RCB vs DC, IPL 2025: Clinical KL Rahul sets up Delhi Capitals’ fourth consecutive win

K.L. Rahul made light of a heavy load to carry Delhi Capitals (DC) to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.

It was a sweet homecoming for Rahul (93 n.o., 53b, 7×4, 6×6), who paced the DC chase to perfection. Rahul slowly built the momentum in search of the 164-run target, taking his time to settle in after the visitor stumbled to 58 for four.

When the required rate went close to 11 an over, Rahul unleashed his full range of shots. With three fours and a six in the 15th over bowled by Josh Hazlewood, Rahul put DC ahead of the curve.

Now needing a manageable 43 runs from five overs, Rahul doubled down with Tristan Stubbs (38 n.o.) to relegate RCB to a second straight defeat at home. DC, on the other hand, posted a fourth win in as many matches.

After being asked to bat, RCB frittered away a great start to finish on a sub-par score.

AS IT HAPPENED: RCB vs DC Highlights

The home side raced to 62 for one in four overs, riding on an electric 17-ball 37 from opener Phil Salt. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc bore the brunt of the assault, conceding 30 runs in the third over.

Salt’s run-out changed the course of the essay. With Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stuck in the mud, DC was allowed back into the contest. Padikkal (1, 8b), in particular, was tied up in knots.

The RCB innings moved at a snail’s pace from the fifth to the eleventh over, yielding only 32 runs. Three big wickets fell in this period as well, putting RCB in a hole.

Kohli swatted hard at a delivery floated outside off by Nigam and skied it to Starc at long-off.

Captain Rajat Patidar (25, 23b) tried to rebuild but found no support from his batting mates Liam Livingstone (4, 6b) and Jitesh Sharma (3, 11b).

Tim David (37, 20b, 2×4, 4×6) gave the crowd something to cheer about, helping RCB add 36 runs in the last two overs.