CHAPTER 96: RCB VS. PUNJAB KINGS – THE NEXT CHALLENGE

After their commanding victory against Rajasthan Royals, RCB was gearing up for yet another crucial showdown—this time against Punjab Kings, a team known for their aggressive batting lineup and unpredictable bowling variations.

Raj sat in the team strategy room, reviewing Punjab’s past performances, searching for gaps in their tactics. Unlike Rajasthan, who relied on controlled middle-overs acceleration, Punjab had a completely different philosophy—they played fearless cricket, taking risks early and often.

"This match won’t be won by containment alone," Raj said to his teammates.

RCB had thrived on disciplined chases, but Punjab’s approach required an adjustment. This wasn’t just about holding control—it was about knowing when to counterattack effectively.

The players assembled for their final tactical briefing. The game was about to begin.

Punjab Kings had a volatile playing style, making them one of the most unpredictable teams in the tournament. Their plan revolved around:

Explosive Powerplay Hitting – They didn’t believe in building gradually; they aimed to break the opposition’s bowling early.

Flexible Middle Order Adaptability – If early wickets fell, they could slow down and rebuild strategically.

Bowling Variations Based on Match Conditions – Punjab didn’t stick to one style; their bowlers adapted depending on pitch behavior.

RCB had to adjust their tactics accordingly.

Raj led the discussion with his bowlers, mapping out the ideal game plan to restrict Punjab’s unpredictable approach:

New-ball precision to deny early momentum – Punjab’s powerplay batting was their strongest asset, meaning RCB’s opening bowlers needed strict control over swing and length.

Middle-over field restrictions – Punjab batters thrived on rotating strike quickly, meaning RCB had to prevent fluid movement.

Counterattack strategy in final overs – Unlike against Rajasthan, RCB had to be ready for Punjab’s aggressive finishers, ensuring a mix of slower balls and yorkers to disrupt their rhythm.

The toss was about to take place. Raj adjusted his gloves, mentally preparing himself for yet another test of tactical execution.

The tension inside the stadium was palpable as Punjab’s openers strode to the pitch. The floodlights illuminated the field, creating a perfect setting for what would surely be a high-intensity battle between RCB’s bowling discipline and Punjab’s attacking mindset.

Raj watched closely from the boundary, arms folded, analyzing Punjab’s intent. He had studied their approach extensively—they wouldn’t waste time settling in. Unlike Rajasthan, who had paced their innings cautiously, Punjab would look to dominate from the first ball.

"They’ll come swinging. We control their momentum before it takes off."

The players took their positions. RCB’s fast bowlers stepped up. The umpire signaled the start. The battle had begun.

Punjab had sent out Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow as their openers, a combination known for its ability to counter both pace and spin effectively. They weren’t just looking to build a foundation—they wanted boundaries immediately, setting the tone for the entire innings.

RCB had prepared for this with a strategic bowling setup, designed to disrupt their opening approach:

Back-of-length deliveries to prevent drives – Punjab’s batters loved hitting straight, so RCB had planned tight lengths outside off-stump.

Mid-wicket field compression – Restricting Bairstow’s wrist-heavy flick shots.

Sharp pace changes between overs – Preventing Punjab from settling into a rhythm.

Mohammad Siraj marked his run-up, eyes locked onto the batter. The first ball of Punjab’s innings was about to be delivered.

Siraj sprinted in, delivering a full, swinging ball just outside off.

Dhawan reacted instantly, stepping forward and driving it cleanly through extra cover

.

Four runs.

Raj nodded slightly—Punjab was wasting no time.

Next ball—short-pitched, aiming for the ribs.

Bairstow adjusted quickly, pulling sharply toward square leg.

Six runs.

The Punjab dugout erupted in cheers—they had already crossed 20 runs within the first two overs.

But RCB wasn’t rattled. Raj gestured toward his bowlers.

"Hold discipline. They’ll slow down if we deny gaps."

Hazlewood stepped in for the fourth over, bringing his signature length control to shut Punjab’s attacking intent down.

First ball—fuller, drifting toward leg stump.

Dhawan attempted another drive but mistimed.

Dot ball.

Next ball—sharp pace variation, forcing a defensive stroke.

Bairstow hesitated, tapping it toward mid-off.

Single taken.

Punjab had suddenly slowed—RCB’s bowlers were cutting off their angles, forcing them into strike rotation instead of boundary strokes.

Score Update – Punjab’s Powerplay Performance

Punjab Kings – 58 for 0 (6 overs)

Shikhar Dhawan – 31*(18), 4 fours

Jonny Bairstow – 25*(15), 2 fours, 1 six

Punjab had successfully executed their early attack, but RCB had ensured they didn’t completely dominate the powerplay.Raj signaled to his spinners. Now, the containment phase would begin.

With the powerplay behind them, Punjab stood at 58 for 0 after six overs, their aggressive opening batters successfully setting a strong base. But the real challenge was about to begin—Punjab had thrived in the first phase, but now they had to face RCB’s expert middle-overs containment strategy.

Raj stood near the dugout, watching intently as his spinners warmed up. He had spent hours analyzing Punjab’s middle-overs tactics, noting a pattern—while they excelled at power hitting early, their aggression dipped when spin was introduced.

"This is where we slow them down."

RCB’s fielders adjusted their positions as Glenn Maxwell marked his run-up. The game was shifting toward its most strategic phase.

Punjab’s approach relied on maintaining momentum throughout their innings, but RCB had prepared countermeasures to gradually take control.

Early spin introduction – Normally, teams wait until over 10, but RCB was bringing in spin immediately to deny Punjab time to settle.

Compressed field placements – Blocking Bairstow’s preferred cut shots and Dhawan’s wrist-heavy flicks.

Pace variation within spin bowling – Switching between faster deliveries and flighted balls to force hesitation.

Maxwell took his stance, ready to execute the plan.

The first ball arrived—flatter trajectory, darting toward off-stump.

Bairstow leaned into it, attempting a late cut, but the ball skidded quicker than expected.

Dot ball.

Next ball—slower, drifting toward leg.

Bairstow tracked the movement, stepped forward, and swept it powerfully past fine leg.

Four runs.

Raj observed closely. Punjab had decided to target only certain deliveries, avoiding reckless hitting.

"They’re playing calculated cricket now."

The next over began, and Punjab shifted their approach further, focusing more on strike rotation instead of aggressive boundaries.

As Rajasthan had done in previous encounters, Punjab now faced the same containment challenge—RCB was cutting off their scoring angles effectively.

Forcing Punjab into slower scoring phases – Instead of their natural free-flowing approach, Punjab was now taking singles rather than hunting boundaries.

Building pressure between overs – Every dot ball increased their hesitation, allowing RCB to mentally control the innings.

Spin endurance testing – RCB wasn’t changing bowlers rapidly, forcing Punjab’s batters to adjust to longer spells against spin.

By the 12th over, Punjab’s batting approach had shifted entirely. Instead of charging forward, they were stabilizing, searching for calculated gaps.

Raj nodded slightly.

"Now, we make them desperate for acceleration."

With Punjab slowing, Raj signaled his bowlers to switch to mixed seam-spin deliveries, creating confusion within Punjab’s lineup.

Hazlewood stepped in, delivering a sharp length ball outside off.

Bairstow, sensing the urgency to score, attempted a lofted drive.

Mistimed.

Caught at deep cover. OUT!

Punjab had lost their first wicket, and with Bairstow dismissed, their acceleration window had been disrupted.

Raj exhaled, tapping his gloves.

"Now, we tighten the noose."

Score Update – Punjab’s Position Before the Death Overs

Punjab Kings – 112 for 1 (15 overs)

Shikhar Dhawan – 58*(41), 6 fours

Jonny Bairstow (out) – 37 (27), 4 fours, 1 six

New batter in – Liam Livingstone

Punjab had maintained a steady innings, but their ability to accelerate in the next five overs depended entirely on how well Livingstone adapted.

Raj glanced at his bowlers. The task wasn’t over yet.

The match had reached its most decisive phase. Punjab Kings stood at 112 for 1 after 15 overs, their momentum temporarily stalled by Bairstow’s dismissal. With only five overs remaining, their ability to push for a strong total depended entirely on how well their finishers adapted to RCB’s containment strategy.

Raj stood near the boundary, watching as Liam Livingstone walked to the crease

, a batter notorious for destructive hitting in the death overs. Punjab had two clear paths—either they stabilized and launched a late attack, or they risked another quick wicket that could cost them the match.

RCB’s bowling unit had shifted gears as well. They knew Livingstone wouldn’t hesitate to go for big shots, meaning every delivery had to be perfectly calculated.

Punjab had no intention of settling. With only five overs left, their batters moved into their power-hitting phase, aiming to maximize every opportunity for scoring.

Their approach relied on:

Attacking fast bowlers over spinners – Punjab preferred pace deliveries in the last phase, knowing that spin disrupts momentum.

Utilizing mid-off and mid-wicket gaps – Instead of straight drives, they targeted angular spaces where RCB had fewer defenders.

Prioritizing boundary bursts over singles – Punjab wasn’t focused on rotating strike. They wanted quick runs, not slow buildup.

Raj signaled his bowlers to prepare for aggressive batting movements. This was where control mattered most.

Hazlewood took the ball for the 16th over, ready to test Livingstone’s approach.

First ball—full-length, outside off.

Livingstone reacted immediately, lifting his bat and launching the ball over deep extra cover.

Six runs.

Punjab had officially begun their power phase.

Next ball—short, rising toward Livingstone’s chest.

Instead of playing it safely, Livingstone stepped forward and pulled it aggressively toward fine leg.

Four runs.

Raj remained composed. Punjab was attacking on schedule, but RCB’s fielders were already preparing for high-pressure saves.

Siraj stepped in for the 19th over, adjusting his grip, knowing Punjab was pushing for a final boundary-heavy phase.

First ball—sharp, swinging inward.

Livingstone missed his timing, forcing an edge toward short third.

Dot ball.

Next ball—wide yorker, limiting shot control.

Livingstone reached for it, misjudging the pace.

Single taken.

RCB had denied Punjab’s consecutive boundary attempt, breaking their scoring pattern.

Final Score – Punjab’s Total Before RCB’s Chase Begins

Punjab Kings – 185 for 3 (20 overs)

Shikhar Dhawan – 74 (49), 8 fours

Liam Livingstone – 42*(22), 4 sixes

Punjab accelerates late, but RCB prevents total domination

Raj glanced at the scoreboard.

"185. Manageable. Now, we chase."

To be continued....