Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the IPL 2025 final in dominating fashion, crushing Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 at New Chandigarh. It was a clinical performance by RCB, who looked in control from the very beginning. The target of 102 posed no challenge, as Phil Salt led the charge with an unbeaten 56 off just 27 deliveries, finishing the match within 10 overs.
This marks RCB’s fourth appearance in an IPL final, after having ended as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. With their current form, the team will be hoping to finally lift the trophy on June 3 in Ahmedabad. Punjab Kings, despite finishing at the top of the points table, will get a second opportunity in Qualifier 2. They will face the winner of the Eliminator clash between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, set to take place on Friday.
RCB’s dominance began with the toss and continued with a disciplined bowling attack. Yash Dayal struck early, removing Priyansh Arya with a soft dismissal. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury concerns, made a big impact with figures of 3/21. Spinner Suyash Sharma also turned heads, taking 3/17 including the key wicket of Marcus Stoinis. Dayal ended with 2/26, ensuring Punjab’s batting never got going.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings – 101 in 14.1 overs (Stoinis 26, Suyash 3/17, Hazlewood 3/21, Dayal 2/26)
RCB – 106/2 in 10 overs (Phil Salt 56*).
