Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final with a commanding 8-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur. Opting to bowl first on a good surface, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation for a one-sided encounter, bundling out PBKS for just 101 in 14.1 overs. In reply, RCB cruised to 106/2 in 10 overs, with eight wickets in hand a testament to their dominance on the night.

Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma wreck PBKS as batting implodes in Qualifier 1

Punjab’s batting unravelled completely in the most crucial game of the season. Shreyas Iyer’s side never looked settled after a shaky start, losing Priyansh Arya in the second over. Despite quickfire starts from Prabhsimran Singh (18 off 10) and Marcus Stoinis (26 off 17), PBKS failed to build any partnerships. Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash sharma (3/17) exploited the conditions superbly, striking at regular intervals to break the back of the innings.

The turning point came with the dismissals of Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer and Nehal wadhera within the powerplay, which left the middle order exposed and under pressure. Musheer Khanon PBKS debut, was brought in as an Impact Player but fell for a duck, while only Azmatullah Omarzai showed brief resistance with 18 off 12. From 60/5, PBKS crumbled to 101 all out in just 14.1 overs,  a total far below par in modern T20 cricket.

Phil Salt’s blazing fifty for RCB crushes any hopes of PBKS’ fightback

RCB’s chase was a walk in the park, largely due to a fiery innings from Phil Salt. The England batter blasted a 23-ball fifty and finished unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes, showing no mercy to a demoralized PBKS bowling attack. While Virat Kohli fell early for 12 and Mayank Agarwal chipped in with a quick 19, the result was never in doubt. Rajat patidarleading the side,  calmly supported Salt at the other end. RCB skipper Patidar finished the game in style with a six over deep midwicket. PBKS’s bowlers looked toothless in the face of RCB’s aggression, and the fielding lacked any spark to mount a comeback. With this crushing win, RCB sealed their spot in the IPL 2025 final their second in three years while Punjab, despite a promising season, were left searching for answers after a humiliating defeat in the biggest match of their campaign.

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