Bengaluru, Apr 10 (UNI) A belligerent late onslaught by Tim David powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a competitive 163 for 7 against Delhi Capitals in the 24th match of the Indian Premier League 2025 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, DC made early inroads despite a blazing start from Philip Salt, who smashed 37 off just 17 balls (4x4, 3x6). Salt looked unstoppable during a furious assault that included back-to-back boundaries off Mitchell Starc and a spectacular pulled six off Axar Patel. However, a tragic run out — thanks to a direct hit from Vipraj Nigam — cut short his carnage in the fourth over.
Virat Kohli (22 off 14) showed glimpses of his class, lofting two sixes including a stylish back-foot drive over cover. But his dismissal to Nigam, caught superbly by Starc at long-off, silenced the Bengaluru crowd.
From 61/1, RCB stumbled through the middle overs. Devdutt Padikkal (1), Liam Livingstone (4), and Jitesh Sharma (3) all failed to make an impact, while captain Rajat Patidar (25 off 23) played a scratchy knock before being deceived by a googly from Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner struck twice and was instrumental in denting RCB’s momentum, returning figures of 4-0-17-2.
At 125/7 after 17.1 overs, RCB seemed headed for a below-par total. But David turned the tide with a sensational finish. He launched an assault in the final overs, smashing Axar for two sixes and a four in the 19th and following up with back-to-back sixes and a four off Mukesh Kumar in the final over.
David’s unbeaten 37 off 20 balls (2x4, 4x6, SR: 185) lifted RCB from the doldrums and gave the home fans plenty to cheer about. His innings was marked by power and precision, including a colossal six over deep square leg and a classy loft over extra cover to close out the innings.
Among the bowlers, Vipraj Nigam was the pick for DC with 4-0-18-2, while Kuldeep Yadav and Mohit Sharma chipped in with vital wickets. However, the DC attack failed to contain David’s fury at the death, leaking 46 runs in the last 3 overs.
RCB’s innings featured a powerplay burst of 66/1, but it was David’s explosive finish that made the difference.
The target of 164 will test Delhi’s top order, especially on a pitch that is offering occasional grip and bounce. UNI BDN SS