Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 28 of the TATA IPL 2025 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
Riding on Phil Salt’s explosive 65 off 33 and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 62 off 45, RCB chased down a target of 174 with ease in just 17.3 overs.
Playing in their green jersey as part of their environmental sustainability initiative, RCB delivered a clinical all-round performance.
The match also marked RR’s first home game of the season at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first.
RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson began watchfully, focusing on building a solid platform. Jaiswal took charge during the powerplay, guiding the Royals to 45/0 after six overs.
For the first time this season, RCB failed to pick a wicket in the powerplay, but their bowlers did well to keep the scoring rate under control.Post the powerplay, Krunal Pandya was introduced into the attack and struck immediately. He deceived Samson with flight and had him stumped, breaking the opening stand.
Riyan Parag joined Jaiswal at the crease, and the pair put together a 56-run partnership. However, Yash Dayal delivered the breakthrough in the 14th over with a clever slower ball that foxed Parag, who departed for 30 (22).Jaiswal, who had already brought up his second fifty of the season, continued to accelerate.
He launched into Josh Hazlewood in the 16th over, hitting a six and a four off the first two deliveries. However, Hazlewood had the last laugh as he trapped Jaiswal LBW on the final ball of the over for a well-made 75 off 47.
Dhruv Jurel provided the finishing touches with a composed unbeaten 35 off 23 balls, steering RR to a competitive 173/4 in their 20 overs.
In response, RCB openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli began the chase aggressively. Salt, in particular, came out with fierce intent. Despite a fiery battle with Jofra Archer and surviving a couple of dropped chances, he capitalised in style.
Targeting the on-side boundaries with power, Salt reached his half-century in just 28 balls. He continued his onslaught before Kumar Kartikeya finally dismissed him for 65 in the ninth over.
RCB were well ahead in the chase at 101/1 after 10 overs, with Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal at the crease. The duo needed just 73 runs from the remaining 60 balls and never looked under pressure.Kohli, who initially played the anchor role, picked up the pace as he neared his personal milestone.
He brought up his fifty with a six, marking a significant landmark – his 100th T20 half-century, making him the first Indian and only the second player overall to achieve this feat in the format. That it came during a chase only added to his reputation as the ‘Chase Master’.
Together with Padikkal, who contributed an unbeaten 40 off 28, Kohli steered RCB home comfortably in 17.3 overs. It was RCB’s fourth win in six games – all of which have come away from home. (IPLT20)
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