The much-anticipated thirty fourth match of the IPL 2025 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a delayed begin owing to persistent rainfall. Because of this, the match was decreased to 14 overs per aspect, however the shortened format solely added to the depth and drama.
After profitable the toss, Punjab Kings skipper Shryeas Iyer opted to bowl first, banking on early motion and overhead circumstances to problem RCB’s highly effective prime order. The choice paid off nearly immediately.
Arshdeep Singh dismantles RCB’s prime order
PBKS pacer Arshdeep Singh delivered a dream begin for the guests. In a fiery opening over, he dismissed Phil Salt on simply the fourth ball. Salt went for an aggressive shot, however may solely handle a top-edge. Josh Inglis, stationed at brief sq. leg, confidently referred to as for it and accomplished a protected catch utilizing each gloves. The actual turning level, nonetheless, got here in Arshdeep’s second over. On the fourth supply of the third over of RCB’s innings, he struck once more – this time eradicating the long-lasting Virat Kohli.
Marco Jansen’s spectacular catch ends Virat Kohli’s keep
Though it was Arshdeep’s supply that despatched Kohli again to the pavilion, the second really belonged to Marco Jansen, whose athleticism and composure turned a half-chance right into a spotlight of the match. As Kohli tried an extravagant front-foot pull to a short-of-length supply angling throughout him, he mistimed it fully. The ball took a top-edge and appeared destined to land safely within the giant open space behind mid-on. However Jansen, stationed at mid-on, reacted immediately.
He sprinted backwards at full pace, eyes by no means leaving the ball, adjusting his stride completely even because it dipped behind him. Because the ball started to descend, Jansen prolonged his lengthy arms and plucked the catch whereas nonetheless on the run. He tumbled to the bottom upon finishing the seize, however crucially, ensured the ball was safe all over the autumn. It was a wide ranging show of athleticism and presence of thoughts — one which silenced the Bengaluru crowd and despatched a transparent message that PBKS have been right here to dominate.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Here’s why Glenn Maxwell is not playing in RCB vs PBKS game
Right here is the video:
2️⃣ sharp catches 🫡
2️⃣ early strikes ✌Arshdeep Singh and #PBKS with a strong begin ⚡
Updates ▶ https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/jCt2NiuYEH
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2025
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