Sat Apr 26 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **RCB’s Kohli Explodes as Hazlewood’s Bowling Seals Thrilling Home Win Against Rajasthan Royals**
Bengaluru, India – Virat Kohli’s passionate outburst perfectly encapsulated Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) thrilling 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday night. The win marked RCB’s first home victory of the IPL 2025 season and catapulted them to third place on the points table.
Kohli, who scored a crucial 70 off 42 balls – his first fifty at home this season – erupted in joyous celebration after Josh Hazlewood’s exceptional final over, which saw two wickets and just one run conceded. Hazlewood finished with impressive figures of 4/33.
The match was a rollercoaster. RR, chasing 206, started aggressively thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 49 off 19 balls. However, Hazlewood’s brilliance turned the tide, dismissing Jaiswal and later contributing to the demise of Wanindu Hasaranga in the final over. Dhruv Jurel’s 47 provided late resistance, but RCB held on for a vital win.
Earlier, Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 27) had anchored RCB’s innings with a 95-run partnership after a shaky start. Late contributions from Jitesh Sharma and Tim David pushed RCB past the 200-run mark.
The defeat severely dents RR’s playoff hopes, leaving them with seven losses in nine matches. RCB, meanwhile, now boasts six wins from nine games and an undefeated away record (four wins from four matches). Their next challenge is against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.
First Piper 