Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the final of IPL 2025 with a commanding 8-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. It was a complete performance from RCB, with their bowlers dismantling the Punjab batting order for just 101 runs, followed by an explosive chase led by Phil Salt. This win marks RCB’s fourth entry into an IPL final, keeping their hopes alive for a long-awaited title.
RCB Bowlers Wreak Havoc
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s decision paid off handsomely. The Punjab Kings lineup crumbled under relentless pressure, managing only 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Marcus Stoinis was the only batter to show some resistance, top-scoring with 26. However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end as RCB bowlers maintained tight lines and extracted help from the surface.
Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma was the standout performer, returning figures of 3 for 17 in his three overs. He was well supported by pace duo Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Yash Dayal (2/26), while veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with a tidy spell, conceding just 17 runs and picking up one wicket. The bowlers never allowed PBKS to settle, with regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding sealing a dominant first innings.
Phil Salt Powers RCB to Easy Victory
Chasing a modest target, RCB made light work of the total. Opener Phil Salt led the charge with a blistering knock of 56 off just 27 balls, hitting boundaries at will and breaking the back of the chase early. His aggressive stroke play ensured that the pressure never mounted on the batting side, even as wickets fell at the other end.
RCB crossed the finish line in just 10.3 overs, underlining the one-sided nature of the contest. The Punjab bowlers failed to make any meaningful impact, with little scoreboard pressure to work with. The result reflects the sharp contrast in the two teams’ performances on the day, with RCB clearly outclassing their opponents in all departments.
The emphatic win puts RCB just one step away from lifting their maiden IPL trophy, setting the stage for an exciting final as they await their opponent.
