Bengaluru, April 24 – In a thrilling encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally ended their losing streak at home with a hard-fought win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR), thanks to a stellar final-over performance by Josh Hazlewood and a crucial penultimate over by Yash Dayal.
RCB, who had been under immense pressure after a series of disappointing results, managed to claw their way back into contention for a playoff spot with this morale-boosting victory. The hosts successfully defended a total of 172, defeating Rajasthan by a narrow margin of 7 runs.
After being put in to bat, RCB posted 172/7 on the board—a modest but competitive score considering the ground’s reputation for high-scoring affairs. The innings was anchored by Virat Kohli, who notched a fluent 48 off 37 deliveries. He was well-supported by Rajat Patidar, who chipped in with a quick-fire 34, while Dinesh Karthik added some late fireworks with a cameo of 21 from just 10 balls.
However, RCB’s middle order once again showed signs of vulnerability, as the team stumbled from a comfortable 95/2 to 135/6. Trent Boult and Ravichandran Ashwin kept the pressure on with disciplined bowling, while Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell, who failed to get going yet again.
In reply, Rajasthan Royals started brightly with Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal taking the attack to RCB’s pace duo. Buttler, in particular, looked in ominous touch, smashing three sixes in his 36-run knock. At 85/2 in the 10th over, RR seemed to be cruising toward victory.
But RCB’s bowlers, led by Hazlewood and Dayal, applied the brakes in the second half of the chase. Karn Sharma’s economical spell in the middle overs (2/25) proved crucial in building pressure. With the required rate creeping up, RR’s middle order faltered, losing quick wickets at a critical juncture.
With Rajasthan needing 19 runs from the last two overs and set batters Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer at the crease, the odds were against RCB. But Yash Dayal, who had been expensive in previous outings, redeemed himself by conceding just 7 runs in the penultimate over and dismissing Parag with a perfect yorker.
The stage was set for Hazlewood to defend 12 runs in the final over. The experienced Australian pacer kept his cool under pressure, varying his pace and hitting the blockhole consistently. Hetmyer was unable to find the boundary, and Hazlewood’s composed execution saw RCB home.
Hazlewood finished with figures of 2/26 in his four overs and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, RCB captain Faf du Plessis praised the bowlers for their fightback. “The pitch wasn’t easy to defend on, but the way Hazlewood and Dayal bowled in those last two overs was outstanding. It’s great to finally give the home fans something to cheer about.”
Hazlewood credited the team’s belief and preparation. “We’ve been working on death bowling scenarios in training, and it’s good to see that pay off in a match. Credit to Dayal as well—he turned things around when it mattered the most.”
The win breaks RCB’s home losing streak and gives them a much-needed two points in the tightly contested IPL table. Though still outside the top four, this victory could mark a turning point in their campaign.
For RR, the loss is a missed opportunity. Despite a strong start, they were unable to finish the job and now face increased competition for a playoff berth.
RCB will next face the high-flying Sunrisers Hyderabad in what promises to be another stern test. RR, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly before taking on the Gujarat Titans.
With the business end of the tournament approaching, every match now holds significant weight. For RCB, the belief will be that this dramatic win at home could ignite a late-season resurgence.
