In a rain-affected thriller at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, Punjab Kings held their nerve to register a five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, climbing to second in the IPL 2025 points table. Despite a spirited fightback from RCB, spearheaded by Tim David and Josh Hazlewood, the hosts remained winless at home this season.

Persistent evening showers delayed the start, reducing the contest to a 14-overs-a-side affair, which commenced at 9:45 PM. Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer elected to field first, a tactical decision that quickly paid off as his bowlers exploited the conditions superbly.