Bengaluru, February 28, 2025
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 25-run victory over the Gujarat Giants (GG) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night. Chasing a target of 186, the Giants fell short, scoring 160/8 in 20 overs. A packed crowd cheered as RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in a tense finish.
Match Highlights (Royal Challengers vs. Giants)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 28 February 2025 |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Toss | Giants won, chose to field |
| RCB Score | 185/6 (20 overs) |
| Giants Score | 160/8 (20 overs) |
| Result | RCB won by 25 runs |
| Top Scorer (RCB) | Rajat Patidar (85 off 45 balls) |
| Best Bowler (RCB) | Mohammed Siraj (4/28) |
| Player of the Match | Rajat Patidar |
RCB’s Batting Dominance
RCB’s innings began shakily as opener Faf du Plessis fell for 8 runs in the 2nd over. However, Rajat Patidar (85) and Virat Kohli (42) rebuilt the innings with a 112-run partnership. Patidar smashed 6 sixes, targeting Giants’ spinners. Kohli anchored the knock until he was caught off Rashid Khan’s bowling in the 14th over. Glenn Maxwell’s quick 22* off 10 balls lifted RCB to 185/6.
Giants’ bowlers struggled with line and length. Pacer Spencer Johnson took 3/40, while Rashid Khan (1/30) and Mohit Sharma (1/35) contained runs in patches.
Giants’ Chase Falters
Giants’ openers Shubman Gill (28) and Sai Sudharsan (19) started aggressively, adding 47 runs in 5 overs. But Mohammed Siraj’s double-wicket over (Gill and Sudharsan) derailed the chase. Captain Kane Williamson (37) and David Miller (33) fought hard, but RCB’s spinners Karn Sharma (2/24) and Mayank Dagar (1/22) tightened the screws.
With 48 needed off 18 balls, Siraj returned to dismiss Miller and Rashid Khan (0) in the 18th over, sealing the game. Giants managed only 9 boundaries in the last 10 overs.
Key Moments
Patidar’s Sixes: His 85-run knock included 6 sixes, 4 of which came against Rashid Khan.
Siraj’s 18th Over: The pacer took 2 wickets and gave away just 3 runs, ending Giants’ hopes.
Kohli’s Catch: A diving catch by Kohli to dismiss Rahul Tewatia (15) in the 16th over shifted momentum.
Captains’ Reactions
RCB Captain Faf du Plessis: “Rajat’s innings was special. Our bowlers executed plans perfectly. Siraj’s spell won us the game.”
Giants Captain Kane Williamson: “We lost too many wickets early. Need to improve batting in the middle overs.”
Crowd and Atmosphere
Over 32,000 fans filled the stadium, chanting “RCB! RCB!” throughout. Fireworks lit the sky after the win, while Giants’ fans left disappointed.
Points Table Update
With this win, RCB climbed to 3rd place in the IPL 2025 points table. Giants are 7th after their first loss.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Mumbai Indians | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Royal Challengers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Gujarat Giants | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
What’s Next?
RCB will face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 2, while the Giants play Delhi Capitals on March 3.
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