Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a ruthless performance to book their place in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, dismantling Punjab Kings by eight wickets in New Chandigarh.

With a clinical all-round display, RCB chased down a modest target of 102 runs in just 10 overs—marking the largest win by balls remaining in IPL play-off history.

A Dream Day for Bengaluru Fans

RCB fans had been waiting anxiously for a breakthrough, and this performance couldn’t have come at a better time. The team, known for its star-studded line-up and often heartbreak-filled IPL campaigns, is now just one win away from lifting their first-ever IPL trophy.

The victory not only confirmed RCB’s spot in Tuesday’s final, but it also sent a clear message to the remaining contenders—they are here to win it all.

First Innings: Punjab Kings Collapse Under Pressure

After winning the toss, RCB captain opted to bowl first—a decision that paid off spectacularly. Punjab Kings, who topped the regular season standings on net run rate, looked out of sorts right from the beginning.

Within the first six overs (powerplay), they had stumbled to 38 for 4, with none of the top-order batters able to stabilize the innings.

Key Highlights from Punjab’s Batting:

  • Marcus Stoinis offered a glimmer of resistance, scoring 26 from the number six position.

  • Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai were the only other players to reach double figures, each scoring 18.

  • The rest of the lineup collapsed under relentless pressure from RCB’s bowlers.

Despite having previously defended a low total of 111 at the same venue earlier in the tournament, Punjab’s hopes this time were dashed quickly.

RCB’s Bowling Masterclass

It was the bowlers who laid the foundation for RCB’s emphatic win:

  • Suyash Sharma, the young spinner, impressed with his control and guile, picking up 3 wickets for just 17 runs.

  • The experienced Josh Hazlewood was equally destructive, grabbing 3 for 21.

  • Together, they tore through Punjab’s batting line-up, wrapping up the innings in just 14.1 overs.

Punjab finished with a paltry 101 runs on the board—a score far below par in modern T20 cricket.

Second Innings: Salt Ignites the Chase

RCB’s reply was nothing short of explosive. Although Virat Kohli was dismissed early (caught behind for 12 off Kyle Jamieson), the team didn’t miss a beat.

Phil Salt, the England international and RCB opener, took center stage with a blistering innings.

Salt's Batting Highlights:

  • Scored 56 not out from 27 balls

  • Hit 6 fours and 3 sixes

  • Reached his fastest IPL half-century—just 23 balls

Salt showed no signs of pressure and played with controlled aggression, punishing the bowlers for any loose deliveries.

The Finishing Touch: Patidar Powers Home

Though Salt anchored the chase, it was Rajat Patidar who delivered the final blow. Fittingly, the match ended with a six from Patidar off Musheer Khan’s bowling, sealing a win with 60 balls to spare.

The comprehensive nature of the victory will give RCB immense confidence heading into their first IPL final since 2016.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Advance directly to the IPL 2025 final, scheduled for Tuesday. This marks their first final appearance in 9 years, and with the form they’ve shown, they might finally break their title drought.

  • Punjab Kings: Despite the heavy defeat, Punjab aren’t out yet. They will now face the winner of the Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians clash in the second qualifier. A win there will give them a shot at redemption in the final.

Match Summary:

  • Punjab Kings: 101 all out in 14.1 overs

    • Top Scorer: Marcus Stoinis (26)

    • RCB Bowling: Suyash Sharma 3-17, Josh Hazlewood 3-21

  • RCB: 106/2 in 10 overs

    • Top Scorer: Phil Salt (56* off 27)

    • Result: RCB won by 8 wickets

Final Thoughts

This performance was a statement from RCB—a team that has often promised a lot but fallen short at the final hurdle. With their bowling clicking and their batters in red-hot form, this could be the year they finally lift the IPL trophy.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and rediscover the form that helped them finish top of the table during the regular season.

One thing’s for sure—the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a sensational IPL season.