IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Match Report: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Date: May 29, 2025

Venue: Maharaja Yadavendra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Teams: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Result: RCB won by 8 wickets

Match Summary

The Qualifier 1 match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was a high-stakes clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. RCB secured a commanding 8-wicket victory, chasing down PBKS's total of 101 runs in just 10 overs, booking their place in the IPL 2025 final after a nine-year gap.

Toss and Decision

RCB won the toss and elected to field first, a decision influenced by the dew factor and the chasing-friendly conditions at Mullanpur. The choice proved strategic, as RCB's bowlers dominated the PBKS batting lineup.

Punjab Kings Innings

Punjab Kings struggled from the outset, collapsing to a paltry 101 all out in their allotted 20 overs. The RCB bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, was relentless.

• Top Performers:

  • PBKS's batting faltered, with no batter managing to anchor the innings. The top order crumbled under pressure, and the middle order failed to stabilize.
  • Notable contributions came from the lower order, but they were insufficient to post a competitive total.

• Bowling Highlights:

  • Josh Hazlewood: 3 wickets, dismantling the top order with precise pace bowling.
  • Suyash Sharma: 3 wickets, using spin to outfox the middle order.
  • RCB’s disciplined bowling restricted PBKS to their lowest total of the season, with tight lines and lengths exploiting the pitch’s early assistance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

Chasing a modest 102, RCB made light work of the target, reaching it in just 10 overs with 8 wickets in hand. The chase was clinical, with aggressive intent from the outset.

• Top Performers:

  • Virat Kohli: Played a pivotal role with a composed yet aggressive knock, anchoring the chase.
  • Phil Salt: Provided a fiery start, accelerating the scoring rate early on.
  • The opening pair ensured minimal risks, with the middle order barely required to bat.

• Bowling Efforts by PBKS:

  • PBKS bowlers struggled to create pressure, with dew making it challenging for spinners to grip the ball.
  • Lack of early wickets allowed RCB to dominate the powerplay, setting the tone for the chase.

Key Moments

1. Early Collapse of PBKS: Losing three wickets in the powerplay put PBKS on the backfoot, with Hazlewood striking twice in his opening spell.
2. Suyash Sharma’s Spin Magic: His three wickets in the middle overs triggered a collapse, preventing any recovery by PBKS.
3. RCB’s Powerplay Dominance: Scoring over 60 runs in the first six overs during the chase, led by Salt’s aggressive strokeplay, sealed the game early.
4. Kohli’s Milestone: Virat Kohli crossed a personal milestone, continuing his consistent run in IPL playoffs.

Impact and Road to the Final

RCB’s emphatic victory showcased their balanced squad, with both bowling and batting units firing in unison. This win marked their return to the IPL final after a nine-year drought, setting up a blockbuster clash for the title. Punjab Kings, despite the loss, qualified for the Eliminator/Qualifier 2 stage, getting another chance to reach the final.

Player of the Match

Josh Hazlewood was named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell of 3 wickets, which set the tone for RCB’s dominance.

Conclusion

The Qualifier 1 match was a one-sided affair, with RCB outclassing PBKS in all departments. The result underlined RCB’s resurgence in IPL 2025, driven by strategic decisions, standout performances, and a cohesive team effort. Fans now await their performance in the final, while PBKS will look to regroup for their next challenge.