In a thrilling encounter on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged out the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by just 11 runs in their IPL 2025 clash held in Bengaluru. RCB, batting first, set a daunting target of 205 runs, and despite a valiant effort from RR, they fell short, managing to score only 194 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.
Josh Hazlewood was the star of the show for RCB, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills by taking a remarkable four-wicket haul. His performance was pivotal in restricting the Rajasthan batting lineup, which struggled to maintain momentum throughout their innings. Krunal Pandya also contributed significantly, claiming two wickets, further solidifying RCB's position in the match.
This victory was crucial for RCB, as it allowed them to reclaim the third spot in the IPL points table, now holding 12 points after playing nine matches. In contrast, the Rajasthan Royals found themselves languishing at the eighth position with only 4 points from their nine games.
The updated points table after the match reflects the competitive nature of the league:
IPL 2025 Points Table:
As the tournament progresses, the race for the Orange Cap is heating up. The current leader is Sai Sudharsan from the Gujarat Titans, who has scored an impressive 417 runs in 8 matches. Following closely is RCB's own Virat Kohli, with 392 runs from 9 games, demonstrating his consistency and prowess at the crease.
Orange Cap Standings:
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood's performance not only helped RCB secure a crucial victory but also propelled him into a tie for the Purple Cap lead alongside Prasidh Krishna, both having taken 16 wickets this season. However, Krishna retains the lead due to a superior economy rate, a critical factor in determining the top wicket-taker when players are level on wickets.
Purple Cap Standings:
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating how the teams will adapt and the players will perform in the upcoming matches. With thrilling contests and high stakes, every game is crucial as teams vie for a spot in the playoffs.
