RCB's Ruthless Performance Leaves PBKS Stunned in Qualifier 1
This IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 wasn’t just a match—it was a statement. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) didn’t just beat Punjab Kings (PBKS); they bulldozed them, sealing their first IPL final spot since 2016 and leaving a trail of broken records at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, RCB’s bowlers came out with a plan—and boy, did it work. Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal wasted no time, crushing any hopes PBKS might have harbored. In just the first few overs, in-form openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh were back in the pavilion, both undone by pinpoint seam bowling that left the PBKS dressing room in shock. Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS skipper, tried to steady the ship but could hardly get out of first gear. His battle with RCB’s fiery pace attack was hyped up before the game, but when it mattered, Iyer faltered, managing just a brief stay at the crease.
The collapse didn’t stop there. PBKS’ aggressive approach went horribly wrong, with Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis both falling cheaply. Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned up the pressure, swinging the ball just enough to force mistakes. Punjab’s middle order, which usually bails them out of early trouble, looked out of ideas. Not even the lower order could resist the heat, with Punjab folding for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. For a side that prides itself on power-hitting, it was a massive letdown.
Credit must go to RCB's bowling—Hazlewood and Dayal took eight wickets together, but it wasn't just about the wickets. Their control over line and length strangled PBKS, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept chipping away without letting the pressure drop. The fielding, too, never relented; sharp stops and a run-out kept the Punjab side constantly second-guessing themselves.
Phil Salt Steers RCB to Victory in Quickest Fashion
Chasing a small total, teams sometimes stumble. Not this RCB unit. Phil Salt walked out determined to wrap it up fast—and that’s exactly what happened. He shredded the PBKS attack right from the first ball, peppering boundaries through midwicket and cover, and flicking seamers over the infield with absolute comfort. His unbeaten 56 off 27 balls was packed with crisp, aggressive shots—making the Punjab bowlers look tame by comparison.
Even without their usual opener Devdutt Padikkal, who had been the hero in their last visit to Mullanpur, RCB hardly missed a beat. Faf du Plessis played a steady hand at the other end, focusing on rotating strike while Salt went ballistic. The winning runs came inside 10 overs—RCB’s fastest chase in an IPL playoff and the largest playoff win by balls remaining for the franchise. For fans who’ve watched RCB stumble in past crunch games, this was something new: a team peaking at exactly the right moment, with almost every piece clicking into place.
For PBKS, it’s back to the drawing board. The team that showed so much promise through the league stages now faces a do-or-die Eliminator if they want to salvage their IPL 2025 campaign. As for RCB, they’re through to the finals, brimming with confidence. The IPL 2025 title now feels closer than ever for Bengaluru’s loyal supporters, who have waited nearly a decade for another shot at glory.
