Punjab Kings (PBKS) found themselves in a bit of a tangle during a low-scoring run chase. With three in-form batters dismissed early, young Nehal Wadhera ensured his team crossed the finish line, keeping his composure on a tricky surface against a quality Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowling attack.
Initially, Nehal struggled to find his timing. After playing four consecutive dot balls from Suyash Sharma, he broke the shackles with a reverse sweep that pierced the gap between point and short third for a boundary. On the very next delivery, he launched a quicker ball over wide long-on for a six. The southpaw added two more sixes and two more fours to finish unbeaten, guiding PBKS to victory in 12.1 overs with five wickets in hand. His 33* turned out to be the highest score of the innings.
PBKS Bowlers shine in the rain-curtailed match
The foundation of the win, however, was laid by the PBKS bowlers. After opting to bowl first in a rain-shortened 14-overs-a-side game, they dismantled RCB’s star-studded batting line-up, reducing them to 42/7. It was only due to Tim David’s maiden IPL fifty that Bengaluru managed to post a total of 95.
RCB responded with regular wickets of their own, but Nehal stood tall, ensuring PBKS crossed the line despite few hiccups. This marked RCB’s third consecutive home defeat. While they’ve remained unbeaten on the road, their home form continues to be a concern as they search for their first win in front of their fans.