RCB Beat RR by 11 Runs: Hazlewood Stars with 4 Wickets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally brought joy to their home crowd with a thrilling 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium — their first home victory of IPL 2025. With RR needing just 18 runs off the final 12 balls, all eyes were on Josh Hazlewood, who delivered what could easily be remembered as the over of the season. The Australian speedster conceded just one run in the 19th over and dismissed two key batters in back-to-back deliveries, completely swinging the momentum back in RCB’s favor. Hazlewood’s final spell of 4/33 not only shattered RR’s chase but also knocked them out of playoff contention, leaving them with just two wins in nine matches. Despite valiant efforts by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who blazed his way to 49 off 19 balls, and Dhruv Jurel’s steady 47 off 34, the Royals crumbled under pressure during the final stretch. Hazlewood's composure and execution under high stakes proved to be the game-changer RCB desperately needed.

Earlier in the match, RCB's batting lineup showed why they are one of the most feared sides when they click together. Virat Kohli, ever the crowd favorite, anchored the innings with a fluent 70 off 42 deliveries, peppering the field with elegant strokes and sharp running. He found excellent support in Devdutt Padikkal, who played with intent and aggression during his 27-ball 50. Together, they stitched a 95-run stand for the second wicket, laying the groundwork for a big total. Later in the innings, Tim David’s 23 off 15 and Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 20 off just 10 balls ensured RCB pushed the score to a formidable 205/5 — their highest total at home this season. With this victory, RCB not only broke their home jinx but also reignited their campaign hopes. The win was a statement — a perfect mix of star power, calm under pressure, and clinical execution, especially when it mattered most.