In a pulsating encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 24, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ignited their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR), thanks to a scorching performance by Josh Hazlewood. The Australian pacer, with his lethal accuracy and unrelenting aggression, turned the tide in RCB’s favor, delivering a spell that will be etched in the memories of fans. After three consecutive losses at home, RCB’s fortress roared back to life, and Hazlewood was the architect of this resurgence.
Josh Hazlewood’s figures of 4 for 33 in 4 overs, including a breathtaking 19th over where he conceded just 1 run and claimed 2 crucial wickets, earned him the Player of the Match award. Defending a target of 206, RCB relied on Hazlewood’s composure to choke RR’s chase, restricting them to 194/9. His ability to dismantle RR’s batting lineup with precision and flair underscored why he is a cornerstone of RCB’s bowling attack. This victory not only marked RCB’s first home win of the season but also reignited their hopes in the IPL 2025 title race.
Post Match Interview: Rajat Patidar
Josh Hazlewood Striking Early: Setting the Tone
Hazlewood wasted no time in asserting his dominance. In the powerplay, he targeted RR’s explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was blazing away with 49 runs off just 19 balls. Hazlewood’s penultimate delivery in his first spell was a masterstroke—a well-directed ball that found the edge of Jaiswal’s bat, sending him back to the pavilion. This early wicket disrupted RR’s momentum and gave RCB a crucial breakthrough.
Throughout his initial two overs, Hazlewood conceded 26 runs but maintained a tight line and length, making it challenging for RR’s batsmen to score freely. His ability to mix back-of-length deliveries with occasional yorkers kept the opposition guessing, setting the stage for his later heroics. In the 17th over, he struck again, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer (11 off 8) with a delivery that cramped the batsman for room, resulting in a catch at mid-off. Hazlewood’s relentless pressure ensured RR remained on the back foot.
The match reached its climax in the 19th over, with RR needing 18 runs off the final 12 balls to chase down 206. The Chinnaswamy crowd was on edge as Hazlewood stepped up to bowl the penultimate over. What followed was a display of sheer brilliance that swung the game decisively in RCB’s favor.
Josh Hazlewood’s 4/33 Powers RCB to Commanding Win
Hazlewood’s first ball to Dhruv Jurel was a pinpoint yorker that the batsman could only edge to the wicketkeeper. The dismissal sparked controversy, requiring a third-umpire review to confirm the under-edge, but Hazlewood’s precision was undeniable. Jurel’s departure was a massive blow to RR’s hopes.
The very next delivery saw Hazlewood outfox Jofra Archer, a known big-hitter. A cleverly disguised short-of-length ball induced a leading edge, which was safely caught at cover. With just 1 run conceded and two wickets taken in the over, Hazlewood had all but sealed RR’s fate. His ability to execute yorkers, slower balls, and hard-length deliveries under immense pressure was a testament to his skill and composure.
With RCB needing another 16 runs to win from last over, it was a tough task given 8 wickets were down for 189-8. Yash Dayal mixed his line & lengths quite smartly and overcome the threat of a win as RCB won the match by 11 runs against all odds.
Records, Recognition, and RCB’s Revival
Josh Hazlewood’s heroics extended beyond the match result. His four-wicket haul saw him equal Mitchell McClenaghan’s record for the fourth-fastest 50 IPL wickets, achieved in just 36 appearances. Additionally, he surpassed 150 T20 wickets, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class bowler. His season stats—2/22 vs KKR, 3/21 vs CSK, and 3/14 vs RR in a reduced-overs game—highlight his consistency.
Post-match, Hazlewood remained unfazed by the pressure. “I knew 18 runs off 12 balls favored the batsmen, but I stuck to my strengths—back of length and yorkers—and it paid off,” he said. He expressed delight at RCB’s first home win, a sentiment echoed by head coach Andy Flower, who praised Hazlewood’s world-class skills. “His last two overs—7 runs and 3 wickets—were exceptional. He’s brilliant under pressure and a key part of our pace attack,” Flower noted.
The victory was a turning point for RCB, who had struggled in their previous home games. Facing a formidable RR side, RCB’s batting unit, led by strong performances, set a challenging target of 206. However, it was Hazlewood’s bowling that proved decisive. His ability to strike at critical moments—early in the powerplay, in the middle overs, and at the death—ensured RR’s chase fell short. The 11-run margin underscored the impact of his 19th over, which shifted the momentum irrevocably.
Josh Hazlewood’s performance on April 24, 2025, was a defining moment for RCB in IPL 2025. His fiery spell, marked by early breakthroughs, relentless pressure, and a game-changing 19th over, secured a crucial victory and showcased his prowess as a world-class bowler. As RCB builds on this momentum, Hazlewood’s form will be pivotal in their quest for the IPL title. His ability to deliver under pressure and dismantle opposition batting lineups makes him a true match-winner.
Also Read: RCB vs RR: Chinnaswamy Erupts; RCB’s 11-Run Win Deepens RR’s IPL 2025 Misery