Mullanpur, 30 May (H.S.): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) advanced to the IPL 2025 final by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 at Yadvendra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur. RCB won the toss, opted to bowl, and restricted PBKS to a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. RCB chased down the target efficiently in just 10 overs. Despite the defeat, PBKS has another chance to make it to the final due to their top finish in the group stage; they will play the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
This marks RCB’s return to the final after a nine-year gap, excelling in all aspects of the match. Phil Salt was the standout performer, scoring 56 off just 27 balls. RCB bowlers were pivotal, dismissing PBKS for a sub-par total. PBKS’s aggressive approach backfired, as they struggled to establish a substantial total. The teams had previously split their encounters in the league phase evenly, leading to expectations of a close match. However, the game proved to be one-sided.
RCB will enjoy a four-day break while awaiting their opponent for the final, scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad. PBKS must regroup quickly, having not lost consecutively this season, which should instill confidence as they prepare for their next match. Their game began with RCB’s decision to field, promptly reaping rewards with the early wicket of Priyansh Arya. As PBKS’s innings progressed, wickets fell sequentially, leading to a grossly inadequate score of just 60 runs by the ninth over.
The introduction of debutant Musheer Khan exacerbated PBKS’s difficulties as he departed without scoring. Both Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai attempted to bolster the innings but fell short. Josh Hazelwood, returning from injury, and spinner Suyash Sharma were the standout bowlers, each claiming three wickets.RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar managed the bowling changes effectively, ensuring maximum impact as PBKS crumbled.
RCB commenced their chase in a vibrant manner, reaching 30 runs by the fourth over. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt appeared poised for a rapid finish; however, Kohli’s dismissal gave PBKS a glimmer of hope. Salt’s explosive batting, reaching 50 off just 23 balls, quashed that hope, propelling RCB closer to victory. Although there was a brief delay due to the dismissal of Mayank, RCB eventually completed their chase fittingly with their captain, who marked his return to match fitness, hitting a six to seal the win in the tenth over.
RCB’s commanding victory highlighted their dominance and preparedness as they geared up for the final, while PBKS now faces a crucial must-win situation to keep their championship hopes alive.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
