Key Highlights:
Josh Hazlewood, the Australian pace spearhead, delivered a match-defining bowling performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 18, 2025, against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a rain-shortened contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Bowling just two overs, Hazlewood wreaked havoc in the PBKS top order, removing Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis, and giving RCB a serious chance to claw their way back into a low-scoring encounter.
Josh Hazlewood’s Bowling Spell: A Breakdown
- Overs: 2
- Runs Conceded: 13
- Wickets Taken: 3
- Economy Rate: 6.50
- Wickets:
- 3.4: Priyansh Arya – caught by Tim David (32/2)
- 7.4: Shreyas Iyer – caught by Jitesh Sharma (52/3)
- 7.6: Josh Inglis – short ball caught at backward point (53/4)
Hazlewood bowled with perfect discipline, using bounce and line variation to unsettle the batters. His two wickets in one over dramatically swung the momentum.
RCB’s Total and the Rain Factor
The match had already been reduced to 14 overs per side due to weather. RCB posted a below-par total of 95/9, largely rescued by an unbeaten 50 from Tim David.
With a modest target to defend, Hazlewood’s early breakthroughs gave RCB a glimmer of hope. His performance created pressure that slowed PBKS’s chase dramatically, forcing them to rethink their aggressive strategy.
Hazlewood’s Growing Impact in IPL 2025
After a slow start to the tournament, Josh Hazlewood has returned to his menacing best. His performance on April 18 was:
- His best of the season so far
- A reminder of his value in shorter formats, especially under pressure
- Crucial for RCB’s bowling blueprint heading into the second half of IPL 2025
RCB’s bowling unit has relied heavily on Hazlewood’s experience, and he delivered right when they needed him the most.
What This Means for RCB and Hazlewood
- RCB’s Playoff Push: Hazlewood’s spell helps salvage net run rate and sets a template for defending low totals.
- Captain’s Trust: His back-to-back wickets were a result of faith placed in him during the middle overs.
- Player Form: This 3-wicket haul elevates Hazlewood’s standing among the season’s top impact bowlers.
How to Take Action
- Rewatch Hazlewood’s spell on IPL’s official app or YouTube highlights
- Track his economy and wicket rate across matches via fantasy apps
- Share insights and stats on #HazlewoodRCB and #IPL2025
Who Will Be Affected by Hazlewood’s Performance
- PBKS Batters: Arya, Iyer, and Inglis were all victims of Hazlewood’s precision — they’ll now approach him more cautiously in the return fixture.
- RCB Bowling Strategy: Hazlewood could now take over more powerplay or death-over responsibilities.
- Fantasy League Players: With 3 wickets and excellent economy, he’s fast becoming a must-have.
Josh Hazlewood Turns the Tide for RCB with a Spell to Remember
Josh Hazlewood’s spell on April 18 was a masterclass in control and execution. In a format that often favours the bat, Hazlewood reminded the cricketing world that accurate pace bowling still wins matches. While RCB’s total may have seemed modest, his spell created pressure, turned the momentum, and offered a fighting chance.
For RCB’s campaign to continue in IPL 2025, performances like this will need to be the rule, not the exception — and with Hazlewood back in rhythm, that just might be possible.
Stay updated with the latest from Hindustan Herald — your trusted source for
Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, and More.
📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube
🔔 Join our Telegram channel @hindustanherald for real-time news alerts.
