In a spectacular performance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) crushed Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, played at the Mullanpur Stadium on Wednesday. With this emphatic win, RCB have secured a direct entry into the final of IPL 2025, marking their fourth appearance in the tournament’s final showdown.

Punjab’s Collapse: Bowled Out for 101

After winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted to field first — a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. The RCB bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, reducing Punjab Kings to a paltry 101 runs in just 14.1 overs.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood starred with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 15 runs, while young spinner Suyash Sharma matched him with 3 wickets of his own. Punjab’s top-order failed to find momentum, with key batters like Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone falling cheaply. The middle and lower order followed suit, collapsing under pressure.

Phil Salt Leads the Chase

Chasing a modest target of 102, RCB came out with aggression. English opener Phil Salt was in destructive form, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 23 balls. His innings included 6 fours and 3 sixes, effectively sealing the win inside 10 overs.

Captain Faf du Plessis played a supporting role with 29 runs, ensuring that RCB reached the target in just 59 deliveries, with 8 wickets in hand.

RCB’s Road to the Final

This victory continues RCB’s incredible momentum in the tournament. After a shaky start to their season, the team regrouped strongly and won six out of their last seven league matches to qualify in the top two.

Their performance in the Qualifier proves that RCB are not just contenders, but serious favorites for the title this year. With stars like Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj all contributing throughout the season, RCB fans are hopeful this will finally be their year to lift the IPL trophy.

What’s Next?

RCB now await the winner of Qualifier 2, where the loser of Qualifier 1 (Punjab Kings) will play the winner of the Eliminator. The final will take place on June 2