• Tim David's explosive fifty wasn't enough to save RCB as Nehal Wadhera’s calm chase led Punjab Kings to victory.

  • PBKS triumphed in a rain-shortened thriller over RCB by 5 wickets.

IPL 2025: Fans erupt as Tim David’s valiant effort falls short, with Nehal Wadhera shining in Punjab Kings’ victory over RCB
IPL 2025 Fans go wild after Tim David’s grit goes in vain with Nehal Wadhera stealing the show in PBKS' win over RCB (Image source: X)

In a low-scoring, rain-curtailed IPL 2025 thriller, Punjab Kings (PBKS) edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 5 wickets with 11 balls to spare in a 14-overs-per-side encounter. After winning the toss, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer opted to field first, and the decision paid off handsomely as RCB’s top order crumbled under pressure. Despite a lone wolf resistance from Tim David, RCB’s modest total of 95/9 wasn’t enough to hold back a calm and confident Punjab chase, led by Nehal Wadhera’s composed 33* off 19 balls.

Tim David plays a gritty knock for RCB against Punjab Kings

RCB’s innings never really found its footing. The power-packed top order faltered as Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Liam Livingstone all fell cheaply within the powerplay. Kohli’s dismissal for just 1 run set the tone for a miserable batting display, with RCB reeling at 33/5 by the end of the sixth over.

However, amidst the ruins stood David. The Australian power-hitter unleashed a fearless counterattack, scoring a blazing unbeaten 50 off just 26 balls, laced with five boundaries and three towering sixes. He was the only RCB batter to reach double digits in strike rate and impact. His lone battle took RCB to 95/9 in 14 overs—at least giving the bowlers something to fight with. PBKS bowlers were clinical, with Marco Jansen (2/10), Yuzvendra Chahal (2/11), and Arshdeep Singh (2/23) sharing the spoils, and keeping the pressure on throughout.

Flamboyant Nehal Wadhera lights up Punjab Kings chase against RCB

Chasing 96 in 14 overs was tricky, especially with Josh Hazlewood breathing fire upfront. The Aussie pacer dismissed Priyansh Arya (16) and captain Iyer (7), and later sent back Josh Inglis (14) to finish with figures of 3/14. RCB seemed to claw back into the game as wickets kept tumbling regularly, and PBKS found themselves at a nervy 81/5 in the 12th over.

Enter Wadhera, the southpaw soaked in the pressure and then flourished when it mattered the most. He played a responsible yet attacking innings, striking 3 fours and 3 sixes en route to his unbeaten 33 off 19 balls. Wadhera’s knock was a masterclass in timing his acceleration and not letting the scoreboard pressure get to him. With support from Marcus Stoinis (7* off 2), PBKS sealed the win in just 12.1 overs, silencing the RCB attack.

Also WATCH: Tim David sends Harpreet Brar for three consecutive sixes during RCB vs PBKS match in IPL 2025

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Also WATCH: Marco Jansen takes a sensational catch to dismiss Virat Kohli in RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 clash

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .