Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a clinical performance in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, securing their spot in the final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
This triumph marks RCB’s fourth appearance in the IPL showpiece event, following their previous final berths in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
Opting to field after winning the toss, RCB’s decision proved to be a masterstroke on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers. Both teams made strategic changes to their playing XIs, with Josh Hazlewood replacing Nuwan Thushara for RCB, and Azmatullah Omarzai stepping in for Marco Jansen for PBKS.
From the outset, the Kings struggled to find their footing. Asked to bat, they lost both openers cheaply, setting a sombre tone for their innings. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood was the initial wrecker-in-chief, dismissing both Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis to leave PBKS reeling at 38-4. However, the real damage was inflicted by leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who tore through the middle and lower order, claiming three crucial wickets with his deceptive variations. A combination of brilliant bowling from RCB and some questionable shot selection from PBKS batsmen led to the Kings being bundled out for a paltry 101 runs in just 16.5 overs.
In pursuit of a modest target, the Royal Challengers, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt began with clear positive intent. They launched an aggressive assault on Arshdeep Singh in the very first over, signalling their intentions. While Kyle Jamieson managed to dismiss Kohli in a superb second over, the New Zealand quick then endured a tough third over, leaking 21 runs.
Salt and Mayank Agarwal quickly stitched together a blistering fifty-run partnership, with Salt reaching a blistering half-century off just 23 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive hitting prowess. Agarwal contributed with a couple of crucial boundaries before his departure, allowing Rajat Patidar to eventually hit the winning runs and seal a dominant victory with 10 overs to spare.
For his outstanding bowling performance, bagging three wickets for just 17 runs, Suyash Sharma was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match. RCB’s comprehensive victory will undoubtedly give them immense confidence as they look to clinch their maiden IPL title in the upcoming final.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings still have a shot at entering the final via the second qualifier. They will now await the outcome of tomorrow’s Eliminator game between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians at the same venue to determine their next opponent.
Scorecard:
Punjab Kings: 101, Overs 14,1, Marcus Stoinis, 26, Suyash Sharma 3/17
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 106/2, Overs 10, Philip Salt 56*, Kyle Jamieson 1/27
