In the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 held on May 29, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to secure a place in the final, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets.
🏏 Match Summary
- PBKS Innings: Batting first, Punjab Kings faced a formidable RCB bowling attack and were bundled out for a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. The collapse was triggered early, with PBKS reeling at 78 for 8 in just 11 overs. Key contributors to this downfall were RCB’s bowlers: Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal took two wickets each, while spinner Suyash Sharma made a significant impact by claiming three wickets in a single over.
- RCB Innings: Chasing a modest target of 102, RCB’s batting lineup approached the task with confidence and aggression. They achieved the target in just 10 overs, finishing at 106 for 2, and securing an 8-wicket victory.
🌟 Key Performers
- Suyash Sharma (RCB): His three-wicket haul in a single over was instrumental in dismantling PBKS’s middle order.
- Josh Hazlewood & Yash Dayal (RCB): Both bowlers provided early breakthroughs, each taking two wickets and setting the tone for PBKS’s batting collapse.
🎙️ Post-Match Reactions
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer remained optimistic despite the heavy defeat, stating, “We lost the battle, not the war,” and emphasized the need for the team to regroup and focus on upcoming challenges.
