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In a one-sided affair at the 1st Qualifier of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) thrashed Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets, storming into the final for the first time in nine years. Chasing a meager target of 102, RCB wrapped up the match with a massive 10 overs to spare at a packed stadium on Friday night.
The victory was not only comprehensive but also showcased RCB's all-round dominance. From dismantling the PBKS batting unit to executing a fearless chase led by a fiery Phil Salt, this match underlined RCB's title credentials as they now eye the coveted IPL trophy.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first - a decision that proved instantly effective. PBKS opener Priyansh Arya departed in the second over, triggering a top-order collapse. Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, and Shreyas Iyer all fell cheaply, leaving PBKS reeling at 60 for 6 by the 9th over.
Desperate for a turnaround, PBKS brought in Musheer Khan as an impact sub. Unfortunately, his debut ended with a duck. Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai tried to restore some order, but Josh Hazlewood's return spell ensured PBKS folded for just 101 in 14.1 overs.
RCB's bowlers were clinical - Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma led the charge with three wickets each, and Yash Dayal chipped in with two. Karn Sharma added one to his name in an all-round bowling show.
The chase was clinical. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli started briskly, putting up a quick 30 before Kohli fell to Kyle Jamieson. Salt, however, continued his assault, hammering 56 off just 27 balls, including his half-century in just 23 deliveries. RCB reached the target in only 10 overs, finishing the game in style with a towering six.
Qualifier 1: RCB vs PBKS – Summary:
Punjab Kings – 101 all out (14.1 overs):
Prabhsimran Singh – 18 (10)
Marcus Stoinis – 26 (17)
Azmatullah Omarzai – 18 (12)
PBKS Bowling:
Kyle Jamieson – 3 (overs)-27 (Runs)-1 (wicket)
Musheer Khan – 2 (overs)-27 (Runs)-1 (wickets)
Arshdeep Singh – 2 (overs)-20 (Runs)-0 (wickets)
RCB Bowling:
Josh Hazlewood – 3.1 (overs)-21 (Runs)-3 (Wickets)
Suyash Sharma – 3 (overs)-17 (Runs)-3 (wickets)
Yash Dayal – 4 (overs) -26 (Runs) -2 (wickets)
Bhuvneshwar kumar – 2 (Overs) -17 (Runs) -1 (wickets)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 106/2 (10 overs)
Phil Salt – 56 (27)
Mayank Agarwal – 19 (13)
Virat Kohli – 12 (12)
Result: RCB won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Suyash Sharma
With this victory, RCB now earns a well-deserved four-day break before the IPL 2025 Final on Tuesday. They will face the winner of Qualifier 2, which will take place on Sunday. That match will feature Punjab Kings again, who now must quickly regroup and face the winner of Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
