![IPL 2025: [WATCH] Josh Hazlewood Strikes As RCB Takes Charge In Powerplay](https://cricfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_4098-1.jpg "IPL 2025: [WATCH] Josh Hazlewood Strikes As RCB Takes Charge In Powerplay")
In the ongoing IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB has established a commanding position during the powerplay. CSK faced significant challenges in their pursuit of a 197-run target, ending the first six overs at a dismal 30/3.
The turning point came when Bhuvneshwar Kumar successfully dismissed Deepak Hooda for just 4 runs off 9 balls in the fifth over, following a well-judged review by RCB. This dismissal further compounded CSK’s struggles, as they found themselves in a precarious position early in the innings.
Josh Hazlewood STRIKES early! 🔥🎯
— Crick45 (@Googlyfacts45) March 28, 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad departs for a duck. Dream start for RCB! 🚀#RCBvCSK #CSKvsRCB #IPL2025 #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Ivm98z9QDb
Early Breakthroughs by RCB Bowlers
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were instrumental in RCB’s early success, claiming three vital wickets and effectively curtailing CSK’s scoring rate. Hazlewood struck first, removing Rahul Tripathi in the second over with a mistimed pull shot that was caught at short mid-wicket.
He followed this up by dismissing CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for a duck, forcing an edge with a perfectly pitched delivery. With CSK reeling at 8/2 after just two overs, RCB seized the momentum, aiming to end their 17-year winless streak at the Chepauk Stadium.
RCB Sets a Competitive Total
Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. RCB began their innings with confidence, as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt opened the batting. Salt showcased an aggressive approach, scoring 32 runs off just 16 balls before being stumped by MS Dhoni off Noor Ahmad’s googly.
Devdutt Padikkal followed shortly after, caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad off Ravichandran Ashwin. Kohli, needing 58 runs to become the first Indian to reach 13,000 T20 runs, struggled to find his rhythm and was eventually dismissed for 31 runs off 30 balls. Despite the fall of wickets, Rajat Patidar played a pivotal role, scoring 50 runs off 30 balls, helping RCB post a total of 196/7.
However, the innings faced setbacks with Liam Livingstone’s dismissal and Matheesha Pathirana’s late wicket of Krunal Pandya, preventing RCB from crossing the 200-run mark. As CSK embarks on their chase, they find themselves in dire need of a substantial partnership to remain competitive in the match. Current Score: CSK 30/3 (6) – Target 197.
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