Finally after 9 years RCB into the finals???
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has charged into the IPL 2025 final with a jaw-dropping eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1. The match, played on May 29, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, was a masterclass in teamwork and grit. RCB’s fans are buzzing with excitement as their team is now just one step away from the elusive IPL trophy!
The game started with RCB’s bowlers setting the stage on fire. Choosing to bowl first, they tore through PBKS’s batting lineup, bundling them out for a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma were the heroes, each grabbing three wickets. Hazlewood’s fiery pace dismissed key players like Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis, while Sharma’s spin tricked batsmen like Shashank Singh. Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in too, ensuring PBKS couldn’t recover from early blows. It was a bowling performance that left the crowd stunned and PBKS reeling.
Chasing a modest 102, RCB’s batsmen made it look like a walk in the park. Opener Phil Salt stole the show with an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes. His blistering knock, which included his fastest IPL fifty off 23 balls, powered RCB to victory in just 10 overs. Rajat Patidar sealed the win with a massive six, while Virat Kohli and Mayank Agarwal added brief but vital contributions. Despite losing two wickets, RCB’s chase was smooth, finishing with 60 balls to spare a record for the biggest win by balls remaining in IPL playoffs history.
This victory marks RCB’s fourth IPL final appearance and their first since 2016. The team’s journey has been electrifying, with standout performances throughout the season. Virat Kohli, though no longer captain, remains the emotional heartbeat of RCB, leading the run charts and inspiring the squad with his passion. Jitesh Sharma’s explosive form, especially his 85* off 33 balls in the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, has also been a game-changer. Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, RCB has shown incredible flair and determination.
Fans are now dreaming of June 3, 2025, when RCB will face either Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. PBKS, despite the loss, will get another shot in Qualifier 2. For RCB supporters, this is a moment to celebrate. The team has played bold, lived up to their #PlayBold motto, and is on the verge of making history. Will 2025 be the year RCB finally lifts the IPL trophy? The excitement is unreal!
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