The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, usually a graveyard for bowlers, witnessed a masterclass in pace and accuracy on Wednesday evening. In his 23rd match IPL 2026the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-stakes encounter that quickly turns into a one-sided affair. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB’s decision was confirmed early as their bowling spearhead, Josh Hazlewooddismantled LSG’s top order with magic that combined brute force with surgical precision.
Josh Hazlewood sends Nicholas Pooran’s stumps flying in a fiery RCB vs LSG encounter.
The powerplay’s defining moment came during the 7th over (6.1), when Hoff produced a delivery that will likely end up on the highlight reel at the end of every season. Hazlewood, who had already calmed the Lucknow tattoos with his signature nail-biting length, aimed for the dangerous. Nicholas Pooran.
The ball was a classic peach, set to a short length, angled with just enough zip to keep it secure on the left-hander. Pooran, desperate to break the shackles of a miserable season, tried to drive the ball over the mid-wicket boundary. But the lack of ground and extra bounce left him pressed for ground. A fine sub-edge dragged the ball onto the stumps, sending the bails flying and LSG left the dugout in stunned silence. Pooran departed for just 1-7 balls, perfectly summing up his current struggles and Hazlewood’s absolute dominance.
We present the video:
WOOD x 2️⃣!
Josh Hazlewood 🤜🤛 Krunal Pandya@RCBTweets in 🔝
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/UztAZM9l0q#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvLSG pic.twitter.com/464Gt5q8Na
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s Why Jacob Duffy Won’t Play In Today’s Match Against Lucknow Super Giants
LSG are struggling with early lapses and an injury to Rishabh Pant in the power play
Lucknow’s woes were not limited to the scoreboard. Before Pura’s dismissal, the visitors suffered a psychological blow that did more damage than any keeper. In 5th place (4.4), captain Rishabh pants The injury of the retiree leaving the field added a layer of drama to the already tense atmosphere.
Pant, anchored by LSG, faced enemy attack by Hazlewood. On the fourth ball of the fifth over, Pant attempted a wild swing across the line, only to miss and take a painful bottom edge down the ground near leg. The cumulative effect of the speed and the blow to the elbow forced the physio out. Despite receiving on-field medical attention, the captain was unable to continue, leaving the crease on 0 off 3 balls.
with Aiden Markram With the hut already back (8 off 12) and the captain out, LSG found themselves reeling at 112/4 (112/5 taking into account the effective injury) after 15 overs. The Bengaluru crowd, usually deaf in their support for RCB, showed rare sporting respect as Pant limped back to the pavilion and left the lower order to face an uphill battle against a rampaging RCB bowling unit.
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s heartwarming moment on the field is a highlight in the MI vs RCB clash
