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Subheading: Kohli’s Masterclass and Hazlewood’s Heroics Secure RCB’s First Home Win of IPL 2025​The Indian Express+1Hindustan Times+1

In a heart-stopping encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their home ground jinx by defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs on April 24, 2025. This victory not only marked RCB’s first home win of the season but also propelled them to the third spot on the IPL 2025 points table.​The Indian Express+4The Times of India+4Moneycontrol+4

🏏 First Innings: Kohli and Padikkal Set the Stage

After losing the toss, RCB was put into bat by RR’s skipper Riyan Parag. The decision seemed to favor RCB as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal delivered stellar performances.​Hindustan Times+2Moneycontrol+2The Indian Express+2

• Virat Kohli: Anchored the innings with a composed 70 off 42 balls, showcasing his classic stroke play.​
• Devdutt Padikkal: Complemented Kohli with a brisk 50 off 27 deliveries, ensuring a solid foundation.​

Contributions from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma in the death overs propelled RCB to a formidable total of 205/5 in their allotted 20 overs. ​ESPN Cricinfo+3Moneycontrol+3The Indian Express+3

🎯 Second Innings: Hazlewood’s Decisive Spell

Chasing 206, RR started aggressively with Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 19th over.​The Indian Express+1The Indian Express+1

• Josh Hazlewood: Delivered a game-changing over, claiming four crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Dhruv Jurel and Jofra Archer. The Indian Express​

Despite valiant efforts from RR’s middle order, they fell short, finishing at 194/9. RCB’s disciplined bowling and fielding in the death overs sealed their much-awaited home victory.​

🔥 Match Highlights

• Total Score: RCB – 205/5; RR – 194/9​
• Top Performers:
  • Batting: Virat Kohli (70), Devdutt Padikkal (50)​
  • Bowling: Josh Hazlewood (4 wickets)​
• Turning Point: Hazlewood’s 19th over, which dismantled RR’s chase.​

📊 Points Table Impact

With this win, RCB climbs to the third position with 12 points, enhancing their playoff prospects. Conversely, RR remains at the seventh spot, struggling with only two wins from nine matches. The Indian Express​

#RCBvsRR #IPL2025 #ViratKohli #JoshHazlewood #RCBVictory #ChinnaswamyMagic #CricketThriller​