How RCB's Spin Duo Dominated Punjab Kings in IPL Clash

RCB's Spin Attack Shines in IPL Showdown

In Mullanpur, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's spin duo, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, delivered exceptional performances, limiting the Punjab Kings to a modest total of 157 runs for six wickets during their IPL encounter on Sunday.

Krunal, a left-arm spinner, claimed 2 wickets for 25 runs, while leg-spinner Suyash took 2 for 27, showcasing their skills on a pitch that exhibited some slowness after RCB chose to bowl first.

Punjab started their innings strongly, with Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (33) contributing 42 runs in just 4.2 overs.

Arya's aggressive batting included powerful short-arm pulls and well-timed shots, particularly against pacer Yash Dayal, whom he hit for a six and two boundaries. Recognizing the openers' comfort against pace, RCB captain Rajat Patidar brought in Pandya in the fifth over.

This strategic move paid off immediately as Krunal dismissed Arya, who mis-timed a shot off a slower delivery, leading to a catch by Tim David.

Following this breakthrough, Punjab's innings fell apart, losing three wickets for just 14 runs and slipping to 76 for four, compounded by a disastrous run-out of Nehal Wadhera.

This collapse echoed their previous performance against Kolkata Knight Riders at the same venue, where they were bowled out for 111.

The dismissals of captain Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis were particularly disappointing. Iyer attempted an aggressive shot off RCB debutant Romario Shepherd but ended up catching Krunal's diving effort.

Inglis, who had looked promising with a couple of boundaries and a six, fell to Suyash after misjudging a delivery.

Shashank Singh (31 not out), who was dropped on 27, and Marco Jansen (25 not out) managed to add 43 runs for the seventh wicket, helping Punjab surpass the 150-run mark.

Jansen concluded the innings with a six off Josh Hazlewood, but Punjab could only muster 38 runs in the last five overs.