Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have played magnificently under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Following their dominating eight-wicket triumph over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 played at the New PCA Stadium, they have now become the first team to reach the final of IPL 2025. Bowling first after winning the toss, Challengers proved their captain Patidar’s decision correct by displaying excellent effort to bundle out Punjab on 101 in 14.1 overs.
RCB’s fast-bowling unit grabbed seven wickets together in the match, with Josh Hazlewood emerging as the most successful from the pack with 3/21 figures in 3.1 overs.
Chasing the total, lost Virat Kohli (12 off 12) early but Phil Salt showed his relentless side and smashed PBKS bowlers ruthlessly. The right-handed English batter stood at the crease until the end and struck an unbeaten 56 off just 27, with nine boundaries (six fours and three maximums). On the final delivery of the 11th over of the innings, Patidar hit a maximum on Musheer Khan’s delivery and finished the game in style. Following the incredible six, the RCB camp erupted in joy. Their players and coaching staff were seen hugging one another as their team qualified for the final of the league after nine years.
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Suyash Sharma gets Player of the Match award
Suyash Sharma, who wrecked Punjab’s batting attack in the marquee game, became the recipient of the Player of the Match (POTM) award. He registered 3/17 figures in his three-over spell. The spinner got rid of middle-order batters Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, and Marcus Stoinis.
He was accompanied by Hazlewood, who also took a three-wicket haul in the match. The Australia speedster hunted the scalps of Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Both bowlers will look to carry their form in the final to make RCB champions for the first time in IPL history.