The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Mullanpur was billed as a battle of equals, but RCB delivered a statement win, thrashing PBKS by eight wickets to book their place in the final for the first time since 2016. Let’s break down this high-stakes encounter, analyze the key moments, and spotlight the performances that shaped the outcome.
Match Summary: PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 101 all out | 14.1 | RCB won by 8 wickets |
| RCB | 106/2 | 10.0 |
Toss and Team News
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely as his bowlers exploited the lively Mullanpur pitch from the outset.
Playing XIs:
- Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson
- RCB: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings’ Batting Collapse
PBKS’s innings never got going. Yash Dayal struck in the opening over, removing Priyansh Arya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar followed up by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh. The middle order crumbled under relentless pressure from RCB’s pace and spin attack. Josh Hazlewood was fiery, picking up 3/21, while Suyash Sharma’s leg-spin (3/17) ripped through the middle order.
- Top scorer: Marcus Stoinis (26 off 17)
- Other contributions: Prabhsimran Singh (18), Azmatullah Omarzai (18)
- Key bowling: Hazlewood, Dayal, and Suyash Sharma shared eight wickets.
PBKS were bowled out for just 101 in 14.1 overs—a total well below par for a playoff match.
RCB’s Clinical Chase
Despite a wicket maiden from PBKS early in the chase, Phil Salt launched a blistering counterattack. He smashed an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls, including six fours and three sixes, setting the tone for a rapid chase. Captain Rajat Patidar chipped in with a calm 15*, guiding RCB home in just 10 overs.
- Phil Salt: 56* (27 balls, 6×4, 3×6)
- Rajat Patidar: 15* (not out)
RCB finished at 106/2, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket win and a place in the IPL 2025 final.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Early wickets: RCB’s new-ball bowlers struck in the powerplay, rattling PBKS’s top order.
- Suyash Sharma’s double strike: His twin blows in the ninth over effectively ended PBKS’s hopes of a recovery.
- Hazlewood’s comeback: The Australian quick removed both Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis, breaking the backbone of PBKS’s batting.
- Salt’s powerplay blitz: RCB scored 61 in the powerplay, making a mockery of the small chase.
Expert Analysis: Why RCB Dominated
- Bowling Depth: Hazlewood, Dayal, and Suyash Sharma exploited the Mullanpur pitch’s seam and bounce perfectly, never allowing PBKS to settle.
- Batting Firepower: Phil Salt’s aggressive intent ensured there were no nerves in the chase, while Patidar provided stability.
- Tactical Brilliance: Patidar’s decision to bowl first and RCB’s disciplined fielding added pressure on PBKS throughout the match.
What’s Next?
RCB’s win marks their first IPL final appearance in nine years, while PBKS must regroup quickly for Qualifier 2 to keep their title hopes alive. RCB’s balanced squad, form, and confidence make them a formidable contender for the IPL trophy.
For more IPL 2025 updates, expert match previews, and betting insights, stay tuned to Malakal Book—your home for cricket analysis and real-time scorecards.
