Cricholic
In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash, Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets, extending their undefeated streak to six consecutive away victories. 🌟
With RCB chasing 163, it seemed like a tough task after a shaky start, but Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli formed a match-winning partnership, putting up a 119-run stand for the fourth wicket. This dynamic duo guided RCB to the top of the table, with their calculated approach to the middle overs and death overs leading them to a stunning victory.
Where Krunal and RCB Turned the Game 🏆
RCB’s performance in the middle overs was where the game was won. Krunal Pandya’s leadership and spin bowling, combined with his partnership with Kohli, were instrumental in turning the tide. Delhi Capitals had a good start, but their failure to build partnerships and the tight spin bowling from RCB’s duo of Krunal and Suyash Sharma caused a dramatic collapse. 💥
As RCB’s chase began, Krunal and Kohli initially struggled but eventually regained control. Their adaptability to DC’s aggressive bowling was key, as they found gaps and punished any loose deliveries. This change in approach by the two experienced players allowed RCB to regain control of the match and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 🔥
The Middle-Overs Phase: Turning Point in the Game 💡
| Parameters | DC | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 56/2 | 79/0 |
| Run Rate | 6.22 | 8.78 |
| 4s/6s | 4/1 | 3/4 |
Delhi Capitals’ Innings Breakdown 🔴⚡
PowerPlay: Hazlewood Breaks Early Momentum
Delhi started their innings with Abishek Porel playing some aggressive shots against Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, Josh Hazlewood put a stop to this early charge with a tight spell, removing Porel in the third over. Porel’s departure put pressure on the DC top order, forcing them to rethink their aggressive approach. By the end of the PowerPlay, DC was 52/2 (RR 8.67), a reasonable start, but RCB’s bowlers had managed to disrupt their rhythm. 🚨
Despite hitting two sixes, Porel couldn’t get going, and the loss of wickets meant DC couldn’t capitalize fully on their PowerPlay advantage. Hazlewood’s economy rate of 7.22 during this phase set the tone for the rest of the innings, while he also became the owner of the purple cap. 🔝
Middle Overs: Spin Mastery Chokes DC
After a solid PowerPlay, DC struggled to get any momentum during the middle overs. With Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya on the attack, DC’s middle-order failed to break free. Krunal bowled a tight spell, restricting the batsmen to minimal runs, while Suyash Sharma added pressure from the other end. This caused Delhi’s scoring rate to plummet. 🎯
Faf du Plessis’ decision to promote Axar Patel in the batting order proved to be ineffective. Axar, known for his aggressive spin hitting, was left clueless by the variations from Krunal, who bowled a surprise bouncer to send him back.
At 56/2, DC were under pressure. The batting unit’s inability to find boundaries or rotate strike effectively during this phase gave RCB the upper hand. 🧠
Death Overs: Stubbs and Nigam Fight Back
Despite the struggles in the middle overs, DC’s Tristan Stubbs and Vipraj Nigam played a few explosive shots, including a memorable uppercut for six. But Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s sharp death bowling proved difficult for the two youngsters to handle, restricting their partnership and keeping the target within reach for RCB.
In the final overs, RCB’s bowlers showed composure, managing to keep DC’s score at a total of 162/8, which seemed chaseable but not easy. 💣
RCB’s Chase: Krunal and Kohli Lead the Charge 🏃♂️💨
PowerPlay: Early Setbacks
RCB’s chase began poorly, as Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell found themselves under pressure. Axar Patel removed Bethell and Padikkal in quick succession, reducing RCB to 35/3 in the PowerPlay. Rajat Patidar’s mix-up with Kohli led to his unfortunate run-out. ❌
With the asking rate climbing, it looked like RCB was in trouble. But Krunal Pandya stepped in and began to steady the ship alongside Virat Kohli. This partnership in the middle overs was essential for RCB’s recovery.
Middle Overs: A Partnership that Shifted Momentum
RCB’s approach was calm but aggressive when needed. The duo of Krunal and Kohli worked brilliantly to get the chase back on track. The turning point came in the 13th over, when Krunal hit Mukesh Kumar for two sixes. This was followed by a beautifully timed shot off Kuldeep Yadav for a six. By now, the required rate had been brought down significantly.
Krunal’s well-timed 38-ball half-century lifted the spirits of the RCB camp and the fans. His calm and composed nature at the crease was crucial in the chase, giving Kohli the platform to also play his shots. 🏏💥
Death Overs: Tim David Seals the Deal
As RCB headed into the final 30 balls, they needed 49 runs. Kohli, who had anchored the innings, reached his half-century. However, a slower delivery from Chameera caught him out at deep extra cover. At this point, RCB needed a finisher, and Tim David stepped up. 🌪️
David’s aggression in the final overs, including 18 runs off 4 balls against Mukesh, brought RCB to the brink of victory. Axar Patel gave Mukesh Kumar the penultimate over, hoping for a miracle, but David’s four boundaries sealed the match with 9 balls to spare. 🔥💥
Brief Scores 📊
- Delhi Capitals: 162/8 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 41, Tristan Stubbs 34; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-33, Josh Hazlewood 2-36)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 165/4 in 18.3 overs (Krunal Pandya 73*, Virat Kohli 51; Axar Patel 2-19)
RCB won by 6 wickets. 🏅
What’s Next? ⏳
RCB will enjoy a five-day break before hosting CSK on May 3 in a crucial match. Delhi Capitals, however, face KKR on April 29, with a must-win scenario on the horizon. 💬
