Krunal Pandya Pinpoints Critical Moments in RCB's Nail-Biting Win vs RR

A thrilling IPL 2025 match saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerge 11-run winners over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, ending their three-match home losing run. Krunal Pandya, speaking on the game, identified two crucial moments that made all the difference for RCB. These are the critical highlights:

 

Key Highlights

Phil Salt's Decisive Knock

 

Phil Salt contributed a restrained innings, making 26 runs from 23 balls with four boundaries.

 

He along with Virat Kohli shared 61 runs coming in 6.4 overs in the powerplay, which provided a strong platform to RCB's score of 205/5.

 

Fielding Masterclass by Jacob Bethell:

 

Substition fielder Jacob Bethell prevented two important runs with a diving catch in the ninth over, saving a boundary.

 

This was marked by Pandya as a game-altering contribution in a tightly fought match.

 

RCB's Bowling Heroics:

 

Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal performed under pressure, keeping 18 runs out in the last two overs.

 

Hazlewood's 4/33 and Pandya's 2/31 played a crucial role in limiting RR to 194/9.

 

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal's Fifties:

 

Kohli made 70 off 42 balls, while Padikkal scored 50 off 27 balls, adding a 95-run partnership for the second wicket.

 

RR's Struggles:

 

Even with a good start, RR slipped in the last overs, losing their fifth consecutive game this season.

 

This interesting match highlighted the value of unity and small gestures in winning a game.

 

Sources: Hindustan Times, MSN, NDTV