IPL 2025: RCB storm into final with dominant win over PBKS

Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their spot in the IPL 2025 final for the fourth time with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in the first qualifier held at Mohali. RCB, who had surged into second place in the league table after a thrilling win over LSG, continued their red-hot form with both ball and bat.

Say Hello to the first 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 of #TATAIPL 2025 ❤#RCB fans, how elated are you? 🤩

Updates ▶ https://t.co/FhocIrg42l#PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweetspic.twitter.com/gmnjZsFWxF

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL)

Say Hello to the first 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 of #TATAIPL 2025 ❤#RCB fans, how elated are you? 🤩

Updates ▶ https://t.co/FhocIrg42l#PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweetspic.twitter.com/gmnjZsFWxF

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2025

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RCB won the toss and opted to field first — a decision that paid immediate dividends. Punjab Kings suffered a stunning top-order collapse, reeling at 50 for 5 in just 6.2 overs. The carnage continued as RCB’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Prabhudessai led the charge with three wickets apiece, dismantling PBKS’ batting line-up with precision and pace.

Punjab Kings could manage only 101 runs, getting bowled out in 14.1 overs — one of their lowest totals this season.

In response, RCB made light work of the chase. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a blazing 56 off 27 balls, showing no mercy to the PBKS bowlers. RCB chased down the target with ease, losing only two wickets and wrapping up the match in emphatic fashion.

While RCB await their final opponents, PBKS will now have to face the winner of the eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.