IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Overpower Punjab Kings to Gain Final Opportunity

Mullanpur, May 29: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed an all-round dominating act by thrashing Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 as they qualified for the final after a crushing victory at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Having won the toss and opting to field, RCB bowlers completely dismantled PBKS’ batting unit. Punjab were bundled out for a mere 101 runs off 14.1 overs, their lowest-ever total in IPL playoff history. Returning from injury, Josh Hazlewood was lethal with the new ball, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs. He was well supported by Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Yash Dayal (2/19), as RCB utilized the conditions available to perfection.

PBKS never looked at ease, losing wickets at regular intervals. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 26 runs, and captain Shreyas Iyer had 17, but the rest of the batting lineup folded under pressure. None of the middle and lower-order batsmen could deny RCB’s attacking pace and disciplined spin.

In turn, RCB pursued the meager total within just 10 overs to 106 for 2. England opener Phil Salt took over with a muscular unbeaten 56 off 23 balls, hitting boundaries with ease and leaving no chance for PBKS to stage a revival. Though Virat Kohli was out for 12, and Du Plessis made a 20-ball cameo, Salt completed a brisk and clinical finish.

This victory is RCB’s first IPL final since 2016 and sets them tantalizingly close to their long-sought first title. The side, led by Faf du Plessis and bolstered by both experienced and young players, has timed its peak perfectly.

For PBKS, the defeat is a humongous blow following an overbearing league stage. Nevertheless, they still have a chance to reach the final via Qualifier 2, in which they face the winner of the Eliminator.

RCB’s victory was a statement one never wanted it to go to the wire but it reflected their depth, form, and hunger for the title. The bowling unit is in harmony and the top order threatening, Bengaluru now is an authentic competitor to win the title.

IPL 2025 final will be an edge-of-the-seat thriller and the game lovers will eagerly wait to see if RCB can finally hold the crown.