat Kohli was dismissed for a single run by Arshdeep in his subsequent over, which was made possible by Marco Jansen’s spectacular backward catch.
From there, RCB’s innings spiraled downward. Wickets fell in clusters, and within five overs, they found themselves reeling at 33/5—the lowest score at the fall of five wickets in the ongoing IPL season. Captain Rajat Patidar tried to hold the fort with a modest 23 off 18, but Yuzvendra Chahal ended his resistance.
The RCB fell to 43/7 by the ninth over. In his first match of the season, Harpreet Brar immediately made a mark by taking two wickets in quick succession. The RCB were sluggish at 63/9 with two overs left.
Tim David’s Heroics Provide Late Spark
Faced with the daunting task of salvaging the innings, Tim David rose to the occasion. With the tailenders offering minimal support, David launched a late counterattack. In the last over, he took Harpreet Brar by storm, hitting three straight sixes to reach his first IPL half-century.
David’s unbeaten 50 off 26 deliveries stood in stark contrast to the rest of RCB’s batting lineup, which collectively managed just 45 runs off 58 balls. Thanks to his explosive finish, RCB limped to 95/9 in their 14 overs—giving themselves a fighting chance in the low-scoring clash.
Punjab’s Chase Begins with Caution
PBKS openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya adopted a conservative stance early on while chasing a target of 96. After two overs, they were just 12/0. Prabhsimran tried to lift the tempo in the third over with two quick boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but the experienced bowler hit back by removing him soon after.
Arya tried a similar approach against Josh Hazlewood, striking a six but falling on the very next delivery—caught by Tim David at the boundary. PBKS ended the powerplay at a balanced 33/2.
RCB Stage a Brief Comeback
Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer tried to steady the innings with the game still in the balance. However, Hazlewood briefly swung the game in RCB’s favor during his second stint. He reduced Punjab to 46/4 by dismissing Iyer and Inglis in the same over, giving the RCB camp new hope.
Nehal Wadhera Holds Firm Amidst Pressure
Nehal Wadhera took over as anchor as the game changed in the RCB’s favor. Facing tight bowling from Suyash Sharma initially, Wadhera absorbed the pressure before launching an assault in the ninth and eleventh overs—smashing the leg-spinner for two sixes and a couple of boundaries.
Despite losing Shashank Singh in the 12th over to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Wadhera maintained his composure. He struck a six and a four in the same over, reducing the target to just four runs with two overs remaining.
Stoinis Finishes the Job
The game ended in spectacular fashion when Marcus Stoinis hit a boundary with 11 balls left to give PBKS the victory. Punjab chased down the 96-run target at 99/5, registering back-to-back wins and climbing to second place in the points table with five victories from seven matches.
Conclusion
Rain cut the game short, but it didn’t lessen the excitement. Wadhera’s cool finishing touch and Punjab’s disciplined bowling characterized the result, even if Tim David’s knock stood out as a valiant solo effort. This season, PBKS proved they are strong challengers, while RCB’s batting problems persist despite their individual excellence.
