RCB vs PBKS Highlights: Punjab Crush Bangalore as Arshdeep and Co. Dominate in a Rain-Hit Thriller

Team
Updated on April 19, 2025

The 18th of April brought back memories for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but unfortunately not the good kind. Playing at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on a historic date—the same when the first-ever IPL match was held 17 years ago—RCB once again found themselves crumbling under pressure, suffering a devastating 5-wicket loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS).

This defeat not only continued Bangalore’s downward spiral in the 2025 IPL season but also marked their third consecutive loss at home.

Fans looking for updates mahadev cricket id or platforms like Mahadev Book Betting witnessed yet another chapter of RCB’s batting woes unfold, and this time, it came in a rain-curtailed encounter.

RCB vs PBKS

Match Summary – RCB vs PBKS (April 18, 2025)

  • Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
  • Toss: Punjab Kings won the toss, chose to bowl
  • Overs per side: 14 (reduced due to rain)
  • Result: Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets
  • RCB Score: 95/9 (14 overs)
  • PBKS Score: 96/5 (12.1 overs)

A Delayed Start & Early Collapse

Rain delayed the toss and start of the game by nearly two hours. When play finally began, the match was reduced to 14 overs per side. Losing the toss, RCB was asked to bat first under challenging conditions. And what followed was a repeat of history.

Just like the IPL opener in 2008 where RCB managed only 82 runs, the 2025 version of the team fumbled badly. Within the first three overs, RCB had already lost both openers—Phil Salt (4) and Virat Kohli (1)—to the fiery pace and swing of Arshdeep Singh, who was on fire right from ball one.

🔴 Live Update:

3.1 overs – WICKET! Arshdeep Singh removes Phil Salt! Tried to go over mid-off but mistimed it. RCB 5/1.
3.6 overs – WICKET! Virat Kohli departs! Clean bowled by Arshdeep with a classic inswinger. RCB 9/2.

Fans betting via Mahadev Book Betting experienced a significant odds swing as RCB’s top order fell apart in a flash.


Punjab’s Bowlers Turn the Screws

The early breakthroughs by Arshdeep were backed up perfectly by Marco Jansen and the returning leggie Yuzvendra Chahal. The duo made life miserable for RCB’s middle order. Glenn Maxwell fell to Chahal attempting a reckless slog, while Jansen accounted for Rajat Patidar and Anuj Rawat.

The lack of partnerships and continuous fall of wickets highlighted RCB’s vulnerability under pressure. However, one silver lining was Tim David. Coming in with the score teetering at 48/6, David unleashed a counter-attack that stunned even the best bowlers.

🔴 Live Update:

10.4 overs – SIX! Tim David launches Harshal Patel into the crowd! RCB cross 70.
12.6 overs – FIFTY! Tim David brings up his maiden IPL fifty off just 26 balls. 5 fours, 3 sixes.

His late blitz took RCB to 95—still under par, but at least defendable in a shortened game.


Punjab’s Chase – A Shaky Start, a Strong Finish

Chasing 96 in 14 overs can be tricky, especially under lights and against quality pace like Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj. PBKS started with a stumble, losing Prabhsimran Singh (13) and Priyansh Arya (16) within the powerplay.

Hazlewood’s tight line and clever variations momentarily gave RCB fans hope. But the experience of Jonny Bairstow and the composure of Nehal Wadhera ensured PBKS stayed on track.

Wadhera, who came in at No. 5, showed remarkable intent. His 33 off 19 balls included clean strikes and timely boundaries, especially in the 11th and 12th overs.

🔴 Live Update:

11.1 overs – FOUR! Wadhera cuts Suyash Sharma through point. Punjab 87/5.
12.1 overs – SIX! Wadhera finishes it off with a massive six over midwicket! PBKS win by 5 wickets.

The Mahadev online Book Betting community erupted as Punjab sealed the win, rewarding those who backed them despite the early hiccups.


Bowling Brilliance – The Game Changers

Let’s take a closer look at the bowling heroes of the night:

🔥 Arshdeep Singh

  • Overs: 3
  • Runs: 11
  • Wickets: 2
    He set the tone upfront, removing both openers and never let RCB recover.

🔥 Marco Jansen

  • Overs: 3
  • Runs: 10
  • Wickets: 2
    Used his height and angle perfectly, mixing it up with cutters.

🔥 Yuzvendra Chahal

  • Overs: 3
  • Runs: 11
  • Wickets: 2
    A dream return to Chinnaswamy, foxed Maxwell and Patidar with classic leg-spin.

RCB’s Woes Continue

This loss brings up some serious concerns for RCB’s camp:

  • Third consecutive loss at home
  • Inconsistent top order
  • Lack of depth in middle order
  • Over-reliance on individual brilliance (Tim David’s knock being a rare highlight)

For fans using their mahadev book cricket id to follow or wager on matches, RCB’s unpredictability has made them a tough team to bet on this season.


Read Also – https://mahadevofficial.in/csks-historic-fifth-defeat-kkr-spin-web-crushes-chennais-hopes/

Key Partnerships

While the scoreboard might suggest a one-sided game, certain moments kept things interesting:

  • Tim David & Josh Hazlewood (32 runs) – The 10th wicket partnership added some spice and marked RCB’s highest-ever stand for the last wicket in IPL history.
  • Nehal Wadhera & Bairstow (30+ runs) – Their calm approach in the middle overs sealed the chase.

Updated Points Table Snapshot (Post Match)

TeamPlayedWonLostNRRPoints
Punjab Kings642+0.8928
RCB615-1.1212

PBKS now rise up the rankings, while RCB languish at the bottom with serious introspection needed.


On platforms Mahadev Book online Betting, there was heavy action before and during the match. The live odds shifted dramatically as RCB’s innings unfolded, with a clear lean toward Punjab by the halfway mark.

Social media platforms and betting communities buzzing with activity saw phrases like “RCB choke again” and “Wadhera the finisher” trending. Users tracking the game using their mahadev cricket id expressed both frustration and joy—depending on which side of the fence they were on.


Looking Ahead

RCB’s Next Challenge:

They face Rajasthan Royals next at Sawai Mansingh Stadium—another tough venue where they’ve struggled historically.

PBKS Momentum:

Punjab will next clash with Delhi Capitals, and with this form, they’ll be favorites going into the fixture.

For those following the season through live stats, fantasy leagues, or Mahadev Book Betting, it’s evident that Punjab Kings are shaping up to be serious playoff contenders, while RCB must go back to the drawing board.


Final Thoughts

On a night soaked in nostalgia and soaked by rain, the narrative for RCB remained painfully unchanged. Punjab’s bowlers dominated, their batters applied just enough finesse, and Nehal Wadhera’s finishing touches sealed a well-deserved victory.

As the 2025 IPL season heats up, fans and punters using platforms like Mahadev Book Betting and tracking updates via mahadev cricket id can expect more drama, more surprises, and perhaps… a long-awaited turnaround for teams like RCB.

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