Table of Contents
The RCB vs PBKS rivalry stands as one of IPL’s most electrifying clashes, blending explosive batting, nail-biting finishes, and shifting supremacy across 37 thrilling encounters. From PBKS’s early dominance to RCB’s triumphant 2025 title run capping with a dramatic 6-run Final win this head-to-head saga showcases legends like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and KL Rahul, delivering records, heartbreak, and pure drama that fans cherish.
Latest Matches
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | 1st Innings Score | 2nd Innings Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
| IPL | Ahmedabad | Jun 3, 2025 | PBKS (field) | 190/9 (20) | 184/7 (20) | RCB won by 6 runs | IPL 2025 | Krunal Pandya (RCB) |
| IPL | New Chandigarh | May 29, 2025 | RCB (field) | 101 (14.1) | 106/2 (10) | RCB won by 8 wkts | IPL 2025 | Suyash Sharma (RCB) |
| IPL | Mullanpur | Apr 20, 2025 | RCB (field) | 157/6 (20) | 159/3 (18.5) | RCB won by 7 wkts | IPL 2025 | Virat Kohli (RCB) |
| IPL | Bengaluru | Apr 18, 2025 | PBKS (field) | 95/9 (14) | 98/5 (12.1) | PBKS won by 5 wkts | IPL 2025 | Tim David (RCB) |
| IPL | Dharamsala | May 9, 2024 | PBKS (field) | 241/7 (20) | 181 (17) | RCB won by 60 runs | IPL 2024 | Virat Kohli (RCB) |
| IPL | Bengaluru | Mar 25, 2024 | RCB (field) | 176/6 (20) | 178/6 (19.2) | RCB won by 4 wkts | IPL 2024 | Virat Kohli (RCB) |
| IPL | Mohali | Apr 20, 2023 | PBKS (field) | 174/4 (20) | 150 (18.2) | RCB won by 24 runs | IPL 2023 | Mohammed Siraj (RCB) |
| IPL | Mumbai | May 13, 2022 | RCB (field) | 209/9 (20) | 155/9 (20) | PBKS won by 54 runs | IPL 2022 | Jonny Bairstow (PBKS) |
| IPL | Navi Mumbai | Mar 27, 2022 | PBKS (field) | 205/2 (20) | 208/5 (19) | PBKS won by 5 wkts | IPL 2022 | Odean Smith (PBKS) |
| IPL | Sharjah | Oct 3, 2021 | RCB (BAT) | 164/7 (20) | 158/6 (20) | RCB won by 6 runs | IPL 2021 | Glenn Maxwell |
| IPL | Ahmedabad | Apr 30, 2021 | RCB (field) | 179/5 (20) | 145/8 (20) | PBKS won by 34 runs | IPL 2021 | Harpreet Brar |
| IPL | Sharjah | Oct 15, 2020 | RCB (BAT) | 171/6 (20) | 177/2 (20) | PBKS won by 8 wkts | IPL 2020 | KL Rahul |
| IPL | Dubai | Sep 24, 2020 | RCB (field) | 206/3 (20) | 109 (17) | PBKS won by 97 runs | IPL 2020 | KL Rahul |
| IPL | Bengaluru | Apr 24, 2019 | PBKS (field) | 202/4 (20) | 185/7 (20) | RCB won by 17 runs | IPL 2019 | AB de Villiers |
| IPL | Mohali | Apr 13, 2019 | RCB (field) | 173/4 (20) | 174/2 (19.2) | RCB won by 8 wkts | IPL 2019 | AB de Villiers |
Most Memorable Matches in RCB vs PBKS History
| Date | Venue | Result | Key Scores & Performances | Why Memorable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 3, 2025 | Ahmedabad | RCB won by 6 runs | RCB 190/9 (Kohli 43); PBKS 184/7; Krunal Pandya 2/17 (POTM) | RCB clinched their first-ever IPL title in a tense final, ending an 18-year drought with clutch bowling under pressure. |
| May 29, 2025 | New Chandigarh | RCB won by 8 wickets | PBKS 101 all out (14.1 overs); RCB 106/2 (10 overs); Suyash Sharma’s spin wizardry (POTM) | Dominant playoff demolition where RCB chased a low total with 60 balls to spare—the biggest IPL knockout win by balls remaining. |
| May 9, 2024 | Dharamsala | RCB won by 60 runs | RCB 241/7 (Kohli 92); PBKS 181 (17 overs); Kohli (POTM) | RCB’s highest total against PBKS in a high-altitude thriller, showcasing Kohli’s vintage form in a season turnaround. |
| May 17, 2011 | Dharamsala | PBKS won by 111 runs | PBKS 232/2 (Gilchrist 106 off 55, Marsh 79*); RCB 121 all out; Gilchrist (POTM) | PBKS’s biggest win by runs in IPL history; Gilchrist’s blistering ton and 206-run partnership crushed RCB in a one-sided spectacle. |
| May 6, 2015 | Bengaluru | RCB won by 138 runs | RCB 226/3 (Gayle 117 off 57); PBKS 88 all out; Gayle (POTM) | RCB’s largest margin victory ever; Gayle’s monstrous century and PBKS’s lowest total (88) turned it into a batting masterclass. |
| Sep 24, 2020 | Dubai | PBKS won by 97 runs | PBKS 206/3 (Rahul 132* off 69); RCB 109 all out; Rahul (POTM) | KL Rahul’s unbeaten 132—the highest individual score in this rivalry—powered PBKS to a massive win amid COVID-era IPL. |
| Oct 3, 2021 | Sharjah | RCB won by 6 runs | RCB 164/5; PBKS 158/6; Chahal’s double strike, Harshal Patel defended 19 in final over (POTM) | Nail-biting finish with Harshal’s composure under lights; shifted momentum in a playoff race. |
| May 12, 2008 | Mohali | PBKS won by 9 wickets | RCB 143/8; PBKS 144/1 (Marsh 74*); Marsh (POTM) | PBKS’s biggest win by wickets in the inaugural IPL season; set the tone for their early dominance over RCB. |
| May 14, 2018 | Indore | RCB won by 10 wickets | PBKS 88 all out; RCB 89/0 (chased in 8.1 overs); Umesh Yadav 3/23 (POTM) | RCB’s only 10-wicket win in IPL; ruthless bowling and chase highlighted their mid-season resurgence. |
| Mar 27, 2022 | Mumbai | PBKS won by 5 wickets | RCB 205/2; PBKS 208/5 (19 overs); Odean Smith’s late blitz (POTM) | Epic high chase with fireworks from both sides; PBKS overcame a daunting total in a neutral-venue classic. |
Head-to-Head Summary: RCB vs PBKS in IPL
| Category | RCB Stats | PBKS Stats | Notes/Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 37 | 37 | Balanced rivalry; no ties or no-results. |
| Wins Overall | 19 | 18 | RCB leads; longest streak: PBKS 5 (2012-14), RCB 4 (2018-19). |
| Wins Batting First | 10 | 7 | Teams batting first win 46% of matches; high-scoring games favor setters. |
| Wins Batting Second | 9 | 11 | PBKS excels in chases, with 12 successful pursuits out of 19 attempts. |
| Highest Team Total | 241/7 (Dharamsala, 2024) | 232/2 (Dharamsala, 2011) | RCB’s 241 powered by Kohli’s 92; PBKS’s 232 featured Gilchrist’s 106. |
| Lowest Team Total | 109 all out (Dubai, 2020) | 88 all out (Bengaluru, 2015) | PBKS’s 88 is their IPL lowest; RCB’s 109 came in a 97-run thrashing. |
| Biggest Win by Runs | 138 runs (Bengaluru, 2015) | 111 runs (Dharamsala, 2011) | RCB’s demolition after Gayle’s 117; PBKS’s rout via Gilchrist-Marsh stand. |
| Biggest Win by Wickets | 10 wickets (Indore, 2018) | 9 wickets (Mohali, 2008) | RCB chased 89 in 8.1 overs; PBKS’s debut win set early dominance. |
| Average Run Rate | 8.75 | 8.62 | Explosive: Over 50% of matches exceed 180+ totals. |
| Most Common Result Margin | By 5-10 runs/wickets (12 matches) | By 5-10 runs/wickets (12 matches) | Nail-biters dominate; 15 games decided in last over. |
Best Player Analysis Table: Top Performers in RCB vs PBKS
| Rank | Player (Team) | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest | 50s/100s | Notable Feat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli (RCB) | 34 | 1104 | 36.80 | 140.10 | 113 | 9/4 | Most POTM (5); 92 in RCB’s 241/7 (2024). |
| 2 | Chris Gayle (RCB/PBKS) | 17 | 873 | 58.20 | 165.90 | 117 | 5/2 | Monstrous 117 off 57 (2015); played for both teams. |
| 3 | AB de Villiers (RCB) | 21 | 718 | 47.86 | 162.44 | 82* | 5/0 | Explosive finisher; 133-run stand with Kohli (2016). |
| 4 | KL Rahul (PBKS) | 12 | 593 | 53.90 | 145.22 | 132* | 4/1 | Unbeaten 132 (2020)—highest in rivalry. |
| 5 | Shaun Marsh (PBKS) | 11 | 525 | 52.50 | 138.15 | 115 | 3/1 | Century on debut (2008); 206-run record stand (2011). |
| Rank | Player (Team) | Innings | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | 4+ Hauls | Notable Feat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB/PBKS) | 18 | 28 | 20.50 | 7.74 | 4/25 | 1 | Spin king; 3 wickets in 2021 thriller defense. |
| 2 | Harshal Patel (PBKS/RCB) | 11 | 16 | 22.12 | 8.90 | 3/15 | 0 | Death specialist; switched teams, key in 2021 win. |
| 3 | Sandeep Sharma (PBKS) | 10 | 16 | 18.75 | 7.50 | 4/20 | 1 | Swing maestro; dismantled RCB top-order multiple times. |
| 4 | Mohammed Siraj (RCB) | 9 | 14 | 21.64 | 8.25 | 4/21 | 1 | Pace threat; 4/21 in 2023’s 24-run defense. |
| 5 | Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) | 8 | 13 | 23.46 | 9.10 | 4/29 | 1 | Yorker specialist; crucial in 2025 Final (3/40). |
The Sparks Ignite: Origins of the RCB-PBKS Rivalry and First Clashes (2008-2010 Stats and Scorecards)
The IPL dawned in 2008, birthing a fierce rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, then Kings XI Punjab. Both squads boasted stars like Dravid for RCB and Yuvraj for PBKS, setting the stage for aggressive cricket. Early matches saw PBKS dominate with sharp chases, fueling fan frustration in Bengaluru. Who could forget the tension as PBKS chased down targets effortlessly? Tactics evolved from power-hitting to smart bowling, with pressure moments like Yuvraj’s hat-trick defining clashes. Emotions ran high, with crowds roaring over every boundary. This era laid the foundation for epic battles.
| Match Date & Venue | Result & Key Scorecard | Standout Players & Stats | Best Moments & Records | Tactics & Fan Emotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2008 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | PBKS won by 6 wickets. RCB: 126/10 (19.2 ov) – Dravid 29, Misbah 21; Sreesanth 2/16, VRV Singh 3/29. PBKS: 127/4 (18.2 ov) – Marsh 39, Sangakkara 26*; Steyn 1/18, Kallis 1/22. | Shaun Marsh (39 runs), Sreesanth (3/29). Highest partnership: PBKS 45 (Marsh-Sangakkara). | PBKS’s maiden win over RCB; Marsh’s composed chase set tone. Record: Lowest RCB total vs PBKS at home. | PBKS chased aggressively with spin control; RCB fans booed early collapse, building rivalry heat. |
| May 12, 2008 – PCA Stadium, Mohali | PBKS won by 9 wickets. RCB: 143/8 (20 ov) – Dravid 66, Kallis 34; Chawla 2/27, Pathan 2/20. PBKS: 144/1 (15.4 ov) – Marsh 74*, Pomersbach 34*; Praveen 1/29. | Rahul Dravid (66 runs), Shaun Marsh (74*). Best bowling: Irfan Pathan 2/20. | Massive 9-wicket thrashing; Marsh’s unbeaten fifty in quick chase. Record: Biggest win by wickets for PBKS vs RCB. | PBKS exploited RCB’s weak middle order; Punjab fans erupted in joy, mocking RCB’s star lineup flops. |
| April 24, 2009 – Kingsmead, Durban | PBKS won by 7 wickets. RCB: 168/9 (20 ov) – Uthappa 66, Boucher 26; Abdulla 4/31, Pathan 2/20. PBKS: 173/3 (19 ov) – Bopara 84, Yuvraj 38*; Kumble 2/30. | Ravi Bopara (84 runs, POTM), Iqbal Abdulla (4/31). Key partnership: 74 (Bopara-Yuvraj). | Bopara’s all-round show; Abdulla’s spin magic. Record: Abdulla’s best IPL figures then. | Neutral venue tactics favored spin; Fans debated RCB’s batting frailties, intensifying cross-state rivalry. |
| May 1, 2009 – Kingsmead, Durban | RCB won by 8 runs. RCB: 145/9 (20 ov) – Kallis 62, Kohli 19; Yuvraj 3/22 (hat-trick), Abdulla 2/18. PBKS: 137/7 (20 ov) – Yuvraj 50, Goel 17; Appanna 2/24, Kumble 2/22. | Jacques Kallis (62 runs), Yuvraj Singh (50 runs & 3/22). Best chase attempt failed. | Yuvraj’s hat-trick thrill (Uthappa, Kallis, Boucher); Close finish built suspense. Record: First RCB win over PBKS. | RCB’s spin defense turned tide; Global fans thrilled, PBKS supporters fumed over late collapse. |
| March 16, 2010 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | PBKS won by 8 wickets. RCB: 203/3 (20 ov) – Kallis 89*, Uthappa 51; Chawla 1/29. PBKS: 204/2 (18.5 ov) – Bisla 75, Bopara 77*; Steyn 1/38. | Jacques Kallis (89*), Ravi Bopara (77*). Highest score: Kallis 89*. | Epic high-scoring chase; Bisla-Bopara 129-run stand. Record: Highest successful chase vs RCB then. | PBKS countered pace with aggression; Bengaluru crowd stunned, sparking calls for RCB revamp. |
| April 2, 2010 – PCA Stadium, Mohali | RCB won by 6 wickets. PBKS: 181/5 (20 ov) – Yuvraj 68, Pathan 33*; Kumble 2/43. RCB: 184/4 (19.1 ov) – Pietersen 66*, Kohli 42; Theron 2/36. | Kevin Pietersen (66*, POTM), Yuvraj Singh (68). Key partnership: RCB 74 (Pietersen-Kohli). | Pietersen’s unbeaten knock under pressure. Record: RCB’s first away win vs PBKS. | RCB chased smartly with anchors; Punjab fans emotional over Yuvraj’s fightback, heightening rivalry passion. |
| Era Highlights (2008-2010) | Played: 6, PBKS wins: 4, RCB: 2. Total runs: ~1,700 across matches. | Top scorer: Jacques Kallis (234 runs). Best bowler: Iqbal Abdulla (6 wkts). | Yuvraj’s hat-trick legacy; Marsh’s dual fifties. Record: 204 chase by PBKS (highest in era). | Early PBKS dominance via chases; Fans’ aggression grew with stars’ duels, laying intense foundation. |
Clash of Styles: Early Dominance Shifts and Building Aggression (2011-2013 Key Moments and Player Stats)
From 2011 to 2013, the RCB-PBKS rivalry shifted gears with clashing styles: RCB’s explosive batting met PBKS’s cunning chases. Aggression peaked as Gayle’s 107 in Bengaluru fueled RCB’s 85-run win, but Gilchrist’s 106 powered PBKS’s 111-run thrashing. Fans erupted over pressure moments like Miller’s unbeaten 101 in Mohali, turning impossible targets into victories. Tactics evolved from yorker barrages to googly traps, heightening on-field tension. Emotions boiled with Kohli’s fiery partnerships and Awana’s triple strikes. This era saw record chases, like PBKS’s 191 in 18 overs, building a passionate feud that gripped crowds.
| Match Date & Venue | Result & Key Scorecard | Standout Players & Stats | Best Moments & Records | Tactics & Fan Emotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2011 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | RCB won by 85 runs. RCB: 205/6 (20 ov) – Gayle 107, Kohli 27; Harris 3/38, Chawla 2/37. PBKS: 120/9 (20 ov) – McLaren 28, Karthik 20; Aravind 4/14, Gayle 3/21. | Chris Gayle (107 runs & 3/21, POTM), Sreenath Aravind (4/14). Highest partnership: RCB 111 (Gayle-Kohli). | Gayle’s 107 off 49 with 9 sixes; His hat-trick of wickets with celebrations. Record: Gayle’s fastest IPL ton then (46 balls). | RCB exploited spin defense; PBKS fans stunned by collapse, Gayle’s jigs sparked aggressive cheers from Bengaluru crowd. |
| May 17, 2011 – HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala | PBKS won by 111 runs. PBKS: 232/2 (20 ov) – Gilchrist 106, Marsh 79*; Langeveldt 2/48. RCB: 121/10 (17 ov) – de Villiers 34, Kaif 15; Chawla 4/17, Harris 3/28. | Adam Gilchrist (106 runs, POTM), Piyush Chawla (4/17). Best partnership: 206 (Gilchrist-Marsh). | Gilchrist’s 106 off 55; Miller’s chase turnaround. Record: PBKS’s highest total vs RCB (232/2). | PBKS batted aggressively with power; RCB fans fumed over Gayle’s duck, heightening rivalry frustration. |
| April 20, 2012 – PCA Stadium, Mohali | RCB won by 5 wickets. PBKS: 163/6 (20 ov) – Hussey 41, Mahmood 33*; McDonald 2/25, Awana 4/34. RCB: 166/5 (19.3 ov) – Gayle 87, de Villiers 52; Awana 4/34. | Chris Gayle (87 runs, POTM), Parvinder Awana (4/34). Key partnership: 131 (Gayle-de Villiers). | Gayle’s 87 in chase; Awana’s powerplay burst (3 wickets). Record: RCB’s tightest chase vs PBKS. | RCB rebuilt with anchors after early losses; Mohali fans emotional over late surge, building aggressive banter. |
| May 2, 2012 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | PBKS won by 4 wickets. RCB: 158/5 (20 ov) – Gayle 71, Kohli 45; Mahmood 3/20. PBKS: 163/6 (19.5 ov) – Saini 50, Hussey 45; McDonald 2/25. | Azhar Mahmood (3/20 & 2 runs, POTM), Chris Gayle (71 runs). Highest partnership: RCB 119 (Gayle-Kohli). | Mahmood’s triple strike; Close finish with 1 ball left. Record: PBKS’s narrowest win vs RCB. | PBKS chased with late aggression; Bengaluru crowd roared for Gayle, frustrated by collapse. |
| May 6, 2013 – PCA Stadium, Mohali | PBKS won by 6 wickets. RCB: 190/3 (20 ov) – Gayle 61, Pujara 51; Gony 2/41. PBKS: 194/4 (18 ov) – Miller 101*, Sathish 27*; Kartik 2/24. | David Miller (101* runs, POTM), Manpreet Gony (2/41). Key partnership: 130 (Miller-Sathish). | Miller’s 101 off 38 with 7 sixes; Epic chase of 191. Record: Fastest IPL century then (38 balls). | PBKS countered pace with spin; Mohali fans ecstatic, RCB supporters stunned by Miller’s assault. |
| May 14, 2013 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | PBKS won by 7 wickets. RCB: 174/5 (20 ov) – Gayle 77, Kohli 57; Awana 3/39. PBKS: 176/3 (18.1 ov) – Gilchrist 85*, Mahmood 61; Khan 1/30. | Adam Gilchrist (85* runs, POTM), Parvinder Awana (3/39). Best partnership: 118 (Gilchrist-Mahmood). | Gilchrist’s unbeaten 85; Awana’s yorker hat-trick-like burst. Record: PBKS’s biggest chase vs RCB (176). | PBKS exploited death overs; Bengaluru fans aggressive over Kohli’s lbw, rivalry tension peaked. |
| Era Highlights (2011-2013) | Played: 6, PBKS wins: 4, RCB: 2. Total runs: ~2,000 across matches. | Top scorer: Chris Gayle (393 runs). Best bowler: Parvinder Awana (11 wkts). | Miller’s 101* legacy; Gilchrist’s 106 ton. Record: Highest chase 194/4 by PBKS. | PBKS dominance via chases; Fans’ passion grew with stars’ duels, aggressive crowds demanding revamps. |
Modern Mayhem: Unpredictable Thrillers and Tactical Evolutions (2020-2022 Match Recaps and Fan Emotions)
The 2020-2022 period turned RCB-PBKS clashes into pure chaos, with high-scoring thrillers, dramatic collapses, and evolving tactics like death-over yorkers clashing against power-hitting aggression. KL Rahul’s epic 132* demolished RCB by 97 runs in 2020, while Faf du Plessis and Kohli’s fireworks met PBKS’s late assaults from Rajapaksa and Livingstone. Emotions exploded as fans watched impossible chases, like PBKS’s 208 in 19 overs in 2022, or Maxwell’s heroics sealing tight wins. Pressure moments built rival intensity, with crowds roaring over every six and collapse, turning matches into edge-of-seat spectacles that redefined IPL drama.
| Match Date & Venue | Result & Key Scorecard | Standout Players & Stats | Best Moments & Records | Tactics & Fan Emotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2020 – Dubai | PBKS won by 97 runs. PBKS: 206/3 (20 ov) – KL Rahul 132* (69), Mayank Agarwal 26; Chahal 1/25. RCB: 109 (17 ov) – Sundar 30, de Villiers 28; Ashwin 3/21, Cottrell 3 wkts. | KL Rahul (132* off 69, POTM, 14×4, 7×6). Best bowling: Cottrell & Ashwin (3 each). Highest partnership: Rahul-Nair. | Rahul’s highest IPL score by Indian (132*); RCB’s lowest total vs PBKS. Record: Biggest win margin for PBKS vs RCB. | PBKS dominated with powerplay aggression; RCB fans devastated by collapse, social media erupted in memes mocking batting frailties. |
| Oct 15, 2020 – Sharjah | PBKS won by 8 wkts. RCB: 171/6 (20 ov) – Padikkal 45, Kohli 42; Bishnoi 2 wkts. PBKS: 177/2 (20 ov) – Rahul 61*, Pooran 6*. | KL Rahul (61* & catches, POTM). Key partnership: Rahul-Mayank 91. | Rahul’s calm chase finish; Tight death overs. Record: PBKS’s unbeaten streak continuation. | PBKS chased with composure; RCB supporters frustrated over missed opportunities, heightening calls for lineup changes. |
| Apr 30, 2021 – Ahmedabad | PBKS won by 34 runs. PBKS: 179/5 (20 ov) – Rahul 57, Agarwal 35; Siraj 2 wkts. RCB: 145/8 (20 ov) – Padikkal 40, Maxwell 25; Brar 3/19. | Harpreet Brar (3/19 & 25*, POTM). Best bowling: Brar spin trap. | Brar’s middle-over magic; RCB middle-order flop. Record: PBKS defense of 179. | PBKS used spin cleverly on slow pitch; Fans booed RCB’s chase failure, rivalry tension soared with Kohli critiques. |
| Oct 3, 2021 – Sharjah | RCB won by 6 runs. RCB: 164/7 (20 ov) – Maxwell 57 (33), Padikkal 40; Henriques 3/12. PBKS: 158/6 (20 ov) – Agarwal 57, Rahul 35; Hazlewood 3 wkts. | Glenn Maxwell (57 off 33, POTM). Key partnership: Maxwell-Padikkal. | Maxwell’s explosive knock; Close finish. Record: RCB’s tight defense in UAE. | RCB balanced attack; PBKS fans gutted by late collapse, emotional debates over finishing abilities. |
| Mar 27, 2022 – Navi Mumbai | PBKS won by 5 wkts. RCB: 205/2 (20 ov) – Faf 73, Kohli 58; Rabada 1 wkt. PBKS: 208/5 (19 ov) – Rajapaksa 43, Dhawan 43, Smith 30*; Siraj 2/59. | Odean Smith (POTM). Highest chase: 208 in 19 ov. Key partnership: Rajapaksa-Dhawan. | Epic chase with late sixes; Rajapaksa’s assault. Record: Highest successful chase vs RCB then. | PBKS countered pace with power; RCB fans stunned by collapse, aggressive online backlash. |
| May 13, 2022 – Mumbai (Brabourne) | PBKS won by 54 runs. PBKS: 209/9 (20 ov) – Livingstone 70, Bairstow 66; Hazlewood 3 wkts. RCB: 155/9 (20 ov) – Kohli 30; Rabada 3 wkts. | Liam Livingstone (70, POTM). Best partnership: Livingstone-Bairstow. | Livingstone’s fireworks; RCB batting flop. Record: PBKS’s high total dominance. | PBKS exploited death overs; Mumbai crowd roared for PBKS, RCB fans emotional over playoff hopes dashed. |
| Era Highlights (2020-2022) | Played: 6, PBKS wins: 5, RCB: 1. Total runs: High-scoring thrillers. | Top scorer: KL Rahul (250+ runs). Best bowler: Varied attacks. | Rahul’s 132* legacy; PBKS chases like 208. Record: PBKS dominance with big margins. | Tactical shifts to death bowling vs power; Fans’ passion peaked with unpredictability, aggressive chants defining mayhem. |
The Pinnacle of Passion: 2025 Epic and Enduring Impact (Final Clashes, Stats Legacy, and Rivalry Reflections)
The 2025 season delivered the ultimate climax to the RCB-PBKS saga, culminating in the IPL final where RCB finally lifted their maiden title after 18 years of heartbreak. Early league clashes saw mixed results, but playoff drama peaked with RCB’s dominant Qualifier 1 win and the nerve-shredding final thriller at Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli’s anchoring, Krunal Pandya’s spin mastery, and late sixes from PBKS kept fans on edge. Emotions overflowed as Bengaluru faithful celebrated wildly, ending the drought. This era cemented the rivalry’s legacy: high-stakes aggression, record chases, and unbreakable passion that defined IPL folklore.
| Match Date & Venue | Result & Key Scorecard | Standout Players & Stats | Best Moments & Records | Tactics & Fan Emotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2025 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Match 34) | PBKS won by 5 wickets (rain-affected, 14-over game). RCB: 95/9 (14 ov) – Various low scores; PBKS: 98/5 (12.1 ov) – Tim David key finisher. | Tim David (POTM, finishing role). Best bowling: PBKS attack restricted RCB heavily. | Rain-reduced thriller; PBKS chased comfortably. Record: RCB’s low total in home game vs PBKS. | PBKS exploited shortened conditions with aggression; RCB fans frustrated by batting collapse, early season tension built. |
| April 20, 2025 – Likely away venue (Match 37) | RCB won by 7 wickets. PBKS: 157/6 (20 ov) – Collective effort; RCB: 159/3 (18.5 ov) – Virat Kohli 73* (54). | Virat Kohli (73* unbeaten, POTM). Key partnership: Solid top-order chase. | Kohli’s clinical anchor role; Smooth chase. Record: Kohli’s consistent masterclass in chase. | RCB bowlers set platform, Kohli paced innings perfectly; PBKS supporters disappointed, RCB fans cheered resurgence. |
| May 29, 2025 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur (Qualifier 1) | RCB won by 8 wickets. PBKS: 101 all out (14.1 ov) – Collapse; RCB: 106/2 (10 ov) – Phil Salt 56 (27), others quick. | Suyash Sharma (spin magic, key wickets), Phil Salt (explosive start). Best bowling: RCB attack dismantled PBKS. | PBKS bowled out cheaply; RCB chased effortlessly. Record: Dominant playoff win, low target defense. | RCB’s spin and pace overwhelmed; Fans erupted over RCB’s playoff dominance, PBKS heartbreak intensified rivalry. |
| June 3, 2025 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Final) | RCB won by 6 runs. RCB: 190/9 (20 ov) – Virat Kohli 43 (35), contributions throughout; PBKS: 184/7 (20 ov) – Shashank Singh late fireworks. | Krunal Pandya (2/17, MVP), Virat Kohli (anchoring). Best bowling: Krunal’s control; Arshdeep 3/40 for PBKS. Key partnership: Late PBKS surge. | Nail-biting finish with Shashank’s sixes too late; Hazlewood’s final over drama. Record: RCB’s maiden IPL title after 18 years; Closest final margin. | RCB balanced batting then choked PBKS with spin/death bowling; Ahmedabad crowd split, RCB fans in ecstasy, tears of joy, PBKS supporters devastated by “so near yet so far” moment. |
| Era Highlights (2025) | Played: 4 (incl. playoffs/final), RCB wins: 3, PBKS: 1. RCB claimed maiden title. Total high drama. | Top performer: Virat Kohli (consistent runs). Best bowler: Krunal Pandya (final heroics). | RCB’s first IPL trophy; Epic final with 6-run win. Record: RCB leveled H2H to 19-18 overall. | Tactical masterclasses in playoffs; Fan passion peaked with title drought end, aggressive celebrations, memes, and lifelong rivalry etched forever. |
KL Rahul 132* vs RCB: Epic Century Scorecard & Highlights
On September 24, 2020, in Dubai, KL Rahul delivered one of IPL’s most brutal masterclasses, smashing an unbeaten 132 off 69 balls to power Punjab Kings to 206/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His explosive 14 fours and 7 sixes at 191.30 strike rate included 42 runs in the final two overs, setting up a 97-run demolition. RCB collapsed to 109 all out, outclassed by Ashwin and Bishnoi spin. This iconic knock became the highest by an Indian in IPL then, fueling PBKS dominance and RCB heartbreak, forever remembered for Rahul’s calm carnage and rivalry-defining aggression.
| Key Aspect | Details & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Match Date & Venue | September 24, 2020 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Toss & Result | PBKS won toss, batted first; PBKS won by 97 runs (biggest margin vs RCB then) |
| PBKS Scorecard | 206/3 (20 ov): KL Rahul 132* (69), Mayank Agarwal 26, Karun Nair 15*; Extras 13 |
| RCB Scorecard | 109 all out (17 ov): Washington Sundar 30, AB de Villiers 28; Extras 8 |
| KL Rahul Innings Breakdown | 132* off 69 (14×4, 7×6, SR 191.30); Carried bat; 42 runs in last 2 overs |
| Best Bowling (PBKS) | Murugan Ashwin 3/21, Ravi Bishnoi 3/32, Sheldon Cottrell 2 wkts |
| Best Bowling (RCB) | Yuzvendra Chahal 1/25 (only wicket) |
| Top Moments & Records | Rahul’s 1st IPL 100 as captain; Highest Indian IPL score then; 6th highest IPL ton overall; PBKS highest vs RCB then |
| Key Partnerships | Rahul-Mayank 52 (powerplay blast); Rahul-Nair finishing surge |
| Tactics & Fan Emotions | Rahul paced perfectly, targeted death bowlers; RCB pace exposed; Fans memed RCB collapse, PBKS celebrated “KLassy” legend; Massive rivalry fire ignited |
| Legacy Impact | Defined Rahul’s T20 peak; PBKS 2020 dominance symbol; Still benchmark for captain knocks; RCB fans remember as nightmare chase failure |
Conclusion
In summary, RCB’s narrow 19-18 edge, sealed by their maiden IPL crown in 2025, underscores a rivalry defined by resilience, star power, and unforgettable moments. As this epic continues, it reminds us why cricket captivates—through intense battles, individual brilliance, and the joy of ultimate redemption after years of pursuit.
