Mumbai (Maharashtra), May 31: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have advanced to the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 following a resounding eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1. This victory marks RCB’s fourth appearance in an IPL final, and their first since 2016.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, displayed a clinical all-round performance, dismantling table-toppers PBKS, who had finished at the top of the points table in the league stage. The win also keeps alive RCB’s dream of claiming their maiden IPL title.
AB de Villiers: “Hopefully, This Is the Year”
Reacting to the team’s success, former RCB star AB de Villiers expressed his joy:
“I am very happy that RCB is in the final… I am very much looking forward to the finals and hopefully this will be the year for RCB.”
RCB’s Path to the Final
RCB’s win in Qualifier 1 capped off a consistent season. The side clicked in all departments during the big clash, with bowlers containing a powerful PBKS lineup and the batters chasing down the target with authority.
RCB had last reached the final in 2016, when Virat Kohli led the side during a record-breaking season. Despite making the playoffs multiple times, the coveted trophy has eluded the franchise.
Qualifier 2: Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings
With PBKS falling short in Qualifier 1, they now face a do-or-die clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 on Sunday.
Mumbai punched their ticket to this match after a 20-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Eliminator, thanks to a blistering 81-run start by Rohit Sharma and late hitting from Hardik Pandya, which powered MI to 228/6.
Despite a valiant 80 off 49 balls from Sai Sudharsan, Gujarat couldn’t chase down the target as MI’s death bowlers held their nerve.
AB de Villiers noted:
“Mumbai Indians won last night and it is going to be a very good Qualifier 2.”
The Road Ahead
- Qualifier 2: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Sunday
- Final: RCB vs Winner of Qualifier 2 – Next Week
With RCB finally breaking their final drought, fans are hopeful that 2025 could be the year the elusive title comes home to Bengaluru.