MULLANPUR: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the IPL 2025 final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first, which paid off as his bowlers quickly dismantled Punjab’s batting lineup. Punjab Kings were all out for 101 runs in just 14.1 overs, with only Marcus Stoinis (26), Prabhsimran Singh, and Azmatullah Omarzai (18 each) making double-digit scores.
Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the bowling attack, each taking three wickets. Yash Dayal took two wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd claimed one wicket apiece.
In response, RCB chased the target effortlessly, reaching 106 for 2 in only 10 overs. Phil Salt starred with an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. After Virat Kohli’s early dismissal for 12, Salt shared a swift 54-run partnership with Mayank Agarwal (19), then joined forces with Patidar (15* off 8) to seal the win.
Punjab Kings still have a chance to reach the final by facing the winner of the Eliminator match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday.
