Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marched into their fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) final with a dominant eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood led RCB’s bowling attack with fiery spells, picking up 3-17 and 3-21 respectively. RCB dismantled PBKS for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Hazlewood, returning from injury, bowled with great control and bounce. Suyash’s variations proved too good for PBKS’s middle order.
Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Romario Shepherd chipped in with a wicket each, leaving PBKS reeling. Dayal struck first, dismissing Priyansh Arya. Prabhsimran Singh briefly resisted but edged Bhuvneshwar to the keeper. Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Nehal Wadhera fell quickly, and Suyash’s googlies crushed PBKS’s hopes.
Chasing a modest target of 102, Phil Salt hammered a 23-ball fifty — his quickest in the IPL — and stayed unbeaten on 56 off 27. His strokeplay dominated PBKS’s bowling.
Virat Kohli gave RCB an aggressive start but fell early to Kyle Jamieson. Mayank Agarwal and Salt steadied the innings, adding 54 runs before Agarwal nicked one to slip off Musheer Khan.
Nevertheless, Salt accelerated with confidence, hitting boundaries off Harpreet Brar and Jamieson. RCB reached 61/1 by the end of the powerplay and never looked back. Rajat Patidar joined Salt to finish the chase in 10 overs with a stylish slog-sweep.
With this win, RCB vs PBKS concluded with RCB booking their spot in the June 3 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. PBKS still have a second chance in Qualifier 2, where they will face the Eliminator winner on Sunday.
RCB will now look to finally lift their maiden IPL trophy, having reached the final for the fourth time.
Brief Scores:
PBKS: 101 all out in 14.1 overs (Stoinis 26; Suyash 3-17, Hazlewood 3-21)
RCB: 106/2 in 10 overs (Salt 56, Agarwal 19; Jamieson 1-27, Musheer 1-27)*
Result: RCB won by 8 wickets.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Patidar Leads RCB As Hazlewood Returns, PBKS Bat First
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