The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 brought a one-sided contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. RCB, playing with full confidence and skill, completely outplayed PBKS with both ball and bat. With this huge win, RCB became the first team to qualify for the final of IPL 2025. Their fans are now dreaming of a long-awaited title win.
Rajat Patidar decision to bowl first proved to be a perfect one, as RCB bowlers destroyed Punjab Kings’ batting order. The chase was then handled smoothly by Phil Salt and his teammates, showing their class and power. This match not only gave RCB a spot in the final but also sent a strong message to all other teams. Let us take a deep look at this big win and how RCB showed total control in this Qualifier 1 clash.
RCB Captain Patidar Wins the Toss and Chooses to Bowl First
At the start of the match, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and decided to bowl first. Many fans were surprised by this call, but the decision turned out to be smart and effective. The pitch looked fresh and offered bounce for the bowlers, which RCB used well. This move also helped RCB put pressure on the PBKS batting lineup early.
The field placement was sharp, and the bowlers followed a strong plan. Patidar showed good leadership by rotating bowlers smartly and setting attacking fields. From the first over, RCB bowlers made sure that Punjab could not settle and score freely. This choice to bowl first became a game-changer for RCB.
PBKS Batting Struggles Right from the Start
Punjab Kings came in to bat with hopes of putting a strong total on the board. But from the first over, things started going wrong. RCB bowlers attacked with full energy, and wickets kept falling one after another. PBKS could not build any strong partnerships. Their top order collapsed quickly under pressure.
Prabhsimran Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai tried to hold things together with short stays at the crease. Marcus Stoinis played a small but positive knock, scoring 26 runs from 17 balls. But even he could not stay long enough to take PBKS to a safe score. Punjab were bowled out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs, which was far below a fighting total in such a big game.
Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood Destroy PBKS Lineup
The bowling hero for RCB was young spinner Suyash Sharma. He bowled with sharp turn and good flight, and the PBKS batters had no answer. Suyash took three key wickets and broke the back of the Punjab innings. He showed that even on a fast pitch, spin can play a big role if bowled with smartness.
Josh Hazlewood also played a huge role. His pace, accuracy, and experience proved too much for the batters. He picked up three wickets as well and gave RCB early breakthroughs. Yash Dayal grabbed two wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd chipped in with one each. Together, the RCB bowling unit worked like a well-oiled machine.
Punjab All Out for 101 in Just 14.1 Overs
The biggest disappointment for PBKS was their short stay at the crease. Their innings lasted only 14.1 overs, which is very poor in a knockout match. This showed how well RCB bowled and how badly Punjab performed under pressure. Only three players from PBKS could reach double digits, which tells the story clearly.
The batting order lacked planning and shot selection. The middle order collapsed quickly, and the lower order could not do any damage either. A total of 101 in a high-pressure game was never going to be enough, especially against a strong batting lineup like RCB. The Punjab team will now need to bounce back in Qualifier 2 to keep their hopes alive.
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RCB Start the Chase With Full Control
Chasing 102 runs is never easy in a big game, but RCB made it look simple. Their batters played with full control and positive intent from the very first ball. Even after losing Virat Kohli early, there was no panic. Phil Salt took charge and showed his class with a powerful knock.
The chase was built on good shot selection, strike rotation, and big hits at the right time. Mayank Agarwal supported Salt well with a calm 19 runs, and then Rajat Patidar came in to finish things off in style. RCB chased the target in just 10 overs, which showed their dominance on the day.
Phil Salt Leads the Way With a Blazing 56 Not Out
The star of the chase was Phil Salt. His unbeaten 56 from just 27 balls proved why he is one of the most dangerous openers in T20 cricket. Salt hit six fours and three sixes, making the run chase a one-man show. His timing and power hitting were a treat to watch for fans in the stadium and those watching at home.
Salt built a quick 54-run stand with Mayank Agarwal, which gave RCB full control. Later, he formed an unbroken partnership with captain Patidar to seal the deal. His knock was not just about big shots but also smart running between the wickets. Salt gave the perfect finishing touch to a great bowling performance.
Rajat Patidar Finishes the Job as a True Leader
Rajat Patidar, the captain of RCB, played a short but very important role in the chase. His 15 runs from 8 balls came with confidence and maturity. Patidar showed great leadership not only with the bat but also during the bowling innings earlier. His calmness and smart decisions helped RCB win the game easily.
As a young captain, Patidar has now taken RCB to the final of IPL 2025. His fans and the team will be proud of how he has grown this season. Now all eyes will be on him to lead RCB to their first IPL title in the final match.
Punjab Kings Get Another Chance in Qualifier 2
Even after losing this match, PBKS are not out of the tournament. Because they finished in the top two, they will play one more match in Qualifier 2. Their next match will be against the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
Punjab still have a chance to fix their mistakes and make it to the final. They need to work hard on their batting and come up with a better plan. The bowlers did not get much to defend, so the team will hope for a better performance overall in the next match. It is a do-or-die situation for them now.
RCB March Into the IPL 2025 Final With Big Dreams
With this win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reached the IPL 2025 final in a powerful way. Their fans have waited many years to see RCB lift the trophy. This time, the team looks strong, balanced, and full of belief. The final match will be the biggest test, but this performance gives them great momentum.
RCB have match-winners in both batting and bowling, and their teamwork is shining. If they play with the same energy and focus in the final, they have a very good chance to win their first IPL title. This win over PBKS will be remembered as one of their best performances in IPL history.
FAQs
Who was the top performer for RCB in Qualifier 1 against PBKS?
Phil Salt was the top performer for RCB. He scored an unbeaten 56 runs from 27 balls and led the chase in style.
How many wickets did Suyash Sharma take in the match?
Suyash Sharma took three wickets and played a major role in breaking the PBKS batting lineup.
What was the total score posted by Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1?
Punjab Kings were bowled out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs, which was not enough to challenge RCB.
Who will PBKS face next after this loss?
PBKS will face the winner of the Eliminator match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
When and where will the IPL 2025 final be played?
The IPL 2025 final date and venue will be confirmed soon, but RCB are already confirmed as the first team to play in the final.
