Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) decisively defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, securing their place in the final. This victory is not only historic for RCB but also marks the end of a long wait for the franchise.
Sports News: Thanks to a stellar bowling performance and a quick-fire half-century by Phil Salt, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) triumphed over Punjab Kings in IPL 2025's Qualifier 1, booking their spot in the final. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, RCB bundled out Punjab for a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. In reply, RCB chased down the target with ease, reaching 106 runs in just 10 overs for the loss of two wickets. Phil Salt anchored the chase with a magnificent half-century, securing the team's passage to the final.
Bowlers' Magnificent Display
In the match played in Mullanpur, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved entirely correct. RCB's bowlers made a sensational start, completely dismantling Punjab's b batting lineup. Punjab were bowled out for a paltry 101 runs in 14.1 overs.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and young spinner Suyash Sharma claimed three wickets each, breaking the backbone of Punjab's innings. Yash Dayal also picked up two crucial wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd chipped in with a wicket each, maintaining the pressure. Marcus Stoinis top-scored for Punjab with 26 runs, while Prabhsimran and Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 18 runs each. Six batsmen failed to reach double figures.
Punjab's entire team failed to even bat for 20 overs, earning them an unwanted record – becoming the team to bat the fewest overs in IPL playoff history.
Salt's Explosive Innings
Chasing a modest target of 102, RCB's innings started slightly shakily when Virat Kohli was dismissed for 12 runs. However, English batsman Phil Salt took charge, displaying aggressive batting and smashing a half-century in just 23 balls. This was the fastest fifty for RCB in an IPL playoff, surpassing Chris Gayle's record of 25 balls.
Mayank Yadav provided crucial support at the other end, contributing 19 runs before being caught by Shreyas Iyer off the bowling of Musheer Khan. Rajat Patidar and Salt then steered the team to the finish line. Salt remained unbeaten on 56 runs, including six fours and three sixes. Patidar contributed 15 runs off eight balls, including a four and a six, hitting the winning six to take the team to the final.
En Route to the Final; Another Chance for Punjab
With this resounding victory, RCB reached the final for the fourth time, after 2009, 2011, and 2016. This is their first appearance in the final since 2016. Although they lost on all three previous occasions, this time the team appears perfectly balanced and brimming with confidence.
For Punjab Kings, however, this defeat is not the end. Having topped the group stage, they will get another opportunity to reach the final. Punjab will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. A win in that match would set up a final showdown against RCB.
