IPL 2025: Tim David rewarded with POTM award despite RCB’s defeat to PBKS-OxBig News Network

Tim David won the Player of the Match award despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match No.34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Friday, April 18 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

After being reduced to 42 for seven in 8.2 overs, David used the long handle to good effect, taking his team to a respectable score of 95 for nine. The Australian batter hammered a 26-ball 50, laced with five fours and three sixes. Later, he also took two catches, but couldn’t save RCB from a defeat.

RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Highlights

After the match, David said he had to get used to the conditions before going for big shots. “It didn’t feel so easy. I had a chance to see what the pitch is doing so I could adapt,” David said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“We had to try and get some partnerships. Tonight was difficult. We had to manage risk a little bit. I feel happy with how I played but I’d feel better having a drink after a nice win,” David said.

Earlier, rain delayed the start of the match, which was curtailed to 14 overs per side. After losing on Friday, RCB slumped to their third defeat in a row at home in the IPL. David accepted that RCB haven’t played well in their own backyard.

“I think it’s been tough because we’ve faced different conditions each time. Tonight it was under the covers. We haven’t had a grasp and played well on our home ground, that’s undeniable,” David added.

With the defeat, RCB stayed at fourth in the table with eight points and a net run rate of +0.446. They will next be up against the Kings in the reverse fixture on Sunday, April 20 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.