RCB vs PBKS First Innings: Tim David Wages Lone Battle as Punjab Kings Wreck RCB for 95 in 14 Overs
Punjab Kings produced a clinical bowling performance, dismantling RCB’s top and middle order on a damp Bengaluru pitch. Tim David’s aggressive half-century was the lone resistance in a dramatic innings that ended with RCB crawling to 95/9.
Key Highlights:
In a rain-shortened IPL 2025 match 34 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB vs PBKS turned into a one-sided contest early on, with Punjab Kings ripping through the RCB line-up, bowling them out for a modest 95/9 in 14 overs. While Tim David’s unbeaten 50 off 26 brought some respectability to the total, the rest of RCB’s batting crumbled under relentless pressure from the PBKS bowling unit.
Chasing Intent Misfires: RCB’s Over-Aggression Backfires
Given the 14-over format, RCB came in with an ultra-aggressive mindset. However, this strategy backfired spectacularly, as poor shot selection and sharp bowling saw them lose three wickets inside the powerplay.
- Phil Salt (4 off 4) perished trying to pull a short ball from Arshdeep Singh.
- Virat Kohli (1 off 3) mistimed a loft off Jansen, departing cheaply and silencing the home crowd.
- Liam Livingstone (4 off 6) fell trying to clear the infield, caught brilliantly by Priyansh Arya.
Within just 3.6 overs, RCB were 26/3, setting the tone for what would become a brutal collapse.
PBKS Bowlers Execute Flawless Plans
Each PBKS bowler played a strategic role in dismantling RCB. Marco Jansen’s short-ball tactic worked perfectly against Krunal Pandya and Manoj Bhandage. Chahal weaved his magic once again at Chinnaswamy, picking up Patidar and Jitesh with flight and control. Bartlett and Harpreet Brar took the pressure further in the death overs.
Bowling Figures Summary:
- Marco Jansen: 3–0–10–2
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 3–0–11–2
- Xavier Bartlett: 3–0–26–2
- Arshdeep Singh: 3–0–23–2
- Harpreet Brar: 2–0–25–2
“The execution was spot on. Bartlett’s dismissal of Livingstone and Brar’s double strike nearly gave PBKS a hat-trick opportunity,” remarked a Cricbuzz analyst.
Middle Order Collapse: No Fight, No Stability
After the early powerplay blows, RCB’s middle order offered no resistance:
- Rajat Patidar (23 off 18) tried to rebuild but was outfoxed by Chahal.
- Jitesh Sharma (2), Krunal Pandya (1), Bhandage (1) – all fell cheaply, caught in confusion and pressure.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8) and Yash Dayal (0) couldn’t support Tim David either, as Harpreet Brar scalped both in the 12th over.
Tim David: The Lone Warrior
Amidst the wreckage, Tim David stood tall, crafting a brilliant 50 off 26 balls*, laced with 5 fours and 4 sixes. His calculated assault on Bartlett and Brar in the final overs ensured RCB had something to defend.
“David was the only batter who read the conditions and applied the right mix of aggression and caution,” said former IPL coach Tom Moody.
RCB’s First Innings Timeline: How the Collapse Unfolded
| Over | Wicket | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | Phil Salt | 4/1 |
| 2.4 | Virat Kohli | 21/2 |
| 3.6 | Liam Livingstone | 26/3 |
| 5.5 | Jitesh Sharma | 32/4 |
| 6.1 | Krunal Pandya | 33/5 |
| 7.4 | Rajat Patidar | 41/6 |
| 8.2 | Manoj Bhandage | 42/7 |
| 11.4 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 63/8 |
| 11.5 | Yash Dayal | 63/9 |
PBKS in Pole Position to Chase 96
With 96 needed in 14 overs, the target seems well within PBKS’s reach — especially with a batting line-up including Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, and Josh Inglis.
RCB’s only hope lies in early wickets and magical spells from Hazlewood or Dayal. But without scoreboard pressure, it’s PBKS’s game to lose.
Key Takeaways from RCB vs PBKS First Innings
- RCB’s ultra-aggressive approach didn’t suit the early pitch movement
- PBKS bowlers adapted better, using variety and field support brilliantly
- Tim David’s late assault was the only bright spot in RCB’s innings
- PBKS fielding was sharp: 4 out of 9 wickets were taken via excellent outfield catches
What This Means for the Points Table
If PBKS chase this down comfortably, they’ll surge past RCB in net run rate and gain crucial mid-season momentum. A dominant win could signal their playoff intent, while RCB risk sinking further unless their bowlers produce something extraordinary.
Disclaimer
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Cricbuzz. All insights, fantasy suggestions, and match reviews are editorial in nature and for informational use. Please play fantasy cricket responsibly.
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