Kara Riggs By Kara Riggs, NZB News
25 April 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dramatic 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Match 42 of the Indian Premier League 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 24 April 2025. Defending 206, RCB restricted RR to 194 for 9, with Josh Hazlewood’s four-wicket haul proving decisive. For New Zealand fans, Hazlewood’s match-winning spell was a standout, ending RCB’s home winless streak.
Background Information
The IPL 2025 season has been a tale of contrasts for both teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, entered the match third with four wins from eight games, unbeaten on the road but winless in three home matches at Chinnaswamy. Rajasthan Royals, under interim captain Riyan Parag due to Sanju Samson’s side strain, languished in seventh with two wins from eight, reeling from four straight losses. The Chinnaswamy pitch, known for high scores and dew aiding chasers, typically sees first-innings totals around 190. New Zealand’s Josh Hazlewood has been RCB’s bowling spearhead, while RR’s Jofra Archer has led their pace attack. This match, a rematch of RCB’s nine-wicket win over RR on 13 April in Jaipur, was critical for both teams’ playoff hopes.
Match Details
Teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Date: 24 April 2025
Toss: Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl.
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 11 runs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 205 for 5 in 20 overs, driven by Virat Kohli’s 70 off 46 balls and Devdutt Padikkal’s 50 off 34. RR’s Sandeep Sharma took 2 for 45. Rajasthan Royals, chasing 206, finished at 194 for 9 in 20 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 49 off 19 and Dhruv Jurel’s 47 off 32 leading the charge. RCB’s Josh Hazlewood claimed 4 for 33, supported by Krunal Pandya’s 2 for 31.
Highlights
RCB’s innings saw a fiery start, with Phil Salt and Kohli reaching 59 without loss in the powerplay despite Salt’s drop on 1 by Parag. Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Salt for 25, but Kohli and Padikkal’s 95-run stand powered RCB. Jofra Archer removed Kohli, and Sandeep’s double strike in the 16th over sparked a mini-collapse, but Tim David’s 28 not out and Jitesh Sharma’s 15 pushed RCB past 200. RR’s chase began explosively, with Jaiswal’s 49, including five fours and three sixes, and Nitish Rana’s 30 taking them to 72 for 2 in the powerplay. Krunal Pandya’s double strike removed Rana and Parag for 20, slowing RR. Jurel’s late 47, with 22 off Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 18th over, brought RR close, needing 18 off 12. Hazlewood’s sensational 19th over, conceding one run and dismissing Jurel and Archer, sealed the game. Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over, conceding six runs. Hazlewood earned Player of the Match.
Records
Josh Hazlewood’s 4 for 33 marked his 36th IPL wicket, reaching 50 career IPL wickets in just 36 matches, joint-fifth fastest among pacers. Virat Kohli’s 70 was his 68th fifty-plus IPL score, extending his record for most 50+ scores. RCB’s 205 for 5 was their highest home total in IPL 2025, surpassing their 185 against Punjab Kings on 18 April.
Historical Data
RCB’s win narrowed their head-to-head record to 16-14 in 34 IPL meetings, with three no-results, overturning RR’s four-wicket win in the 2024 Eliminator. At Chinnaswamy, RCB have won 8 of 12 clashes against RR. RCB’s three runner-up finishes (2009, 2011, 2016) contrast with RR’s 2008 title and 2022 final. New Zealand players have shone, with Hazlewood’s 17 wickets for RCB this season and Glenn Maxwell’s 41 runs for RR as a substitute. The IPL’s global appeal saw nine Kiwis prioritise the tournament over a T20I series against Pakistan in March 2025.
Discussion
RCB’s first home win was a testament to their resilience. Kohli’s 70 and Padikkal’s 50 set a daunting total, while Hazlewood’s death bowling turned a near-defeat into victory. Krunal Pandya’s middle-overs control was crucial, stifling RR’s momentum. RR’s chase, ignited by Jaiswal’s blitz, faltered due to poor shot selection, with Parag’s early dismissal and Jurel’s exit proving costly. For New Zealand fans, Hazlewood’s clutch performance underscored his T20 pedigree, while Archer’s 1 for 40 showed flashes of menace. RR’s fifth straight loss, their joint-worst IPL streak, eliminates them from playoff contention, while RCB’s third-place rise strengthens their campaign. The dew-heavy Chinnaswamy pitch favoured RR’s chase, but RCB’s bowling adaptability prevailed.
IPL 2025 Points Table (as of 25 April 2025)
+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Team | M | W | L | P | NRR |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Delhi Capitals | 9 | 7 | 2 |14 | +0.800|
| Mumbai Indians | 9 | 5 | 4 |10 | +0.200|
| Royal Challengers | 9 | 5 | 4 |10 | -0.050|
| Punjab Kings | 9 | 4 | 5 | 8 | +0.000|
| Lucknow Super Giants | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | -0.200|
| Rajasthan Royals | 9 | 2 | 7 | 4 | -0.100|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | -0.050|
| Chennai Super Kings | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.200|
| Gujarat Titans | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | -0.150|
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8 | 2 | 6 | 4 | -0.400|
+-----------------------+-----------------------+Key: M = Matches, W = Won, L = Lost, P = Points, NRR = Net Run Rate
Orange Cap and Purple Cap Standings
The Orange Cap is held by Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru with 390 runs in 9 matches, his best being 93 not out. The Purple Cap is held by Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru with 17 wickets in 9 matches, his best being 4 for 33.
Next Matches Schedule
On 25 April 2025, Chennai Super Kings face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai at 7:30 PM IST. On 26 April 2025, Mumbai Indians play Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai at 7:30 PM IST. On 27 April 2025, Lucknow Super Giants meet Mumbai Indians in Lucknow at 7:30 PM IST. On 28 April 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST.
What’s Next?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Gujarat Titans on 28 April 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, aiming to build on their home win with Kohli’s form and Hazlewood’s bowling against Shubman Gill’s side. Rajasthan Royals meet Punjab Kings on 29 April 2025 in Mullanpur, needing Jaiswal and Archer to spark a revival despite their elimination. RCB, with 10 points, are well-placed for a playoff push, while RR must play for pride after five consecutive defeats.
Summary
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals marked their first home win of IPL 2025. Virat Kohli’s 70 and Devdutt Padikkal’s 50 powered RCB to 205 for 5, while Josh Hazlewood’s 4 for 33, including a game-changing 19th over, restricted RR to 194 for 9 despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 49 and Dhruv Jurel’s 47. The win lifts RCB to third on the points table with 10 points, while RR’s fifth straight loss leaves them seventh with 4 points, out of playoff contention. For New Zealand fans, Hazlewood’s heroics were a highlight. As RCB chase a playoff spot and RR seek pride, IPL 2025 remains electrifying.
