In the 46th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
RCB won the toss and chose to field first, which paid off significantly. The bowlers bowled with discipline, limiting the home team to a below-par score. Though RCB encountered a few challenges during the powerplay, the momentum quickly shifted as Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma clenched the screws, conceding only 50 runs in their combined eight-over spell. In the death overs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar used all of his experience to keep the batters in check and ensure a clinical finish to the innings.
Chasing a target of 163, RCB made a poor start, losing three wickets in the powerplay and falling to 26/3. Axar Patel dismissed Jacob Bethell (12) and Devdutt Padikkal, while skipper Rajat Patidar was also run out via a blinder throw from Karun Nair. During the early collapse, Virat Kohli (51) anchored the innings with a composed knock, hitting only four boundaries but keeping the chase alive. Krunal Pandya (73*) stole the show with a match-winning half-century. Following a cautious start, the left-hander accelerated spectacularly, hitting five fours and four sixes to put RCB firmly in command. Tim David (19*) subsequently put on the finishing touches in style, striking three boundaries and a six to secure the win with nine balls remaining.
DC’s Abishek Porel (28) had an electrifying start, hitting two fours and two sixes. Former RCB captain Faf du Plessis (22) also performed well alongside him. However, DC continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, limiting their ability to go all out on bowlers. KL Rahul (41) and Tristan Stubbs (34*) were the only batters to score big with their bats.
For RCB with the ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a terrific outing as he grabbed three wickets. Two wickets were also taken by Josh Hazlewood, while one each wicket was picked up by Yash Dayal and Krunal Pandya.
DC with the ball were not that great as they could only grab four wickets, one being a run out. Axar grabbed two wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera got one wicket.
Krunal Pandya was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding batting show. With this win, RCB have claimed the top position in the points tally, with 14 points.
Scorecard:
Delhi Capitals: 162/8, Overs 20, KL Rahul 41, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/33
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 165/4, Overs 18.3, Krunal Pandya 73*, Axar Patel 2/19
