NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a clinical all-round performance to crush Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, sealing their place in the final for the first time since 2016. The match, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh, saw RCB dominate in all departments, reaffirming their intent to finally break the championship jinx.
Bowling Brilliance: Punjab Crumble for 101
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s decision paid off handsomely. The pace-spin combination of Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash Sharma (3/17) rattled the PBKS batting lineup. The top order collapsed under pressure, with Shreyas Iyer (2), Josh Inglis (4), and Musheer Khan (0) departing cheaply.
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Only Marcus Stoinis managed to show some resistance with a 26-run knock, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also chipped in with key breakthroughs as PBKS were bundled out for a paltry 101 in just 14.1 overs.
“The pitch offered spin and bounce, and I just focused on staying accurate,” said young spinner Suyash Sharma, who bamboozled batters with his googlies.
Phil Salt Anchors the Chase
In reply, RCB made light work of the modest target. England’s Phil Salt played a composed knock of 56* off just 34 deliveries, anchoring the chase with calm authority. Faf du Plessis added a quickfire 21, while Virat Kohli chipped in with 12.
RCB raced to 106/2 in just 10 overs, wrapping up the game with a display of ruthless efficiency and composure.
“One more game and we can make history,” said RCB captain Rajat Patidar after the win.
“The focus is laser sharp. We’re not done yet.”
PBKS Skipper Accepts Defeat
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that his side was outplayed on the day.
“We couldn’t assess the conditions well, and their bowlers executed brilliantly. We’ll regroup and come back stronger in Qualifier 2,” he said at the post-match press conference.
RCB’s IPL Journey: From Heartbreaks to Hope
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s journey in the IPL has been one of passion, massive fan following, and consistent heartbreaks. Despite fielding some of the biggest names in world cricket—Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle—the title has always eluded them. Until now.
RCB’s Key IPL Milestones:
| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Runners-up (lost to Deccan Chargers) |
| 2011 | Runners-up (lost to CSK) |
| 2016 | Runners-up (lost to SRH) |
| 2020–2022 | Playoffs appearances |
| 2025 | Into the Final |
With a new generation of match-winners like Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Suyash Sharma, and Will Jacks stepping up, and Kohli lending the team veteran experience, RCB looks more balanced and resilient than ever before.
“This season feels different. The hunger and intensity in the group are real,” said Phil Salt when asked about the mood in the dressing room.
Final Countdown: Will RCB Break the Curse?
RCB will now head to the IPL 2025 final on June 3, awaiting the winner of Qualifier 2, where PBKS will get one more shot at redemption.
With confidence soaring and momentum firmly in their corner, the question on every fan’s mind remains: Is this finally the year RCB lifts their maiden IPL trophy?
