Cricholic
Virat Kohli extended his golden run in IPL 2025 with yet another match-winning knock. His unbeaten 73 — his third consecutive fifty while chasing — powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. As a result, RCB continued their unbeaten streak in run-chases and notched up their fifth straight away win, climbing to third place in the standings. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings saw their momentum broken after back-to-back victories.
🔑 Kohli’s Class Sets the Tone for RCB’s Dominance
The turning point of the match came during the middle overs. While Punjab Kings crumbled under pressure, losing five wickets between overs 6 and 15, RCB handled the same phase with composure. Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal combined caution with intent, ensuring RCB remained in control. Therefore, PBKS never had the opportunity to mount a comeback.
🟥 Punjab Kings Struggle to Build After Powerplay
H4: Kohli’s Spinners Take Charge in the Middle
Middle Overs Score: 57/5 (RR: 6.33 | 4s/6s: 3/1)
Punjab Kings started well, but their innings unraveled soon after the powerplay. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma triggered a collapse that changed the game’s momentum. Krunal dismissed the dangerous Prabhsimran Singh, while Suyash struck twice in one over to remove Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis. Moreover, a critical run-out only added to Punjab’s woes. As a result, they never recovered from the slump despite a short-lived partnership between Inglis and Shashank Singh.
🔴 Kohli and Padikkal’s Stand Anchors the RCB Chas
Middle Overs Score: 68/1 (RR: 7.55 | 4s/6s: 4/3)
In contrast to PBKS, RCB showed how to build an innings in the middle overs. Kohli and Padikkal stitched a 103-run partnership, mixing rotation of strike with timely boundaries. Notably, Padikkal scored his first IPL fifty in 22 innings, reaching the mark in just 30 balls. Meanwhile, Kohli remained steady at one end, accelerating when needed. A 13-run over from Marcus Stoinis provided the boost RCB were waiting for, and from there, they never looked back.
🔚 Kohli Finishes It Off Without Breaking a Sweat
In the death overs, Kohli took charge and finished the game with style. Although Rajat Patidar was dismissed, the job was almost done. Kohli’s calculated shots against Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal kept RCB ahead of the required rate. Eventually, Jitesh Sharma sealed the win with a towering six. Hence, RCB cruised to a seven-wicket win without any late drama.
🔢 Brief Scores
Punjab Kings: 157/6 (Prabhsimran Singh 33; Krunal Pandya 2/25, Suyash Sharma 2/26)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 159/3 (Virat Kohli 73*, Devdutt Padikkal 61)
Result: RCB won by 7 wickets.
🗓️ What’s Next?
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru return to Bengaluru to face Rajasthan Royals on April 24.
- Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will travel to face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26 after a five-day break.
