Cricholic
Shocking is the only way to describe Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s ongoing home woes. They crashed to a third straight defeat, this time against Punjab Kings, in a rain-curtailed 14-over clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB managed only 95/9, and if not for Tim David’s blistering 50*, the score could have been even lower.
Despite Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell of 3/14, PBKS chased down the target with ease. Nehal Wadhera’s composed knock of 33* helped them secure a 5-wicket win, moving Punjab Kings to the second spot on the points table.
🔍 Where the Game Was Won: Spin and a Shocking Middle-Order Collapse
While both teams dealt with tricky conditions, PBKS managed spin far better. Yuzvendra Chahal (2/11) choked RCB in the middle overs using his vast experience at the Chinnaswamy. Moreover, Marco Jansen added pressure from the other end with his bounce and tight lines.
Meanwhile, RCB’s spin duo—Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya—struggled for control. As a result, PBKS found it easier to rotate strike and keep the asking rate manageable.
🟥 RCB Innings Breakdown – A Shocking Slide in All Phases
Powerplay (Overs 1–4): Early Setbacks
Score: 26/3 | Run Rate: 6.5 | 4s/6s: 3/1
RCB’s innings started brightly with a boundary from Phil Salt. However, that momentum was short-lived. Salt, Kohli, and Livingstone fell inside the first four overs. Consequently, RCB were on the back foot early.
Middle Overs (Overs 5–10): Chahal, Jansen Lead the Shocking Collapse
Score: 21/4 | Run Rate: 3.5 | 4s/6s: 1/0
Chahal’s crafty spin and Jansen’s bounce wreaked havoc. RCB kept losing wickets in clusters. Additionally, poor shot choices and failed DRS reviews made the situation worse. The middle order offered little resistance, leading to a stunning collapse.
Death Overs (Overs 11–14): David’s Counterattack
Score: 48/2 | Run Rate: 9.6 | 4s/6s: 5/3
Tim David finally gave RCB fans something to cheer about. He smashed 26 off the last over, including a hat-trick of sixes. Still, with no support from the other end, the total remained under 100—well below par.
🟡 PBKS Innings Breakdown – Calm in the Face of a Shocking Challenge
Powerplay (Overs 1–4): Solid Start with Blips
Score: 33/2 | Run Rate: 8.25 | 4s/6s: 3/1
PBKS began steadily despite losing both openers. Prabhsimran and Arya fell to Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar. Nevertheless, they managed to keep the scoreboard ticking with quick singles and occasional boundaries.
Middle Overs (Overs 5–10): Hazlewood Delivers, But PBKS Stay Calm
Score: 32/2 | Run Rate: 6.4 | 4s/6s: 3/1
Although Hazlewood grabbed two more key wickets—dismissing Inglis and Iyer—PBKS didn’t panic. Instead, Wadhera and Shreyas Iyer rotated strike wisely. Consequently, the required rate never ballooned out of control.
Death Overs (Overs 11–14): Wadhera Ends RCB’s Shocking Home Run
Score: 33/1 | Run Rate: 15.27 | 4s/6s: 2/3
Wadhera took charge in the final stretch. While Shashank Singh fell to Bhuvneshwar, Wadhera ensured no hiccups. He launched boundaries and sixes, including a four over extra cover and a towering six off Yash Dayal. Marcus Stoinis then finished it in style.
📊 Match Summary
RCB: 95/9 in 14 overs
(Tim David 50*; Marco Jansen 2/10, Yuzvendra Chahal 2/11)
PBKS: 98/5 in 12.1 overs
(Nehal Wadhera 33*; Josh Hazlewood 3/14, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/26)
Result: Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets
🔜 What’s Next?
Both teams will regroup quickly as they face off again in Mullanpur on April 20. It’s a chance for RCB to bounce back from their shocking home form, though momentum is clearly with PBKS.
