Daijiworld Media Network- Mullanpur
Mullanpur, May 30: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a commanding all-round performance to crush Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, securing their spot in the grand finale for the fourth time in the tournament’s history.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first at the Mullanpur stadium, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar’s decision paid off brilliantly as his bowlers wreaked havoc, bundling out PBKS for a meagre 101 runs in just 14.1 overs.
The bowling attack was led by young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who turned the match on its head with figures of 3/17. He was well-supported by the seasoned Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Yash Dayal (2/26), and veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17). Only Marcus Stoinis showed some resistance for Punjab with a modest 26-run knock.
Chasing 102 for victory, RCB openers came out all guns blazing. Englishman Phil Salt stole the show with a blistering 56 off just 27 balls, ensuring that there were no hiccups in the chase. RCB cruised to the target in just 11.4 overs, with 8 wickets in hand.
With this emphatic win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru become the first team to book a spot in the IPL 2025 final, raising hopes among fans for a maiden title as they await the winner of Qualifier 2.
The Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will look to regroup quickly for the next playoff hurdle as their title dream hangs by a thread.