RCB Crushes PBKS in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: A One-Sided Dominance
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Match: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Occasion: IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
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Punjab Kings’ Batting Collapse
In a staggering turn of events, Punjab Kings crumbled under pressure in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 season. Opting to bat first, PBKS endured a catastrophic start. By the 11th over, they were floundering at 78 for 8.
RCB's pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, claimed two early wickets each. But the real damage came from young spinner Suyash Sharma, who demolished the PBKS middle-order with three wickets in a single over.
Key batters including Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, and Marcus Stoinis offered little resistance. The team was ultimately bowled out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs, making it one of the lowest playoff totals in IPL history.
The collapse left PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta visibly shocked, a moment that quickly went viral among fans.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Chase
Chasing a modest target of 102, RCB came out with intent. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli started aggressively, putting up 24 runs within the first 3 overs.
At 3.5 overs, RCB stood at 30/1, needing just 72 runs with nearly 100 balls remaining. Their measured and confident approach virtually ensured a ticket to the finals.
With power hitters still in the lineup and plenty of time left, RCB showed no signs of slowing down.
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Looking Ahead
This emphatic performance has propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the finals of IPL 2025, and they now look like strong contenders for the championship title.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, exit the tournament in a disappointing fashion after what had been a promising campaign.