Krunal Pandya Stars in RCB’s Win Over DC, Sends Team to Top of IPL 2025 Table

A stunning all-round performance from Krunal Pandya propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, taking them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table.

Krunal, who played a decisive role with both ball and bat, first helped restrict DC to 162 for 8 with tight middle-overs bowling before anchoring RCB’s chase with a match-winning, unbeaten 73 off 47 balls. His partnership of 119 runs with Virat Kohli, who scored a steady 51 off 47, ensured RCB recovered from a shaky start and cruised to victory with nine balls to spare.

RCB’s Bowling Strangles DC

After electing to bowl first, RCB’s bowlers kept DC on a tight leash. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood shared five wickets, while Krunal and young legspinner Suyash Sharma turned the screws in the middle overs, conceding just 13 runs combined in the 15th and 16th overs.

DC’s innings had bright spots early and late. Abishek Porel hit a quickfire 28 off 11 to give a flying start, and Tristan Stubbs chipped in with 34 off 18 towards the end. However, the middle order faltered. Faf du Plessis (22 off 26) and KL Rahul (41 off 39) struggled for rhythm, and the Impact Player, Ashutosh Sharma, was bowled for a duck.

Bhuvneshwar capped off a disciplined bowling performance with a superb final over, conceding only six runs and taking the key wicket of Stubbs, despite an over-rate penalty forcing an extra fielder inside the circle.

Krunal, Kohli Steady the Ship

RCB’s chase got off to a nightmare start, slumping to 26 for 3 in just four overs. But Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli weathered the storm. Though their early progress was slow—only 40 runs came off the first 36 balls they faced together—Krunal found his groove in the second half of the innings.

From 17 off 21, Krunal launched into overdrive, hammering 56 off his next 26 balls. He showcased his range with powerful shots off both pace and spin, including a towering six over long-off against Mukesh Kumar and a classy loft over extra cover off Kuldeep Yadav.

Kohli, meanwhile, played the anchor, ensuring RCB kept wickets in hand for a final push. He fell with just 18 needed off 13 balls, but Tim David ensured there were no hiccups, smashing 18 runs off four deliveries to seal the win in the 19th over.

Missed Chances and What-Ifs for DC

DC’s chances suffered crucial blows at key moments. Axar Patel’s dismissal in the 14th over just as he looked threatening gave RCB the upper hand, while Porel’s dropped catch of Krunal in the 16th over—when RCB still needed 40 off 25—proved costly.

RCB’s Rise, DC’s Questions

With this victory, RCB now sits atop the IPL 2025 standings, thanks largely to their smart recruitment of Indian internationals and consistent performances across departments. Krunal’s return to form adds another weapon to their arsenal as the playoffs loom.

For DC, it was a tale of missed opportunities and underwhelming middle-overs play. Despite flashes of brilliance from Stubbs, Porel, and Axar, they’ll need more consistent contributions to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Score Summary:

Delhi Capitals: 162/8 in 20 overs (Rahul 41, Stubbs 34; Bhuvneshwar 3-33, Hazlewood 2-36)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 165/4 in 18.3 overs (Krunal 73*, Kohli 51; Axar 2-19)

Krunal Pandya Stars in RCB’s Win Over DC, Sends Team to Top of IPL 2025 Table

RCB’s Bowling Strangles DC

Krunal, Kohli Steady the Ship

Missed Chances and What-Ifs for DC

RCB’s Rise, DC’s Questions

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