PBKS vs RCB Live Score

2:26 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Venkatesh Iyer gets the award for his stunning, unbeaten knock of 73 runs from 40 balls. Iyer says that, technically, this was only his second game for RCB, but the first time he got a proper opportunity with the bat, which made the performance and the two points even more pleasing. He adds that RCB welcomed him really well and credits Mo Bobat, Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik for creating a highly professional setup. According to him, the brand of cricket RCB play is something that excites him a lot. Iyer admits that, while he still shares an emotional bond with KKR, having played for them previously, he already feels at home at RCB. He also says that he would be lying if he claimed he was not frustrated at not getting opportunities earlier, but understood that this is a champion side and changing a winning combination is never easy. At the same time, he says he always tried to make it clear to the coaching staff that he was eager to play and capable of making an impact. Speaking about his innings, Iyer says it was a scratchy start, but batting alongside Virat Kohli helped immensely. He praises Kohli’s ability to communicate and says that is one quality common among all the greats of the game. Having not batted for a while, he needed a few deliveries to get into rhythm, but once he understood the nature of the wicket and got the freedom to take on the bowling, things started to fall into place.

2:25 PM IST Recap of the first innings - Earlier, the Punjab Kings opted to bowl first, and for the 8th time this season, they ended up conceding more than 200 runs. Virat Kohli's love affair with Punjab continued as he stitched together crucial partnerships, first with Devdutt Padikkal and then with Venkatesh Iyer. Venkatesh turned on the heat as the innings went on, while Tim David chipped in with a handy cameo to help RCB post 222.

2:22 PM IST A quick chat with the Purple Cap holder - Bhuvneshwar Kumar says that he was in a good rhythm and just continued with the momentum from the previous games. On practicing the yorker, Bhuvneshwar says it is not about what he does before the match but what he works on throughout the year that makes the difference. He adds that bowling to world-class opponents and getting it right gives you confidence. On bowling alongside Hazlewood, he says the experience and skill Hazlewood brings make a big difference and that the two are complementing each other well. He is quick to give credit to Rasikh as well, saying he is going under the radar but doing a fine job. About them qualifying for the playoffs, he says it feels great and that the first aim was always to make the playoffs, with a top-two finish being the target. He says you can see how much it means to the group, having worked very hard over the last two months.

2:22 PM IST The skipper of the Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer says that RCB got off to a great start by taking on their bowlers right after the Powerplay. Says it was a commendable performance by them to get to 222 and also admits that they couldn't pick wickets regularly in the middle phase. Feels that the game was lost in the Powerplay itself while chasing, as they were three down in that phase and highlights that the majority of their run scorers were out early. He adds that his own early dismissal was something he is really disappointed about. He credits Shashank and Stoinis and a few others in the middle for a commendable effort, saying they were nearly at ten an over at one point, but fell short against some tremendous bowling from Bhuvi and Hazlewood. On taking positives into their final league game, he says he is always positive regardless of results and that results do not dictate who he is as a person. He says he always approaches things with a positive attitude, does not dwell too much on the past, and that this game is done and gone. He adds that tomorrow, he will see the sun rise again, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

2:17 PM IST One taken, three spots left - Right, 61 games done in the season, and we have our first playoff spot sealed. Two teams have been eliminated from the race, while 7 are still in contention for the remaining three spots. The 62nd game of the season is already underway in Delhi, where the Rajasthan Royals have been inserted to bat by the Delhi Capitals. You can switch tabs and follow the action from that game. Cheers!

2:14 PM IST The captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Jitesh Sharma says that RCB were in control of the game throughout and never really felt under pressure. He adds that the side knew exactly what they wanted to do with the ball on this wicket, had specific plans for particular batters and were able to execute them well. Speaking about Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, Jitesh says that the team is privileged to have bowlers of their quality and that their experience has been a huge help for him as a captain. Jitesh reiterates that RCB’s approach remains simple - to take one game at a time and focus on performing well in every match.