RCB vs PBKS Highlights | Punjab Kings Thrash Royal Challengers in Rain-Hit | IPL 2025 Match 34

Punjab Kings Outclass RCB in Rain-Shortened Clash at Chinnaswamy – IPL 2025 Match 34 Recap

Punjab Kings clinched a dominant 5-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-shortened 14-over clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB struggled to 95/9, with Tim David's lone 50* saving face after a top-order collapse. Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell gave RCB hope, but Nehal Wadhera’s composed 33* guided PBKS to victory in 12.1 overs. Punjab’s all-round bowling effort and smart batting sealed an important win in their playoff push.

Scorecard

RCB – 95/9 (14 overs)
Tim David 50* (26), Rajat Patidar 23 (18)
Arshdeep Singh 2/20, Marco Jansen 2/10, Chahal 2/11

PBKS – 98/5 (12.1 overs)
Nehal Wadhera 33* (19), Josh Inglis 14 (17)
Josh Hazlewood 3/14, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/26

Result: Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets (14-over match due to rain)
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Player of the Match: Nehal Wadhera (PBKS)

.@PunjabKingsIPL's red is shining bright in Bengaluru ❤️

They continue their winning streak with an all-round show over #RCB ????

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/NOASW2XRMD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2025

Rain Shortens, Punjab Finishes: Kings Outgun RCB in 14-Over Blitz

In a rain-marred yet gripping contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) handed a five-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 34 of IPL 2025. It was a game reduced to 14 overs per side due to persistent drizzle, but the Kings didn’t miss a beat as they hunted down a modest target of 96 with 11 balls to spare.

RCB’s batting woes continued, undone once again by disciplined bowling and poor shot selection, as they limped to 95/9 in their 14 overs. Punjab, chasing on a surface that surprisingly aided movement and bounce, replied with 98/5 in 12.1 overs, thanks to a composed knock by Nehal Wadhera and sharp powerplay hitting from Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.

RCB’s Batting Blunders on Display Again

After being put into bat, RCB’s innings unraveled almost immediately. Phil Salt, usually the tone-setter, was caught behind for 4 off Arshdeep Singh, who struck again to remove Virat Kohli cheaply. Livingstone, Jitesh, and Krunal Pandya followed in rapid succession as RCB slid to 33/5 in the 6th over.

Only Rajat Patidar (23 off 18) and a brief counter-attacking cameo from Tim David (50 off 26)* offered resistance. David smashed five fours and three sixes in a solo act that somewhat salvaged the innings. Yet, the score of 95/9 on a good batting wicket was always going to be well below par, especially in the fast-paced 14-over format.

The Punjab Kings bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20), Marco Jansen (2/10), and Chahal (2/11), exposed the fragility of RCB’s middle order. Harpreet Brar chipped in with two wickets to clean up the tail.

Punjab Kings’ Calm Chase Anchored by Wadhera

PBKS came out with intent as Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya gave them a flying start. Though both fell inside the first four overs, they had already laid the foundation with a quick 32. Hazlewood made things interesting with a spell of 3/14, dismissing Arya, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis.

At 53/4, RCB smelled a slim chance. But Nehal Wadhera stood firm, hitting a composed 33 off 19 balls*, ensuring that there was no late twist. Shashank Singh fell trying to finish the game early, but Marcus Stoinis came in and calmly sealed the win in the 13th over.

With this win, Punjab Kings leapfrog RCB on the points table, registering their fifth victory in seven games. The result leaves RCB with questions to answer, especially around their batting approach in pressure games and the recurring collapse through the middle overs.

Post-Match Takeaways

1. Tim David’s half-century was the only spark in RCB’s otherwise dismal show. But his knock should raise eyebrows – coming too late and with minimal support, it simply couldn’t change the momentum.

2. Hazlewood was world-class, yet again, with smart changes of pace and lengths. If there’s one consistent performer in RCB’s bowling unit, it’s the Aussie quick.

3. RCB's inconsistency at home has now become a glaring concern. With two back-to-back losses at Chinnaswamy, they’re running out of home advantage quickly.

4. Punjab’s bowling depth and balance Jansen’s swing, Arshdeep’s aggression, Chahal’s guile gives them a dynamic edge in rain-truncated or pressure-filled games.