New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their away domination with a clinical six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday, riding on solid contributions from Krunal Pandya, Virat Kohli and a late flourish from Tim David.
Chasing 173 for victory, RCB recovered from early jolts to seal their seventh win of the season and climb to the top of the IPL 2025 points table.
After being reduced to 20 for 2 inside three overs with Jacob Bethell and Devdutt Padikkal falling cheaply to Axar Patel, it was Kohli (51 off 47) and Krunal Pandya (73 off 47) who staged the rescue act. The pair added a crucial stand, steadying the ship after the early losses.
While Kohli anchored from one end, Krunal upped the ante with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, including two successive maximums off Mukesh Kumar in the 12th over, and a stylish six over covers off Kuldeep Yadav.
Kohli brought up his half-century in 45 balls but departed in the 18th over, caught brilliantly by Mitchell Starc at the boundary off Dushmantha Chameera, leaving RCB needing 22 off 15 balls. However, Tim David ensured there were no further hiccups.
David unleashed a brutal assault on Mukesh Kumar in the 19th over, starting with a six over long-off, followed by a no-ball pulled for four. With dew setting in and Mukesh struggling to land his yorkers, David smashed two more fours – one behind square and another wide of deep point – to finish the match with ease. His cameo of 19* off just 5 balls dashed any hopes of a DC comeback.
Earlier, DC, after electing to bat first, had posted 162 for 8, thanks largely to a late burst from Tristan Stubbs. However, DC’s bowlers failed to defend the total despite early breakthroughs. Axar Patel had raised DC’s hopes with two quick wickets in the second over, but their strategy unraveled after the Powerplay.
Mukesh Kumar, who had a torrid outing against Tim David in a previous match, was once again at the receiving end. Despite that, skipper Axar handed him the critical 19th over — a decision that backfired spectacularly. Mukesh conceded 23 runs in the over, including a costly no-ball that all but sealed DC’s fate.
Mitchell Starc bowled with fire but had no support at the death. He nearly changed the game with his brilliant catch to dismiss Kohli and earlier created a run-out chance missed by keeper Abishek Porel.
Krunal Pandya was adjudged Player of the Match for his composed and aggressive knock under pressure, helping RCB recover from 19 for 2 and anchoring the chase till the end.
