In a high-stakes IPL 2025 Qualifier at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased a clinical performance to dismantle Punjab Kings (PBKS) and seal their place in the final. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB’s bowlers ripped through PBKS’s batting lineup, restricting them to a paltry 101 runs in 14.1 overs. RCB chased down the target effortlessly in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets.

Punjab Kings never looked settled after losing Priyansh Arya early for 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal struck in tandem, breaking the back of the PBKS innings. Dayal was impressed with figures of 4-0-26-2, while Hazlewood’s 3/21 provided vital breakthroughs. Suyash Sharma’s 3/17 ensured PBKS never recovered, and despite brief resistance from Stoinis (26 off 17) and Azmatullah (18 off 12), Punjab were bundled out for just 101. None of the top-order batters could capitalise, with captain Shreyas Iyer managing only 2 runs.

In response, RCB’s opening pair of Philip Salt and Virat Kohli put on a quick 30 runs before Kohli was dismissed for 12. Salt continued his aggressive approach, smashing a blistering 56* off 27 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Mayank Agarwal added 19 off 13 before falling to Musheer Khan, but Rajat Patidar (15* off 8) ensured there were no further hiccups as RCB crossed the finish line in just 10 overs.

RCB’s emphatic win was built on disciplined bowling and fearless batting, sending a strong message ahead of the IPL 2025 final. With this victory, RCB now awaits the winner of the second Qualifier, while PBKS have to play Qualifier 2 to reach the final. RCB fans will be hoping this is finally their year, as they chase their maiden IPL title.

Here are the milestones achieved during PBKS vs RCB, Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025:

• Philip Salt: Third fastest to 1,000 IPL runs- 575 balls.

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Fastest chase in IPL Playoffs- 60 balls.