Mullanpur (Punjab) [India], May 29: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final after a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 on Thursday evening.
Playing at Mullanpur, RCB opted to bowl first and delivered a fiery performance, reducing PBKS to 48/4 in the powerplay. The bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal, dismantled Punjab’s top order early on. Despite brief resistance from Marcus Stoinis (26 off 17) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18 off 12), PBKS was bowled out for 101 in just 14.1 overs.
RCB’s Suyash Sharma stood out with figures of 3/17, while Hazlewood took 3/21. Yash Dayal contributed with 2/26 in four overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd chipped in with one wicket each.
In response, RCB’s chase was brisk and clinical. Despite losing openers Virat Kohli (12) and Mayank Agarwal (19), Phil Salt powered the innings with an unbeaten 56 off just 27 deliveries, smashing six fours and three sixes. Skipper Rajat Patidar added a steady 15* as RCB wrapped up the chase in only 10 overs with eight wickets in hand.
Kyle Jamieson and Musheer Khan took one wicket each for PBKS. Suyash Sharma was deservingly named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning bowling performance.
The win sparked celebrations among RCB fans and players’ families. Virat Kohli’s sister, Bhawna, shared her excitement on Instagram with a “Finals” sticker and an evil eye emoji.
This marks RCB’s fourth appearance in an IPL final, and the team will now aim to lift the coveted trophy for the first time in franchise history.