In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets on April 27, 2025, marking a significant milestone as they became the first team in IPL history to win six consecutive away matches. The match showcased the star power of Virat Kohli and the remarkable resurgence of Krunal Pandya, whose unbeaten 73 was pivotal in securing the victory for RCB.
The atmosphere was electric as fans flocked to witness Kohli's homecoming, and he did not disappoint, scoring his sixth fifty of the season. However, it was Pandya who stole the spotlight with a masterclass performance, bouncing back from a shaky start to anchor RCB's innings. Despite being at just two runs off his first eight balls, Pandya found his rhythm and reached his fifty in just 38 deliveries, showcasing his ability to shift gears when it mattered most.
DC's innings began on a shaky note as they struggled to find momentum, ultimately posting their lowest first-innings total since 2024. KL Rahul, who had been a crucial player for DC this season, fought valiantly but could only manage 41 runs off 39 balls. His dismissal, a mistimed shot off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, marked a turning point in the match, as it sucked the life out of the Capitals' innings.
RCB's bowling attack was led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who delivered a stunning performance, finishing with figures of 3 for 33 in four overs. His clever variations and control proved too much for the DC batters, as he took crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Josh Hazlewood also contributed significantly, although his spell ended on an expensive note with 2 for 36.
DC's batting woes were evident as they struggled to build partnerships. Faf du Plessis, making his much-anticipated return, scored 22, while Axar Patel added a mere 15 runs. The Capitals found themselves in a precarious position at 52 for 2 during the Powerplay, and the pressure continued to mount as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Despite the challenges, the match was not without its moments of brilliance from DC. Rahul's steady presence in the middle overs gave fans hope, but without substantial support from his teammates, it was an uphill battle. As the innings progressed, the RCB bowlers tightened their grip, and DC's inability to accelerate their scoring rate became evident.
RCB's chase began with a few hiccups as well. Their top-order faltered early, with debutant Jacob Bethell, impact sub Devdutt Padikkal, and skipper Rajat Patidar all dismissed during the Powerplay. This left Kohli to navigate a tricky situation, but with Pandya's support, he managed to stabilize the innings.
As the match progressed, Kohli's experience shone through, and he played a crucial role in guiding RCB towards the target. Even as he was eventually dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera, his contribution had already laid a solid foundation for the team's success.
In the final overs, Tim David's explosive batting sealed the deal for RCB, as he scored 19 runs off just five balls, ensuring that the Capitals would face their second defeat in New Delhi this season. This win not only boosted RCB's standing in the points table but also highlighted their depth and resilience as a team.
As both teams look ahead in the tournament, the implications of this match are significant. RCB's victory positions them well for a playoff berth, while DC must regroup and address their batting inconsistencies if they hope to reclaim their spot at the top of the table.
With the IPL season heating up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams vie for supremacy in this highly competitive league. The stage is set for further drama, and both RCB and DC will be eager to build on their performances as they navigate the remaining matches of the season.
