The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 on Thursday, May 29, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, becoming the first team to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Final. PBKS will get a second chance to advance to the final when they face Qualifier 2 on June 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Talking Points
1. RCB bowlers shatter PBKS batting to pieces
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to field first. His decision paid off immediately as RCB bowlers dismantled the PBKS batting line-up. Yash Dayal struck early to begin the collapse, and the rest of the bowling unit followed with excellent precision. The standout performer was young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who claimed 3 wickets for just 17 runs. Josh Hazlewood also took three wickets under his belt, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed prized wicket of in-form Prabhsimran Singh with Dayal also taking two home. Romario Shephered took the onus of hammering the final nail in the coffin to bundle PBKS out for just 101 in 14.1 overs.
2. PBKS batters falter under pressure
The PBKS batting order crumbled under pressure while displaying a lack of patience and awareness. They did not focus on stabilizing the innings after early setbacks with most batters continuing to play poor shots. The aggressive and also careless approach backfired which resulted in a shambolic total, which left a little for their bowlers to do in the all-important match.
3. Royal Challengers board Motera flight
RCB were chasing a target of 102 and made light work of the run chase. They reached the total with 60 balls to spare. The RCB opener Phil Salt played a match-winning knock while scoring an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls by guiding RCB to a comfortable victory and into their final appearance since 2016. They will now be playing the Finals at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad with the team that wins the Qualifier 2.
Who Said What?
Shreyas Iyer, PBKS (Losing Captain)
Not a day to forget, but we have to go to the drawing board. We were befuddled and lost a lot of wickets. Something to go back and study. Not doubting on my decisions in terms of planning. Outside of the ground, it was on point. Couldn’t execute, can’t blame our bowlers. It was such a low total. Got to work on our batting, on this wicket. In all games here, there has been variable bounce. Can’t give such reasons because we are professionals and we have to live up to it. We have lost the battle but not the war.
Rajat Patidar, RCB (Winning Captain)
We were very clear in our plans and how we have to bowl. Fast bowlers used the surface well, Suyash chipped in well. He bowls in line of the stumps, which is his strength. I don’t give him a lot of ideas, don’t want to confuse him. We had done a lot of practice throughout the tournament. One day of non-practice won’t harm you. The way [Salt] is batting in every match, the way he is giving us starts, it is a treat. I am a big fan of him. Always thank RCB fans, wherever we go, we feel like it is our home ground. One more game, let’s celebrate together!
Suyash Sharma, Player of the Match
I have performed, that is why people must be happy! My role is to hit the stumps – be it with the googly or legspin or flipper. Googly is my stock ball, there was a little help from the surface as well. We will celebrate on the 3rd [June].
India
