Royal Challengers Bengaluru Secures IPL Final Spot with Dominant Win Over Punjab Kings

In a thrilling match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings by 8 wickets, securing their place in the IPL 2025 final. With standout performances from bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, who both took three wickets, RCB dominated the game. Despite a valiant effort from Punjab's Kyle Jamieson, who dismissed Virat Kohli, the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Phil Salt's explosive half-century and Rajat Patidar's finishing touch propelled RCB to victory. This match highlights RCB's strong form as they head into the final.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2025, 07:04 IST

RCB Advances to IPL Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru triumphed over Punjab Kings with an impressive 8-wicket victory, securing their place in the final of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday.

Bowling Brilliance Sets the Stage

The match showcased a stellar bowling performance led by Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, both claiming three wickets each. Bengaluru's batsmen adopted an aggressive strategy, maintaining pressure from the very first over.

Punjab's Struggles with the Bat

Facing a modest target of 101 runs, Punjab Kings struggled to build momentum. Kyle Jamieson managed to dismiss Virat Kohli for just 12 runs, marking a rare low for Kohli during a chase in IPL 2025.

Jamieson's Early Impact

Jamieson, reminiscent of his performance in the inaugural World Test Championship final, took Kohli's wicket with a well-placed delivery that edged to Josh Inglis.

Mayank Agarwal's Brief Resistance

Mayank Agarwal, who entered as an impact substitute, scored 19 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed by Musheer Khan, who was introduced by Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer.

Salt and Patidar Seal the Victory

Phil Salt's explosive batting led him to a half-century in just 23 balls, while Rajat Patidar finished the match with a powerful slog-sweep, propelling RCB into the final.

Punjab's Batting Collapse

Earlier in the match, Punjab Kings found themselves in dire straits at 48/4 during the powerplay. Marcus Stoinis was the only player to surpass 20 runs, scoring 26 off 17 balls.

Hazlewood's Strong Comeback

Returning from injury, Josh Hazlewood made a significant impact by taking the wicket of Shreyas Iyer for just 2 runs, contributing to Punjab's early collapse.

Suyash Sharma's Dominance

Suyash Sharma continued to dismantle the Punjab batting lineup, claiming three wickets and helping restrict them to a mere 101 runs.

Final Score Summary

Punjab Kings were all out for 101 runs in 14.1 overs, with Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Hazlewood (3/21) leading the bowling attack.