IPL 2025: RCB Clinch First Home Win of the Season, Defeat Rajasthan Royals by 11 Runs

Virat Kohli Stars with Bat, Hazlewood Wrecks Royals’ Chase in Bengaluru Thriller

BENGALURU, April 24, 2025 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their first home victory of the IPL 2025 season, defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs in a high-scoring thriller at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The win propelled RCB to third place in the points table, marking a key moment in their playoff push.

Kohli, Padikkal Lay Solid Foundation

After being asked to bat first, RCB posted a formidable 205/5. Openers Phil Salt (26) and Virat Kohli (70 off 42) gave their side a blazing start with a 61-run partnership. Kohli anchored the innings with 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Devdutt Padikkal complemented him with a fluent 50-run knock, building a 105-run stand for the second wicket.

Late fireworks came from Tim David (23 off 15) and *Jitesh Sharma (20 off 10)**, pushing the total past 200.

RR Fall Short Despite Strong Start

Chasing 206, Rajasthan Royals began aggressively with Yashasvi Jaiswal hammering 49 off 19 balls before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, who turned the game around with a lethal spell in the death overs.

Despite brief resistance from Riyan Parag (22), Nitish Rana (28), and Dhruv Jurel (47), the Royals faltered under pressure. Hazlewood’s 19th over, where he took crucial wickets, proved decisive. RR eventually finished at 194/9 in 20 overs.

Hazlewood’s Four-Fer Seals the Deal

RCB’s bowling unit held their nerve, with Josh Hazlewood picking up 4 wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award. Krunal Pandya also impressed with 2 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with one.

This victory takes RCB to 12 points, tying them with Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, but edging ahead on net run rate to claim the third spot in the standings.