RCB March into IPL Final after Dominant Bowling and Salt's Explosive Fifty
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their place in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) on Thursday, May 29th. An outstanding collective bowling effort, spearheaded by pacer Josh Hazlewood and leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, saw Punjab Kings bundled out for a mere 101 runs. RCB then chased down the modest target with remarkable ease, led by an aggressive half-century from opener Phil Salt, marking their first IPL final appearance since 2016.
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Potent Bowling Attack Restricts Punjab Kings
Opting to field first after winning the toss (implied, as PBKS batted first), RCB's bowlers exploited a pitch offering seam movement and extra bounce to great effect. The returning Josh Hazlewood was particularly impactful, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs, as he consistently troubled the PBKS top order with hard lengths. Leg-spinner Suyash Sharma also delivered a crucial spell, taking 3 for 17, with Punjab batsmen struggling to pick his variations, particularly the wrong'un, leading to reckless dismissals. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh fell early, and despite an aggressive approach, the PBKS batting lineup continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 26, but the team was ultimately dismissed for 101.
Explosive Salt Powers Effortless Pursuit
Despite the pitch offering even more assistance to bowlers in the second innings, the small target allowed RCB's batsmen to play with freedom. While Virat Kohli contributed a brief 12, Phil Salt launched a blistering attack. He raced to his fastest IPL half-century, off just 23 balls, and remained unbeaten on 56. His aggressive strokeplay, particularly against Kyle Jamieson in an over that went for 21 runs, quickly dismantled any hopes Punjab Kings had of defending their low total. RCB reached the target of 102 in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets, with Rajat Patidar hitting the winning six.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a thoroughly clinical and dominant performance in Qualifier 1. Their bowlers expertly utilized the conditions to restrict a strong Punjab Kings batting unit, before Phil Salt's aggressive innings ensured a swift and comfortable chase. RCB now advance directly to the IPL 2025 final, while Punjab Kings will have another opportunity to reach the summit clash when they play in Qualifier 2.
