IPL 2025: Jansen Shines as Punjab Kings Outclass RCB in Rain-Hit Clash

Marco Jansen’s fiery spell and Nehal Wadhera’s calm finish propel PBKS to a five-wicket win over RCB in truncated IPL 2025 fixture

Bengaluru, April 19:
Punjab Kings (PBKS) rode on a fiery bowling performance led by Marco Jansen and a composed knock from Nehal Wadhera to secure a five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a rain-shortened 14-over IPL 2025 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

PBKS restricted RCB to 95/9, with Jansen returning a miserly 2/10 and exploiting the bounce on offer to rattle the hosts. Speaking after the game, Jansen said:

“Feel very good. There was a bit of pace and bounce, which all fast bowlers enjoy. Everyone has a role to play, and I try to give my best always.”

Jansen also praised skipper Shreyas Iyer for his clarity and field guidance.

“Iyer is very clear on the field. Our chats in training help make it easier for us in games,” he added.

The PBKS bowling unit executed their plans to perfection, with Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harpreet Brar chipping in with two wickets apiece. Xavier Bartlett also claimed a key scalp.

Despite a few hiccups during their chase, PBKS got the job done in 12.1 overs, thanks to Wadhera’s unbeaten 33 off 19 balls and a finishing six from Marcus Stoinis. Openers Priyansh Arya (16) and Prabhsimran Singh (13) gave Punjab a quick start before a mini-collapse saw them wobble at 53/4.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer (7) and Josh Inglis (14) fell to Josh Hazlewood, who starred with 3/14. Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with 2/26. But Wadhera and Stoinis held firm to seal the win with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, RCB’s innings never found rhythm after being put in to bat. Despite a fighting 50 off 26 balls* by Tim David, the team suffered a collapse, losing seven wickets for just 42 runs. Wickets fell regularly as Arshdeep dismissed Virat Kohli (1) and Phil Salt (4) early, while Brar dismissed Bhuvneshwar (8) and Yash Dayal in successive deliveries.

With this win, Punjab Kings moved to second on the points table, while RCB dropped to fourth, still winless at home this season. The two sides are set to clash again in Mullanpur on April 20.