April 19, 2025: Punjab Kings (PBKS) continued their stellar form in IPL 2025 with a dominant five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a rain-affected encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Friday.
With rain reducing the match to 14 overs per side, PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision paid off handsomely as Punjab’s bowling unit—featuring Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harpreet Brar—rattled the RCB batting lineup, each picking up two wickets. Xavier Bartlett also chipped in with a wicket, helping restrict RCB to 95/9 despite a fighting half-century by Tim David.
Chasing 96, Nehal Wadhera steered Punjab home with a composed unbeaten 33 off 19 balls, completing the chase in 12.1 overs with five wickets in hand.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Brar Laud Team Effort
At the post-match presentation, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer praised the bowlers for making the most of a challenging pitch. “We hadn’t seen the wicket beforehand, but our experienced coaches knew there would be help for the bowlers. Chahal bowled brilliantly, and I’m glad we backed our strengths,” he said.
Iyer singled out Yuzvendra Chahal for his impact and leadership with the ball, calling him “probably the best bowler in the IPL right now.”
Echoing his captain’s sentiments, Harpreet Brar hailed Nehal Wadhera’s match-winning knock. “He’s been consistent for Punjab in domestic cricket and really shone in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Watching him finish the game on such a tricky surface made us all proud.”
Brar also highlighted how the pitch made even a total below 100 look competitive. “Today, 95 felt like 180 on this surface. Nehal’s calculated aggression made the chase look easier than it was.”
Punjab Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru again in the reverse fixture at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday, April 20. With momentum on their side, PBKS will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive, while RCB will be desperate for redemption.