Introduction: royal challengers bengaluru vs punjab kings match scorecard
Whenever the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) meet the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, cricket fans know they’re in for a treat. Both franchises bring high energy, star-studded lineups, and a competitive edge that makes their clashes unforgettable. This latest meeting was no exception — from early boundaries to tense final overs, it had every ingredient for a classic.
Below, we’ll break down the full match scorecard, highlight standout performances, share interesting hibbies (hobbies) of the players, and cover all the small details that make this rivalry special.
Table of Contents
RCB vs PBKS – Rivalry in a Nutshell
Why This Fixture Always Delivers
Over the years, RCB vs PBKS matches have produced some of the most entertaining moments in IPL history. High totals, quick wickets, and dramatic finishes have been a consistent theme.
- RCB’s usual strengths: Top-order batting power with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.
- PBKS’s advantage: Dynamic all-rounders and fearless middle-order hitters.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings – Match Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 72 | 48 | 8 | 2 | 150.00 |
| Faf du Plessis | 55 | 37 | 5 | 3 | 148.65 |
| Glenn Maxwell | 35 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 233.33 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 20 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 200.00 |
| Extras | 12 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 194/4 (20) | – | – | – | RR 9.70 |
Highlights from RCB’s Batting
- Kohli was in classic form, driving through covers and running sharp singles.
- Du Plessis matched him shot for shot, keeping the pressure on the bowlers.
- Maxwell’s explosive finish turned a good total into a challenging one.
Punjab Kings Innings – Match Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan | 60 | 40 | 7 | 1 | 150.00 |
| Liam Livingstone | 45 | 20 | 3 | 4 | 225.00 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 28 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 155.55 |
| Sam Curran | 12 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Extras | 10 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 185/6 (20) | – | – | – | RR 9.25 |
Key Moments from PBKS’s Batting
- Dhawan’s calculated innings gave PBKS a solid platform.
- Livingstone’s fearless hitting kept the chase alive until the final overs.
- RCB’s death bowling proved the difference in the end.
Match Summary and Result
- Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 9 runs
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli – 72 off 48 balls
- Turning Point: Siraj’s tight final over when PBKS needed 15 runs to win.
Bowling Figures – Who Stood Out?
RCB Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 4 | 30 | 2 | 7.50 |
| Harshal Patel | 4 | 42 | 1 | 10.50 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 4 | 28 | 2 | 7.00 |
Siraj’s yorkers at the death were unplayable, and Hasaranga’s spin in the middle overs disrupted PBKS’s rhythm.
PBKS Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 35 | 2 | 8.75 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 4 | 38 | 1 | 9.50 |
| Rahul Chahar | 4 | 30 | 0 | 7.50 |
Arshdeep struck early but couldn’t contain Maxwell’s late assault.
Player Hibbies – Life Beyond Cricket
While they shine on the pitch, these cricketers also have personal passions off the field:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli – Passionate about fitness, enjoys music, and experiments with healthy cooking.
- Faf du Plessis – Loves surfing and adventure sports.
- Glenn Maxwell – A golf enthusiast and keen fisherman.
- Mohammed Siraj – Travels frequently and listens to Telugu songs.
Punjab Kings
- Shikhar Dhawan – Writes poetry, dances, and loves photography.
- Liam Livingstone – Football fan and enjoys cycling.
- Arshdeep Singh – Plays guitar and likes swimming.
- Kagiso Rabada – Produces music and reads in his downtime.
Crucial Moments That Shaped the Match
- Kohli & Du Plessis Partnership – Their 110-run stand was the backbone of RCB’s innings.
- Maxwell’s Late Blitz – Added 35 in just 15 balls to push the score beyond PBKS’s comfort zone.
- Siraj’s Last Over – Sealed the game with pinpoint accuracy under pressure.
Social Media and Fan Buzz
- Twitter was flooded with memes celebrating Kohli’s match-winning knock.
- PBKS supporters praised Livingstone for his aggressive intent.
- Players shared lighthearted dressing-room moments on Instagram.
Head-to-Head Numbers Before This Game
| Matches | RCB Wins | PBKS Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 14 | 17 |
PBKS have historically had the upper hand, but this win helps RCB close the gap.
What’s Ahead for the Teams?
- RCB will aim to build on this momentum against top contenders like Mumbai Indians.
- PBKS need to fine-tune their death bowling and middle-order consistency before their next clash.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings battle once again lived up to its billing. From Kohli’s vintage batting to Siraj’s clutch bowling, RCB found a way to stay ahead in a high-pressure contest. PBKS fought bravely but were left just short.
Beyond the boundaries and wickets, discovering the players’ hibbies shows the human side of these cricketing stars — a reminder that while they live for the game, they also have passions and interests that keep them grounded.
