RCB enters the IPL 2025 final after a 9-year gap with a dominant 8-wicket win over Punjab Kings. Phil Salt’s explosive half-century and deadly bowling dismantle Punjab in Mullanpur.
RCB’s Roaring Comeback: 9 Years Later, Back in the Big Final
A night to remember for the first IPL 2025 qualifier as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets at Mullanpur. The win marked RCB’s long over-due IPL final appearance after a 9-year wait – it was their last trip to the showpiece in 2016.
Punjab’s Powerplay Nightmare: Dreams Crumble Early
Punjab Kings had a haunted start to their journey The Punjab top order broke down under pressure with Priyansh Arya edging out in the second ball. What followed post that was a lightning fall of runs, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis simply couldn’t get into the rhythm. Punjab were gasping at 48 for 4 after the powerplay, only wasting 17 balls without a single run. The RCB bowling could only get much worse, hopes were wafting.
Suyash and Company Deliver a Bowling Masterclass
Mullanpur became a battlefield at hand for RCB bowlers. Yash Dayal struck early with Arya gone by no balls. Next Bhuvneshwar took another run-out match, this time Prabhsimran. A few overs later Hazlewood got in on the act, wrapping up the core of Punjab for both Iyer and Inglis. The sequence that turned things in that little 9th over of D-Lovers when Suyash Sharma dismantled Punjab’s middle order for two early wickets. His third catch (Marcus Stoinis) sewed the deal for Punjab. They went sadly too quickly, undone by 101 runs in 14.1 overs.
Phil Salt Sets Fire: Chasing Turns Into a Walk
With Virat Kohli not out for a mere 12 runs, RCB were never really behind in their chase. Phil Salts with ice in his veins and fire in his bat went on to give a stunning knock. Not able to partner for longer with Mayank Agarwal, Salt went on to score a rapid 54. He smashed the house down and lit up RCB’s finals march in an impressive 23 off 64.
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Final Bound: RCB’s Redemption Story Begins
It is the fourth IPL final RCB have reached since 2009, 2011 and 2016. Taking this one step further, the team has broken a 9-year drought and re-ignited dreams of their maiden IPL trophy in style. Qualifier 2 meanwhile is going to be one last chance for Punjab, the mountain now starts from there.
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Conclusion:
In a game where Punjab collapsed under pressure, RCB rose like phoenixes—hungry, focused, and ruthless. Their fans dare to dream again.
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