RCB vs DC: In a closely fought encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2025, the RCB bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, showed clinical precision to limit DC to a humble 162/8 on a challenging, two-paced wicket.
RCB vs DC: Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya’s match-winning partnership
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After an early collapse of RCB in the powerplay itself due to the loss of 3 wickets – Bethell, Paddikal, and Rajat Patidar. Kohli and Pandya built a crucial partnership to chase a humble target of 162, and with their half-centuries, RCB grabbed a comfortable win at the end, with some finish touches of Tim David scoring 19 off 5 balls.
Early Momentum for DC but Short-Lived
DC began on a positive note with Abishek Porel hitting 28 off merely 11 balls with fine timing and power. However, the impetus didn’t continue long since the middle order was unable to stay fluent on a pitch which provided relief to seamers and spinners alike.
Middle Overs Choke by Suyash and Krunal
The spin partnership of Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya was a game-changer in the middle overs. They used the squeeze to perfection, giving away only 13 runs in the 15th and 16th overs together. Their neat spells were timed perfectly after Hazlewood got rid of the dangerous Axar Patel in the 14th over, just after he had hit Krunal for a six.
KL Rahul and Du Plessis Fall Short of Expectations
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DC’s bowlers weren’t the only ones in control—RCB’s openers, Faf du Plessis (22 off 26) and KL Rahul (41 off 39), also labored to find timing. Their slow starts stunted DC’s run rate, especially as the pitch got harder to bat on with each over.
Impact Player Strategy Backfires for DC
Once Bhuvneshwar got rid of KL Rahul in the 17th over, DC brought Ashutosh Sharma in as their Impact Player. The strategy went awry with Ashutosh getting out third ball to a cunning leg-cutter by Bhuvneshwar. DC, who had chosen a bowler-dominated XI, regretted their option to go for depth over agility.
Stubbs and Vipraj Revive Late Innings with Innovation
Even though the top order was in trouble, Tristan Stubbs and Vipraj Nigam led DC back into the match with a wave of creative shots in the death overs. They shared 36 runs in the 18th and 19th overs, using their wisdom to play smartly behind the wicket and make the most out of RCB’s field setting.
Bhuvneshwar’s Brilliant Final Over
Any chance of a dramatic conclusion was ruined by a death bowling masterclass courtesy of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. RCB was on the receiving end of a penalty for slow over rate and already had an extra man within the circle, and he still took just six runs, including a leg-bye, off the 20th over. He also picked the pivotal wicket of Stubbs to seal off an economical bowling display.
ALSO READ: DC vs RCB, IPL 2025: Impact Players And Playing XIs Of Both The Teams
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