Key Highlights:
PBKS vs RCB Result: Kohli, Padikkal Lead Bengaluru to Commanding 7-Wicket Win – IPL 2025 Match 38
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a clinical run chase to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 7 wickets in Match 38 of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur on April 20. Chasing 158, Virat Kohli (73* off 54) and Devdutt Padikkal (61 off 52) put together a match-winning 103-run stand that ensured a smooth path to victory with 7 balls to spare.
This result lifts RCB firmly into playoff contention while PBKS continues to search for rhythm, especially with the bat.
Punjab Kings Innings: Early Momentum But Middle-Order Stutter
Batting first after losing the toss, PBKS posted 157/6 in 20 overs, a total that felt slightly below par on a true surface. Prabhsimran Singh (33 off 17) and Priyansh Arya (22 off 15) gave the Kings a flying start with 42 runs in just 4.2 overs.
However, RCB applied brakes in the middle overs:
- Shreyas Iyer (6 off 10) struggled for fluency and fell to Romario Shepherd.
- Josh Inglis (29 off 17) showed promise but was undone by Suyash Sharma.
- Nehal Wadhera was run out via sharp fielding by Kohli and David.
Late cameos from Shashank Singh (31)* and Marco Jansen (25)* helped PBKS cross the 150-mark, but the total lacked bite against RCB’s in-form top order.
Top PBKS Batters:
- Prabhsimran Singh – 33 (17)
- Josh Inglis – 29 (17)
- Shashank Singh – 31* (33)
RCB Bowling Highlights:
- Suyash Sharma: 4-0-26-2
- Romario Shepherd: 2-0-10-1
- Krunal Pandya: 4-0-25-1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings: Kohli-Padikkal Partnership Seals It
RCB’s chase got off to a shaky start when Phil Salt (1 off 3) departed early to Arshdeep Singh. But from there, it was the Kohli-Padikkal show.
The pair stitched a 103-run stand off 76 balls with near-flawless timing, ensuring PBKS bowlers never got back into the contest.
- Padikkal hit 6 boundaries and a six before falling to Harpreet Brar.
- Kohli remained unbeaten, anchoring the innings and reaching his half-century in 43 balls.
A brief hiccup occurred when Rajat Patidar (12 off 13) fell with just 15 needed, but Jitesh Sharma (11 off 8)* finished the chase comfortably.
Top RCB Batters:
- Virat Kohli – 73* (54), 6x4s, 1×6
- Devdutt Padikkal – 61 (52), 6x4s, 1×6
PBKS Bowling Effort:
- Arshdeep Singh: 3-0-26-1
- Harpreet Brar: 3-0-17-1
- Marco Jansen: 4-0-20-1
Key Match Moments
- Powerplay Pressure: PBKS raced to 62/1 in 6 overs but slowed significantly thereafter.
- RCB’s Impact: Devdutt Padikkal was subbed in for Suyash Sharma and delivered big with the bat.
- Kohli’s Calm: Virat Kohli’s experience shone under lights, marshalling the chase perfectly.
- PBKS Review Misfire: Marcus Stoinis’s review against Kohli failed — a costly miss.
Top Performer of the Match: Virat Kohli
🏆 Virat Kohli – 73 off 54 balls*
The former RCB skipper batted with poise and authority, pacing his innings perfectly and guiding his team to victory. It was a vintage Kohli innings — anchored in timing, awareness, and leadership.
Points Table Impact
- RCB climbs into the top 5 with their 5th win of the season.
- PBKS remain in the lower half and will need to win at least 3 of their next 4 matches to stay in playoff contention.
What This Means for Both Teams
For RCB:
- Kohli’s return to form boosts their top order
- Bowling looks well-balanced with pace-spin mix
- Eyes now on net run rate improvement
For PBKS:
- Middle-order batting needs urgency
- Bowling lacked penetration in the middle overs
- Must recalibrate before next match against SRH
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