IPL 2025 RCB vs RR Match Highlights

The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur witnessed a Royal Challengers Bengaluru masterclass as they emphatically dismantled the Rajasthan Royals’ total of 173. Phil Salt ignited the chase with a breathtaking 65, paving the way for a commanding nine-wicket victory with a comfortable 15 balls to spare. This fourth consecutive away win propels RCB back into the coveted playoff positions, sending a clear message to the rest of the league.

The Decisive Zones: PowerPlay Prowess

The game’s narrative was written mainly in the opening overs of each innings. While the Jaipur pitch seemed to possess a touch of early sluggishness, perhaps playing into the hands of Rajasthan’s captain Rajat Patidar’s hopes, their usually explosive opening pair of Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal found themselves shackled. In stark contrast, Salt’s ferocious assault in the PowerPlay effectively sealed the deal for Bengaluru, transforming the remainder of the chase into a mere formality.

PowerPlay Showdown: A Tale of Two Halves

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Rajasthan Royals: 

Early Restraint

(Phase Score: 45/0, RR: 7.5, 4s/6s: 6/1)

Bengaluru’s disciplined bowling unit deserves credit for stifling one of the season’s most explosive PowerPlay lineups. Despite failing to grab an early wicket, their seamers consistently hit probing lengths on a pitch that wasn’t conducive to free-flowing strokeplay. A clever tactical approach was also on display, with a short third man operating as a fly slip and a short extra cover strategically placed for Sanju Samson. While Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased glimpses of his brilliance with fluent footwork and six of Rajasthan’s seven boundaries, Samson struggled to find his rhythm, accumulating just 13 runs off 16 deliveries.

Middle Overs: Jaiswal Anchors Amidst Missed Chances

(Phase Score: 69/2, RR: 7.67, 4s/6s: 7/1)

Krunal Pandya’s introduction immediately after the PowerPlay yielded a crucial breakthrough, trapping the struggling Samson with a sharp stumping. Bengaluru leaned heavily on their spinners during this phase, and Suyash Sharma was unlucky not to join the wicket-takers when Yash Dayal dropped a straightforward chance at backward point off Riyan Parag in an over that cost 12 runs. This dropped catch was a sign of a sloppy fielding effort from RCB, who were uncharacteristically guilty of seven misfields and another dropped opportunity later in the innings.

Jaiswal and Parag steadied the ship with a 56-run partnership, but just as they looked poised to accelerate, Dayal returned to break the stand, deceiving Parag with a slower delivery that was chipped straight to extra cover. By this point, Jaiswal had notched his third half-century at this venue, reaching the milestone in 35 balls. Meanwhile, Krunal quietly delivered a vital spell, finishing with economical figures of 4-0-29-1.

Death Overs: A Late Surge Salvages Respectability

(Phase Score: 59/2, RR: 11.80, 4s/6s: 5/3)

Jaiswal threatened to unleash a late onslaught when he attacked Hazlewood in the 16th over, smashing a six and a four. However, the Australian responded strongly, trapping him LBW for a well-compiled 75 off 48 balls. Bengaluru then squandered another chance in Suyash Sharma’s final over, with Virat Kohli uncharacteristically spilling a sitter at long-off to reprieve Dhruv Jurel. This dropped catch proved costly as Jurel capitalized on the lifeline, smashing a pair of fours and sixes in an unbeaten 23-ball 35 that propelled Rajasthan past the 170 mark. Despite the late flourish, it was still the second-lowest total for a team losing just four wickets since the introduction of the Impact Player rule.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Salt’s Savage Onslaught

(Phase Score: 65/0, RR: 10.83, 4s/6s: 6/4)

The catching woes seemed contagious, as Rajasthan’s fielders gifted Phil Salt multiple lives, and he made them pay dearly. He blazed 46 of the 65 PowerPlay runs, unleashing four towering sixes and as many boundaries. He was dropped on 40 by Yashasvi Jaiswal, shortly after Riyan Parag put down a high catch that denied Sandeep Sharma a chance to equal a record with his eighth dismissal of Virat Kohli in the IPL.

While the Royals’ bowlers, particularly Jofra Archer, found some early swing, they were soon at the mercy of Salt’s clean ball-striking and powerful bat swing.

Middle Overs: Kohli Reaches T20 Milestone in Support

(Phase Score: 81/1, RR: 9.00, 4s/6s: 5/4)

Salt showed no signs of slowing down against spin, even with the field spread. He expertly created room and drilled Wanindu Hasaranga through extra cover to reach a blistering 28-ball half-century. He followed this up with a six each off Hasaranga and Kumar Kartikeya. His explosive 33-ball 65, studded with six sixes, finally ended when he holed out to Kartikeya, but the 92-run opening stand had virtually sealed Bengaluru’s victory.

Kohli, who had played a steady supporting role during Salt’s onslaught, seamlessly shifted gears. After a watchful start of 30 off 28 balls, he accelerated to score 20 off his next 11 deliveries, including a glorious straight six stepping down to his former teammate Hasaranga. His third half-century of the season also marked a significant personal milestone: his 100th fifty in T20 cricket, a feat previously achieved only by David Warner.

Death Overs: Padikkal Adds Finishing Touches to Dominant Chase

(Phase Score: 29/0, RR: 12.61, 4s/6s: 3/1)

Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive start to the tournament, remaining unbeaten on a brisk 40 off 28 balls as Bengaluru cruised to the target with 15 balls to spare, completing a comprehensive and morale-boosting victory.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals 173/5 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 75, Dhruv Jurel 35*; Krunal Pandya 1-29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 175/1 in 17.3 overs (Phil Salt 65, Virat Kohli 62*, Devdutt Padikkal 40*) by 9 wickets.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead:

Rajasthan Royals will be hitting the road again, facing LSG at the Ekana Stadium on April 16th. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a slightly longer break in their demanding schedule before they return to their home ground to face the big-hitting PBKS on April 18th, hoping to secure their first home win of the season.

Match Scorecard

Rajasthan Royals

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB vs RR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What was the key factor in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory? 

The explosive start by Phil Salt in the PowerPlay was undoubtedly the game-changer. His aggressive hitting put immense pressure on the Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers right from the beginning, setting the platform for a comfortable chase.

Did dropped catches significantly impact the Rajasthan Royals’ chances? 

Absolutely. Rajasthan Royals put down a couple of crucial catches, including letting off Phil Salt early in his innings. These missed opportunities proved costly as Salt went on to score a match-winning half-century.

Virat Kohli reached a significant milestone in this game. What was it?

 Yes, Virat Kohli scored his 100th fifty in T20 cricket during this innings. 1 He became only the second player ever to reach this landmark, highlighting his consistent excellence in the format.