KKR Fall Short in Just 4 Runs

Rain-Hit RCB Crumble as Punjab Kings Clinch Victory in Shortened Thriller

A rain-curtailed IPL 2025 clash in Bengaluru saw the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffer a dramatic batting collapse against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), ultimately leading to a five-wicket defeat. Despite the match being reduced to 14 overs per side, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar's decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as his team struggled to build any meaningful partnerships.

The nightmare began early for RCB, with opener Phil Salt departing in the very first over for a paltry 4. Virat Kohli soon followed, falling for just 1, leaving the home side reeling at 21/2 within the first three overs. Skipper Patidar tried to steady the ship, but even his 23 off 18 balls couldn't ignite a much-needed recovery.

RCB's batting woes continued throughout their innings, with only Patidar and the resilient Tim David (50* off 35 balls) managing to reach double figures. The rest of the batting lineup, including Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya, succumbed to single-digit scores, leaving RCB tottering at a meager 95/9 in their allotted 14 overs.

Chasing a modest target of 96, PBKS approached the innings with composure. While RCB managed to pick up a few wickets, Nehal Wadhera's explosive unbeaten knock of 33* off just 19 balls, which included the winning six, ensured a comfortable victory for Punjab Kings, reaching 98/5 in 12.1 overs.

A visibly frustrated Rajat Patidar didn't mince his words in the post-match ceremony, squarely blaming his team's batting unit for the disappointing loss. "Initially it was sticking, and was two-paced. But I think we could have done far better as a batting unit. Partnerships are important in batting. We have been losing wickets in intervals," a shellshocked Patidar lamented.

This defeat sees RCB slip to fourth position in the IPL 2025 points table with four wins and three losses, while a dominant Punjab Kings climb to second place with five victories and two defeats. The rain might have shortened the game, but it certainly didn't dampen the drama as PBKS emerged victorious in this one-sided contest.

Player of the match-Tim David(50)

Player of the match

        Todays Match(2)

      1st Match

      GT vs DC

   Ahmadabad

       3.30pm

     2nd Match

     RR vs LSG

     Jaipur

      7.30pm.