Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a stunning performance. Defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to secure their place in IPL 2025 final.
The match, held on May 29, 2025, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur. Saw RCB dominate with a record-breaking chase, finishing the game with 60 balls to spare.
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Choosing to bowl first, RCB’s bowling unit obliterated Punjab Kings, dismissing them for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma shone with three wickets each, while Yash Dayal supported with two scalps. Punjab’s batting lineup crumbled, with Marcus Stoinis’ 26 being their best effort.
In response RCB chased the target of 102 in just 10 overs, led by Phil Salt’s explosive 56 not out off 27 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. Captain Rajat Patidar sealed the victory with a massive six, finishing unbeaten on 15.
This victory marked RCB’s first IPL final appearance since 2016. And set a new record for the largest win by balls remaining in IPL playoff history. Fans erupted in celebrations with many declaring “RCB is the king” as the team showcased their intent to clinch their maiden IPL title after runner-up finishes in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
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Punjab Kings now shift focus to Qualifier 2. Where they will face the winner of the Eliminator match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, scheduled for May 30, 2025, in Mullanpur. The winner of that clash will meet RCB in IPL 2025 final on June 3 in Ahmedabad.
Read more: RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final with Dominant Victory Over Punjab Kings
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RCB supporters expressed uncontainable excitement, with celebrations beginning even before the match concluded. The team’s dominant performance has fueled confidence among fans who believe RCB poised to end their 17-year wait for the IPL trophy. “This is our year,” echoed across fan reactions with Salt, Hazlewood and Sharma earning widespread praise for their match-defining contributions.