Cricholic
Clinch the Win: A Thrilling Finish for RCB 🏆
Clinch it they did! Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) held their nerve in a thrilling finish to secure an epic 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. Despite a strong fight from Royals, led by Dhruv Jurel, RCB’s strategic bowling, especially from Josh Hazlewood, turned the tide in their favor, delivering their first home win in IPL 2025. 😱 Therefore, RCB’s comeback was nothing short of spectacular, and it capped off a dramatic finish to the match.
RCB Clinch Early Momentum in the Powerplay 🔥
Powerplay Phase: 59/0
RR (Run Rate): 9.83
To begin with, RCB’s openers, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, set the tone early with consistent boundaries. Notably, Jofra Archer’s opening over was costly, conceding five wides, while Riyan Parag dropped an early catch to give Phil Salt a reprieve. Moreover, Kohli’s aggression and Tushar Deshpande’s struggles helped RCB get a strong start. As a result, RCB dominated the early phase of the game.
Kohli and Padikkal Clinch Control in the Middle Overs 🔥🚀
Phase Score: 97/1
RR: 10.77
The middle overs proved to be a turning point as Padikkal launched a six-hitting spree with Kohli. Consequently, Kohli’s streaky boundaries off Sandeep Sharma, along with the duo’s explosive hitting, ensured RCB reached a solid total above 200. This remarkable partnership saw them reach new heights in their innings, firmly positioning RCB for a strong finish. 💥
Royals Fightback, but RCB Clinch Victory 💪⚔️
Phase Score: 49/3
RR: 9.8
Despite the pressure, Kohli fell trying to punch through extra cover, and Sandeep Sharma claimed two quick wickets to stall RCB’s charge. However, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma chipped in with a few boundaries, ensuring RCB reached 205/5. This sequence of events proved crucial in providing the team with enough runs to defend.
Royals’ Clinch Moment: Powerplay Assault 💥
Powerplay Phase: 72/2
RR: 12
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive start brought the chase to life, as he dispatched Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood for boundaries. Nevertheless, Jaiswal’s innings ended when Hazlewood dismissed him with a short ball. This marked a shift in the momentum as Royals now had to fight back with reduced resources. 🏏
Middle Overs: Royals Apply the Pressure to Clinch a Chance 🤔
Phase Score: 76/2
RR: 8.44
Even though Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag kept the chase alive, Krunal Pandya’s tight spell helped RCB make inroads. Subsequently, pressure mounted as Royals required 58 from the last 5 overs. By applying constant pressure, RCB managed to maintain control of the game.
Clinch the Victory: Hazlewood’s Magic 🔥💪
Death Overs Phase: 46/5
RR: 9.2
Dhruv Jurel’s six brought the target down to 46 from 24 balls. However, Hazlewood’s brilliance turned the match around. He took two wickets in the penultimate over, including Jurel’s crucial scalp, leaving Royals needing 17 off 6 balls. Thanks to this exceptional over, RCB were able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 🏆
Final Scores 🎯
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 205/5 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 70, Devdutt Padikkal 50; Sandeep Sharma 2/45)
- Rajasthan Royals: 194/9 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 49, Dhruv Jurel 47; Josh Hazlewood 4/33)
What’s Next for the Teams? 🔮
After securing their first home win of the season, RCB will look to build on their momentum as they head to Delhi for their next match. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will look to bounce back when they host Gujarat Titans at home. 🏠
