Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a stunning performance to seal their place in the IPL 2025 final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on May 29.
Chasing a modest target of 102 runs, RCB smashed their way to victory in just 10 overs, finishing with a record-breaking 60 balls to spare바카라”the biggest winning margin by balls remaining in IPL playoff history.
This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record of 57 balls remaining, set by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 playoffs. RCB바카라™s clinical display combined ruthless bowling with aggressive batting, led by Phil Salt바카라™s blazing unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls.
Salt바카라™s quick-fire innings, which included his fastest IPL fifty coming off 23 deliveries, set the tone for the chase as RCB raced to 106 for 2 in no time, dismantling Punjab바카라™s defense effortlessly.
Punjab Kings, were asked to bat first, struggled right from the start and were bowled out for a below-par 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. The RCB bowling attack ran through the PBKS lineup with devastating efficiency.
Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma led the charge, picking up three wickets each, while Yash Dayal and Romario Shepherd contributed with important breakthroughs. Despite a fighting 26 runs off 17 balls from Marcus Stoinis, Punjab failed to build any meaningful partnerships and crumbled under pressure.
In response, RCB바카라™s openers came out with positive intent. Alongside Salt바카라™s dominant innings, Mayank Agarwal contributed a quick 19, while Rajat Patidar remained unbeaten on 15, guiding the team comfortably to the target.
Despite the early loss of Virat Kohli, who fell to Kyle Jamieson바카라™s tricky bowling, RCB never looked troubled as they chased down the total with consummate ease.
With this resounding win, RCB have not only booked their spot in the IPL final for the fourth time but have also set a new standard for dominance in the playoffs.
