RCB Storms Into IPL 2025 Final After Dominant Win Over PBKS

In a high-stakes IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a clinical performance to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, securing their place in the IPL final for the first time since 2016.

RCB Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl First

RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive on a surface known for high scores. RCB’s bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, dismantled the PBKS batting lineup, bundling them out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs.

PBKS Batting Falters Under Pressure

PBKS, who had relied on their explosive batting throughout the season, struggled from the outset. In-form opener Priyansh Arya fell early to Yash Dayal, followed by quick wickets from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood, who removed both skipper Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis inside the powerplay. Suyash Sharma then struck twice in quick succession, including the key wicket of Marcus Stoinis (26), as PBKS collapsed to 78 for 8. Only Stoinis managed to cross 20, highlighting RCB’s bowling dominance.

RCB’s Batting Makes Short Work of the Chase

Chasing a modest target of 102, RCB lost Virat Kohli (12) and Mayank Agarwal (19) but never looked troubled. Phil Salt anchored the chase with a blistering unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, while Rajat Patidar finished 15 not out. RCB reached the target in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets and with 60 balls to spare—a record margin in IPL playoff history.

What’s Next?

With this emphatic victory, RCB advances directly to the IPL 2025 final, while PBKS will have another chance to qualify by facing the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.

Match Summary

Team	Score	Overs	Top Performer (Bat/Ball)
PBKS	101 all out	14.1	Marcus Stoinis (26)
RCB	106/2	10.0	Phil Salt (56* off 27)

Key Bowling Figures (RCB):

• Suyash Sharma: 3/17
• Josh Hazlewood: 3/21
• Yash Dayal: 2/26

RCB’s comprehensive win has set the stage for a thrilling IPL 2025 final, while PBKS must regroup quickly for their do-or-die Qualifier 2 encounter.