IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 Match Report
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a clinical performance to thrash Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, securing their place in the final for the first time since 2016 and ending a nine-year wait for a title shot.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 101 all out | 14.1 overs | |
| RCB | 106/2 | 10.0 overs | RCB won by 8 wickets |
PBKS Innings: Batting Collapse
PBKS, put in to bat first, never found momentum after losing opener Priyansh Arya for 7 in the second over.
Prabhsimran Singh (18) and captain Shreyas Iyer (2) also fell cheaply, leaving PBKS reeling at 27/2.
The middle order crumbled under relentless pressure from RCB's bowlers. Josh Hazlewood (3/18) and Suyash Sharma (3/17) were the chief destroyers, with Yash Dayal (2 wickets) and Romario Shepherd also contributing.
Marcus Stoinis (26) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) provided brief resistance, but PBKS's aggressive approach backfired, as highlighted by Sunil Gavaskar's on-air criticism of their "self-destructive" shot selection.
PBKS were bowled out for a paltry 101 in 14.1 overs.
RCB Bowling Highlights
- Josh Hazlewood: 3 wickets, set the tone with early breakthroughs.
- Suyash Sharma: 3 wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Shashank Singh and Musheer Khan in the same over.
- Yash Dayal: 2 wickets, including the dangerous Priyansh Arya.
RCB Chase: Salt Leads the Charge
Chasing 102, RCB started confidently with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt at the crease.
Kohli (12) fell to Kyle Jamieson, but Salt continued his aggressive approach, smashing 56* off just 27 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes; strike rate 207.41).
Mayank Agarwal (19) played a supporting role before being dismissed, but by then, the match was firmly in RCB's control.
Captain Rajat Patidar (15* off 8) joined Salt to finish the chase in exactly 10 overs, giving RCB a massive net run rate boost and plenty of confidence heading into the final.
Key Moments
- PBKS's decision to attack from the outset led to a rapid collapse, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
- RCB's bowlers executed their plans perfectly, never allowing PBKS to settle.
- Phil Salt's aggressive half-century ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.
What's Next?
RCB advance directly to the IPL 2025 final, enjoying a four-day break before the title clash.
PBKS will have another chance to reach the final, facing the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
"The coaching staff helped us plan this and we executed it very well. I felt the ball nice in my hand today. I was feeling that no one could pick my googly."
— Suyash Sharma, RCB spinner
Final Thoughts
RCB's all-round dominance—clinical bowling, sharp fielding, and a fearless chase—has set them up as strong contenders for the IPL 2025 title. PBKS, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive in Qualifier 2.
Top Performers:
- Phil Salt (RCB): 56* (27)
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB): 3/18
- Suyash Sharma (RCB): 3/17
- Marcus Stoinis (PBKS): 26
RCB fans will be dreaming big as their team looks to end their long wait for an IPL trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won Qualifier 1, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets.
2. How did RCB win the match?
RCB bowled out PBKS for 101 runs and chased down the target in just 10 overs, thanks to Phil Salt's unbeaten 56*.
3. Who was the top performer in the match?
Phil Salt was the star with the bat, scoring 56* off 27 balls. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma were standout bowlers for RCB.
4. What happens next for RCB and PBKS?
RCB advance directly to the IPL 2025 final. PBKS will play the winner of the Eliminator (between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians) in Qualifier 2 for another chance to reach the final.
5. Was there a reserve day for Qualifier 1?
No, there was no reserve day for Qualifier 1. If the match had been washed out, PBKS would have advanced to the final as they finished higher in the league stage.
6. Why do PBKS get another chance despite losing?
The IPL playoff format gives the top two teams from the league stage two opportunities to reach the final. PBKS, as a top-two finisher, will play Qualifier 2 for a second shot at the final.
7. Where was the match played?
The match took place at the New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
8. How did the teams perform in the league stage?
Both PBKS and RCB finished with identical points in the league stage, but PBKS topped the table due to a better net run rate.
RCB's emphatic win in Qualifier 1 sets up a thrilling finish to IPL 2025, with both teams still in contention for their maiden IPL title.