In a commanding performance that will echo throughout the tournament, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) demolished Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025, securing a place in the final with ruthless efficiency. The match, played on Thursday at the New Chandigarh Stadium, was a one-sided affair from start to finish as RCB showcased both bowling precision and explosive batting in their most clinical display of the season.

RCB’s Bowlers Set the Stage

The evening began with RCB skipper Rajat Patidar winning the toss and opting to bowl first on a pitch that offered early movement and bounce. The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as Yash Dayal struck gold in the very first over, dismissing opener Priyansh Arya for just 7 runs. The early breakthrough set the tone, and veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar followed up in the very next over, removing the dangerous Prabhsimran Singh for 18.

The Punjab Kings’ innings unraveled rapidly from there. Captain Shreyas Iyer, expected to anchor the innings, fell cheaply for 2 to Josh Hazlewood, who was in sensational rhythm. Hazlewood then returned in the sixth over to send Josh Inglis packing, leaving PBKS reeling at 42/4. The middle order offered little resistance as Nehal Wadhera was dismissed by Dayal, and Shashank Singh along with Musheer Khan fell to a brilliant over by Suyash Sharma, who claimed two wickets in just four deliveries.

The collapse continued as Hazlewood came back to complete a fantastic spell, taking his third wicket by dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai for 18 in the 15th over. Punjab’s innings folded meekly at 101 all out in 14.1 overs, never really recovering from the early blows.

Hazlewood and Sharma Shine with the Ball

RCB’s bowlers were relentless. Josh Hazlewood ended with 3 wickets, conceding minimal runs and maintaining pressure with immaculate line and length. Suyash Sharma was equally effective with 3 scalps, troubling the batters with his variations. Yash Dayal chipped in with 2 wickets, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Musheer Khan, and Kyle Jamieson shared the remaining wickets in what was a complete bowling performance.

Only Marcus Stoinis showed some resistance for PBKS, scoring 26 off 18 balls, but his knock was cut short before it could turn into anything substantial. With no major partnerships to speak of, Punjab’s batting collapse felt inevitable under the pressure RCB exerted from the very beginning.

Phil Salt’s Blazing Knock Seals the Win

In reply, RCB made short work of the modest target. Phil Salt, the aggressive English opener, lit up the New Chandigarh sky with a stunning unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls. His knock, laced with six boundaries and three towering sixes, came at a blistering strike rate of 207.40, as he made light work of the PBKS bowling attack.

Salt was well-supported by captain Rajat Patidar, who chipped in with a calm 15 not out. RCB lost only two wickets during the chase, with Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli falling early, but there was no real pressure on the side thanks to Salt’s aggressive approach. The chase was completed in just 10 overs, with RCB finishing at 106/2, sending a strong message to whoever awaits them in the final.

RCB March Into the Final with Momentum

This emphatic victory not only puts RCB into the IPL 2025 final but also gives them a psychological edge. Their bowlers fired as a unit, and their batters were ruthless in pursuit of the target. For Punjab Kings, it was a night to forget as their campaign now hinges on the second qualifier — a lifeline they must grab if they are to salvage their season.

As RCB celebrates their return to the final, fans are already buzzing with excitement, hoping this could finally be the year their beloved team lifts the IPL trophy. With momentum on their side and star players in peak form, Royal Challengers Bengaluru look more dangerous than ever.

Stay tuned for the final showdown — RCB are ready, and they mean business.