RCB Storm Into IPL 2025 Final With 8-Wicket Rout Of Punjab

Royal Challengers Bangalore now stand just one win away from clinching their maiden IPL title - a trophy that has eluded them since the league's inception.

RCB bowlers and batters delivered in emphatic fashion.

Source : PTI

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) produced a dominant all-round display to dismantle Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on Thursday (May 29) in Mullanpur. First, RCB's bowlers set the tone with a fiery performance that skittled Punjab out for just 101 runs.

Then, their batters made light work of the chase, turning the game into a one-sided affair and sealing a 8-wicket win. Phil Salt's explosive 56 off 27 balls powered RCB to a dominant chase of 102, finishing the match with 60 balls to spare.

With this victory, RCB have secured a spot in the IPL final for the fourth time. They now stand just one win away from clinching their maiden IPL title - a trophy that has eluded them since the league's inception.

RCB bowlers dismantle Punjab for just 101 

Royal Challengers Bangalore produced a stunning bowling performance to bowl out Punjab Kings for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs during IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur on Thursday (May 29). After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first - and his bowlers delivered in emphatic fashion.

Punjab's top order crumbles

Punjab's innings got off to a shaky start. Yash Dayal struck early, removing Priyansh Arya for 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar then sent back Prabhsimran Singh for 18. RCB's pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood followed with a brilliant double blow - dismissing PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer for just 2 and Josh Inglis for 4.

Nehal Wadhera also fell cheaply to Dayal, leaving Punjab reeling at 60 for 6.

Suyash Sharma spins a web

Suyash Sharma added to Punjab's woes with a brilliant spell in the middle overs. The leg-spinner dismissed Shashank Singh and Mushir Khan in the same over before claiming Marcus Stoinis (26), Punjab's highest scorer. Hazlewood returned to dismiss Azmatullah Omarzai (18), wrapping up Punjab's innings at 101.

Bowling figures – A collective effort

Josh Hazlewood: 3 wickets

Suyash Sharma: 3 wickets

Yash Dayal: 2 wickets

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 1 wicket

Romario Shepherd: 1 wicket

Punjab Kings were bowled out in just 14.1 overs - the lowest number of overs faced by any team in IPL playoffs history. Their total of 101 is also among the lowest ever in IPL knockout matches, and the fourth-lowest all-out total in PBKS history.