In a high-stakes Qualifier 1 showdown at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a statement victory by thrashing the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets, with an astonishing 60 balls to spare. With a direct ticket to the final on the line, RCB came out firing on all cylinders—first skittling out PBKS for a mere 101 runs, and then hunting down the target in just 10 overs. From spin wizard Suyash Sharma to the explosive Phil Salt, RCB’s performance was a clinical exhibition of dominance in pressure situations.
Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB Crush LSG’s Hopes in High-Scoring Thriller at Ekana Stadium
PBKS Innings: Punjab Falters Under Pressure
Batting first after losing the toss, PBKS never found their rhythm in this critical Qualifier 1 match. Their innings ended prematurely at 101 in 14.1 overs, thanks to a superb bowling effort by RCB.
Despite promising starts by:
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Marcus Stoinis (26 off 17),
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Prabhsimran Singh (18 off 10), and
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Azmatullah Omarzai (18 off 12),
none could convert into a meaningful partnership.
RCB’s bowlers, particularly their spinners and pacers in tandem, decimated PBKS’s batting lineup:
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Suyash Sharma: 3/17 (3 overs)
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Josh Hazlewood: 3/21 (3.1 overs)
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Yash Dayal: 2/26 (4 overs)
RCB kept constant pressure, with tight lines and sharp fielding ensuring Punjab never recovered from early blows.
RCB Innings: Ruthless Run Chase
RCB chased the target of 102 with ruthless efficiency, reaching 106/2 in just 10 overs, sealing the win emphatically and becoming the first team to qualify for the IPL 2025 final.
Leading the charge was Phil Salt, whose aggressive 56 off 27 balls* lit up the stadium. Supported by:
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Mayank Agarwal: 19 (13)
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Rajat Patidar: 15* (8)
Salt ensured that PBKS’s bowling unit had no breathing space. Their bowlers—Kyle Jamieson, Musheer Khan, and Omarzai—looked clueless against the onslaught.
Player of the Match: Suyash Sharma – The Game Changer
The young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma was rightly adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 3/17 in 3 overs. His early breakthroughs dismantled Punjab’s top order and ensured RCB never lost grip of the game. Sharma’s fearless approach and clever variations made the difference on a pitch that rewarded smart bowling.
Match Summary:
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Punjab Kings: 101 all out (14.1 overs) -
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 106/2 (10 overs)
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Result: RCB won by 8 wickets (60 balls remaining)
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Toss: RCB won the toss and elected to bowl
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Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium
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Match Type: Qualifier 1 – IPL 2025
Conclusion: RCB Books Spot in IPL 2025 Final
With this emphatic win in Qualifier 1, the Royal Challengers Bangalore march directly into the IPL 2025 final, carrying unstoppable momentum and sky-high confidence. Their bowlers set up the match, and the batters finished it with flair. For PBKS, the loss means they must regroup quickly and prepare for Qualifier 2, where they’ll have one more chance to make it to the final. However, unless they sort out their top-order frailties and improve their bowling execution, the road ahead looks challenging.
RCB’s complete performance in this crucial match makes them a formidable contender for the IPL trophy—and possibly, their long-awaited first title.
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