Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved closer to alleviating years of disappointment, showcasing a dominant performance – the largest victory in IPL playoff history by balls remaining – against Punjab Kings in the first qualifier of IPL 2025. They advanced to their fourth IPL final, with the aspiration of securing their first title now shining brighter than ever.
After 17 (and still counting) years of anguish, everything is once again within reach for RCB, who last participated in the championship match in 2016, which coincidentally took place on this very day nine years ago. At the largest venue in world cricket on June 3, they will hope to have favorable winds and destiny on their side. Following the nerves and uncertainties, the minor injuries and hesitations, this was the evening they overcame their inconsistency and regained the fervor that has characterized their season thus far.
It all started with the bowling – Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma each taking three wickets to dismiss PBKS for 101 in just 15 overs. Subsequently, Phil Salt ignited the chase, smashing a 27-ball 56 to complete the task with 10 overs and eight wickets remaining.
Punjab Kings batting order chokes early
The reinstated Rajat Patidar successfully won a significant toss on a pitch that displayed a slight grass covering. His seam bowlers took full advantage, extracting movement, achieving swing, and maintaining disciplined lengths. Yash Dayal set the initial tone by forcing Priyansh Arya to drive loosely to cover. In response, Prabhsimran Singh displayed aggression, stepping out to loft Bhuvneshwar Kumar for boundaries over mid-on and mid-off; however, the seasoned pacer made a smart adjustment, shortening his length to induce an edge. The returning Hazlewood then exacerbated PBKS’s difficulties, striking twice in rapid succession. Initially, he extended his matchup advantage over Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS captain edging a wild slog to the wicketkeeper. The Australian quick then dismissed compatriot Josh Inglis with a short ball that prompted a miscued pull.
Whether pace or spin, during the PowerPlay or beyond, RCB remained relentless, aided somewhat by PBKS’s shot selection. Nehal Wadhera dragged a delivery from Yash Dayal onto his stumps before Suyash Sharma took charge. The legspinner dismissed Shashank Singh with a googly after the batter attempted to counter-attack. At 60 for 6, PBKS brought in Musheer Khan as their Impact Player, but the debutant lasted merely three balls before missing a sweep, granting Suyash his second wicket of the over. Marcus Stoinis, the lone bright spot for PBKS, hit a six but soon fell victim to another Suyash googly, bowled while trying a slog-sweep for 26 off 17.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Harpreet Brar offered brief resistance, but Romario Shepherd broke the partnership with a short ball that ricocheted off Brar’s forearm onto the stumps, marking the fourth batter to lose his wicket. Hazlewood then returned to conclude the innings with the first ball of the 15th over, as Jitesh Sharma leaped high to execute a stunning one-handed catch off yet another edge.
Phil Salt does the easy job for RCB
PBKS, energized by a lively home crowd and previous achievements in defending low totals at this venue, began with determination. However, a few lackluster overs at the start allowed RCB to swiftly reach 30 runs in just three overs. Kyle Jamieson then briefly sparked optimism with an outstanding fourth over, showcasing significant swing, extracting seam movement, and delivering only the sixth maiden over of the season. He also dismissed Virat Kohli for 12 runs, caught behind the stumps. Mayank Agarawal’s tentative performance, characterized by three poorly judged pokes and a cautious leave, marked the final flicker of PBKS’ resistance.
That was the extent of their struggle. Phil Salt took charge, initially striking Azmatullah Omarzai (who replaced Marco Jansen) for two boundaries through the offside. As the movement diminished, he dismantled Jamieson in the last over of the PowerPlay, hitting two blistering boundaries on either side of the wicket, followed by a lofted six over cover that clearly indicated the direction of the match.
Agarawal attacked Musheer’s spin, hitting a six and a four, but was caught behind shortly thereafter. Once Salt reached a rapid half-century off 23 balls, Patidar entered the fray to smash a four and a six off Musheer, sealing a memorable victory.
SCORECARD: Punjab Kings 101 in 14.1 overs (Marcus Stoinis 26; Suyash Sharma 3-17, Josh Hazlewood 3-21) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 106/2 in 10 overs (Phil Salt 56*; Kyle Jamieson 1-27) by 8 wickets.
