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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals: RCB Edge Past RR in IPL 2025 Thriller

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off a thrilling 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Match 42 of IPL 2025 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Powered by stellar batting performances and a fiery bowling display from Josh Hazlewood, RCB kept their playoff hopes alive. Despite strong resistance from Rajasthan Royals, they fell short chasing a steep target of 206. Hazlewood's four-wicket burst earned him the Player of the Match, underlining the night as one of intense drama and crucial momentum shifts.

Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 205/5 (20 Overs) - Virat Kohli 70 (42), Devdutt Padikkal 50 (27); Sandeep Sharma 2/45

Rajasthan Royals: 194/9 (20 Overs) - Yashasvi Jaiswal 49 (19), Dhruv Jurel 47 (34); Josh Hazlewood 4/34

Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 11 runs

RCB's Top-Order Blitz and a Solid Finish

The evening began with Rajasthan Royals opting to bowl first after winning the toss. Opening the innings, Philip Salt and Virat Kohli ensured Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a strong start. While Salt couldn't convert his start, Kohli took charge, showcasing vintage aggression. His 70 off 42 balls in this RCB vs RR IPL 2025 encounter anchored the innings beautifully.

Devdutt Padikkal matched Kohli's energy, smashing 50 from just 27 balls. Their partnership set a base that allowed RCB to aim for a 200-plus score. Although there was a minor middle-order wobble when Rajat Patidar and Tim David fell in quick succession, Jitesh Sharma’s cameo an explosive 20 not out off just 10 balls gave RCB the perfect flourish to end at 205/5.

Rajasthan Royals Falter Despite a Strong Start

Chasing 206, Rajasthan Royals started with intent. Yashasvi Jaiswal came out blazing, smashing 49 runs off just 19 deliveries. His early fireworks made the chase seem within reach. However, after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's early dismissal, the pressure crept back.

Despite brief partnerships in the middle overs, including Nitish Rana's 28 and Dhruv Jurel's fighting 47, Rajasthan never really found the rhythm needed for such a daunting target. Riyan Parag, their stand-in captain, tried anchoring but couldn't shift gears when it mattered. Josh Hazlewood's deadly spell in the death overs sealed the deal for RCB, breaking Rajasthan’s backbone.

Josh Hazlewood: The Difference Maker

On a night of big runs and aggressive batting, Hazlewood's control and precision were gold dust. The Australian pacer finished with figures of 4/34, including key wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Jofra Archer. Every time Rajasthan looked like pulling off the chase, Hazlewood struck a telling blow.

His performance wasn't just about numbers; it was about impact. In high-pressure moments, Hazlewood delivered yorkers, slower balls, and hard lengths that RR’s batters struggled to handle. His spell, undoubtedly, was the biggest reason Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated an important win in this RCB vs RR IPL 2025 matchup.

Captain Patidar's Growing Influence

In only his second game as captain, Rajat Patidar's leadership for RCB showed maturity beyond his years. His field placements were aggressive, his bowling changes sharp. Trusting Hazlewood for the key overs, keeping spinners like Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma in the middle phases to stem the run flow every decision clicked perfectly.

Even with the bat, though his personal score wasn't big, Patidar’s positive approach at the crease set the tone. This victory under his captaincy could spark renewed energy within the RCB camp as they aim to stay relevant in the playoff race.

Royals Struggle Without a Finisher

One glaring issue for Rajasthan Royals this season has been the lack of a dependable finisher. While Dhruv Jurel showed composure, the absence of a seasoned hand to guide the chase home hurt them badly. Shimron Hetmyer’s early dismissal and Riyan Parag’s inability to accelerate left too much for the tailenders.

Had they managed partnerships deeper into the innings, the result could’ve been different. But once Hazlewood dismantled their middle order, it was always a mountain too steep.

Key Takeaways: RCB vs RR IPL 2025 Showdown

This win gives Royal Challengers Bengaluru vital breathing space in a congested mid-table battle. It was a night where their big players stood tall when it mattered most. From Kohli’s swagger to Hazlewood’s icy calm, RCB ticked several important boxes.

For Rajasthan Royals, however, it’s a reality check. Their bowling lacked bite apart from Sandeep Sharma, and their batting continues to rely heavily on early momentum. Fixing these issues is crucial if they want to stay in playoff contention.

In a season as tightly contested as IPL 2025, every win, every point, and every net run rate improvement could be the difference between heartbreak and glory. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have given themselves a fighting chance. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, will need to dig deeper, work harder, and regroup fast.