In a high-scoring IPL 2026 match in Bengaluru, Josh Hazlewood delivered a brilliant bowling performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He picked up the Player of the Match award for the second time this season.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, continued their strong form with 6 wins in 8 matches. After the match, Hazlewood praised his bowling partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar, saying he simply followed his lead in the powerplay.
Hazlewood’s Match-Winning Spell
Hazlewood made an early impact by taking two wickets in quick succession.
- He dismissed KL Rahul with a sharp bouncer that forced a top edge
- On the very next ball, he got Sameer Rizvi out with a delivery outside off stump
- He almost completed a hat-trick, but Tristan Stubbs survived with a boundary
Hazlewood continued his strong spell:
- Took the wicket of Nitish Rana
- Finished with a perfect yorker to dismiss Abhishek Porel
He ended with excellent figures of 4/12 in just 3.3 overs.
Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | 3.3 | 4 | 4/12 |
Pitch Conditions and Game Plan
Hazlewood explained that the pitch offered some help to bowlers early in the innings. The ball was moving slightly, which helped seamers.
He focused on:
- Bowling short of a length
- Using bounce effectively
- Targeting key batters early
He also mentioned that hitting the right length and maintaining pace made batting difficult on this surface.
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Credit to Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Hazlewood clearly said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a big role in setting the tone.
Bhuvneshwar’s disciplined bowling in the powerplay helped build pressure. Hazlewood followed the same approach and got the rewards.
Team Strategy and Momentum
RCB showed good teamwork during the match.
- Captain Rajat Patidar rotated bowlers smartly
- Spinners like Suyash and Karn Sharma contributed well in the middle overs
- Bowlers adapted quickly when conditions changed
Hazlewood also said that the team has improved in reading conditions, especially in away matches. This flexibility has helped RCB stay consistent.
This victory boosts RCB’s confidence as they move ahead in IPL 2026.
- 6 wins in 8 matches
- Strong bowling performances
- Good team balance
Hazlewood’s spell played a key role in breaking the opposition’s top order and setting up the win.
RCB now look in strong position as the tournament moves towards the crucial phase.
