In a rain-shortened IPL clash at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) edged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by wickets in a 14-over thriller. Chasing, PBKS survived Josh Hazlewood’s fiery 3/1 spell, with Nehal Wadhera’s unbeaten 19-ball guiding them home with balls to spare[^6^][^8^].
Collapse and Counterattack
RCB crumbled to 42/7 after PBKS’s four-pronged attack—Arshdeep Singh (2 wickets), Marco Jansen., Yuzvendra Chahal., and Harpreet Brar.—exploited a two-paced pitch[^7^][^8^]. Tim David’s maiden IPL fifty (26-ball 50*) rescued the hosts, hammering runs off Brar’s final over to lift RCB to 95/9[^3^][^6^].
Wadhera’s Decisive Cameo
PBKS stumbled early in the chase, but Wadhera’s aggressive knock against RCB’s spinners sealed the win. His three sixes shifted momentum, overshadowing Hazlewood’s middle-over strikes[^6^][^8^]. The victory propelled PBKS to second place (1 points), while RCB remained winless at home this season[^7^][^8^].
Weather & Aftermath
Clear skies post-rain ensured a full contest, but RCB’s batting frailties resurfaced despite David’s late surge. Captain Rajat Patidar admitted partnership failures cost them[^8^], while PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer praised his bowlers’ discipline[^8^].
