National Times Bureau, May 29, 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a dominant performance in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, thrashing Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets to seal their place in the final. The match, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur, was one-sided from the outset, with PBKS crumbling under pressure.
Put in to bat first, Punjab Kings were bowled out for a mere 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. RCB’s bowling attack, led by Suyash Sharma, who picked up three crucial wickets, dismantled the PBKS batting lineup. Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal chipped in with two wickets each, leaving Punjab with little room to recover.
In reply, RCB made light work of the chase, reaching the target in only 10 overs. Phil Salt set the tone with a blistering 49 off 22 balls, while Mayank Agarwal remained unbeaten on 19. Despite the early loss of Virat Kohli, dismissed by Kyle Jamieson, Bengaluru showed complete control throughout the innings.
This commanding victory sends RCB straight into the IPL 2025 final, while PBKS will get another shot at qualification in Qualifier 2.
