29 May,2025 10:26 PM IST | Mullanpur | mid-day online correspondent
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first, a decision that was swiftly vindicated as his bowlers tore through Punjab’s batting line-up (Pic: IPL/BCCI)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised into the final of the IPL 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday. It was a clinical all-round performance by the Bengaluru side, who asserted their dominance from the very first ball.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first, a decision that was swiftly vindicated as his bowlers tore through Punjab's batting line-up. The Kings never managed to find their footing, folding for a mere 101 runs in just 14.1 overs, registering one of the lowest totals in IPL playoff history.
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood led the assault with figures of 3 for 21, removing key batters during the powerplay and setting the tone early. Leg-spinner Suyash Sharma delivered a standout performance, weaving a web around the Punjab middle order and claiming 3 for 17. Yash Dayal chipped in with two crucial scalps, while veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar also made his presence felt, returning figures of 1 for 17. At one stage, PBKS were tottering at 50 for 5 by the seventh over, and a collapse seemed inevitable.
Marcus Stoinis was the only batter to offer some resistance, scoring a brisk 26 off 17 deliveries, but lacked support from the other end. Punjab's innings unravelled rapidly, as no other batter crossed the 20-run mark.
In response, RCB made light work of the chase, racing to the 102-run target in just 10 overs with eight wickets in hand. England's Phil Salt stole the show with a blazing half-century, hammering 56 off just 27 balls. His innings was laced with crisp boundaries and well-timed sixes, effectively snuffing out any hopes of a PBKS comeback.
Salt was ably supported by Virat Kohli and Will Jacks, who ensured there were no hiccups in the pursuit. Kyle Jamieson was the lone wicket-taker for Punjab, finishing with figures of 1 for 27.
Brief scores
Punjab Kings: 101 all out in 14.1 overs (Marcus Stoinis 26; Suyash Sharma 3/17, Josh Hazlewood 3/21, Yash Dayal 2/26)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 106 for 2 in 10 overs (Philip Salt 56; Kyle Jamieson 1/27)
