The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a smashing bowling performance and crushed Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, moving one step closer to the finals. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma’s bowling alongwith Virat Kohli’s leadership and passion, RCB secured a record-short playoff innings win. Their dominant game and growing momentum set the stage for a thrilling final in Ahmedabad on June 6.
Hazlewood & Suyash Bowling Attack
RCB ruled the match with the ball, dismissing the PBKS batting order within 14.1 overs, which is a record for the shortest batting innings in playoff history. Josh Hazlewood, who just returned from injury, had a massive impact by sending Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Azmatullah Omarzai back to the pavilion. Suyash Sharma finally hit something after a string of mediocre performances after taking three big wickets from the Kings’ middle order.
It was smooth sailing for RCB’s batsmen chasing a low score, but they didn’t slow down. Phil Salt hit an impressive 56 off 27 balls, with the captain Rajat Patidar finishing it off with a long six.
Virat Kohli: The Heartbeat of RCB
Virat Kohli proved once again why he might be the greatest to play the sport after his resilience and longevity in the game. He is RCB’s leading run scorer this season as he seamlessly leads RCB without even wearing the captain’s armband. Kohli left it all on the field as the Challengers’ bowling attack continued to test the King’s batsmen.
Virat Kohli showed pure raw aggression and emotion on his face. He was the tactical mastermind behind RCB’s successful bowling innings, he showed that RCB had a special place in his heart as he repeatedly kept thumping the badge and celebrating every wicket with the fans.
RCB will now fight to break the record on June 6 in Ahmedabad and finally get their hands on the IPL trophy. The Punjab Kings will play the winner of the match between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans to seal the final place in the IPL 2025 final.
