Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a statement performance to end a near-decade-long wait for a place in the Indian Premier League final. In a high-stakes clash against the table-topping Punjab Kings, RCB dismantled the opposition with ruthless efficiency, claiming a commanding eight-wicket victory to advance to the IPL 2025 final.
In a match defined by clinical bowling and fearless batting, RCB’s dominance was evident from the outset. The team, often criticized in previous seasons for faltering in big games, brought their A-game at the right moment. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma starred with the ball, each bagging three wickets to set up a modest target that their batters chased down with 55 balls to spare.
Punjab’s Batting Collapse Sets the Tone
Opting to bowl first on a lively pitch, RCB made the most of early movement and bounce. Yash Dayal struck the first blow, dismissing Priyansh Arya with a sharp catch by Krunal Pandya. From there, Punjab’s innings spiraled out of control.
Prabhsimran Singh, attempting to counterattack, fell for a quick 18, edging behind off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The real damage came when Hazlewood dismissed PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer for just 2 and fellow Aussie Josh Inglis for 4. At 38/4, Punjab were already under pressure.
Nehal Wadhera’s brief resistance was cut short when he inside-edged a ball from Yash Dayal onto the stumps. Then came a destructive over from Suyash Sharma, who removed Shashank Singh and Impact Substitute Musheer Khan in the space of three balls.
Only Marcus Stoinis, with a 26-run cameo off 17 deliveries, showed any resolve. But when he too fell to Suyash, bowled while attempting a cross-batted swipe, PBKS had no hope of recovery. The rest of the batting order folded quickly, with Romario Shepherd and Hazlewood cleaning up the tail.
Punjab were bowled out for 101 in just 14.1 overs, marking one of their lowest totals this season. RCB’s bowlers, particularly Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash (3/17), were relentless in their attack. Yash Dayal finished with 2/26, while Bhuvneshwar and Romario chipped in with one wicket each.
Aggressive RCB Chase Secures the Final Berth
Chasing a low total, RCB’s innings was not without early drama. Virat Kohli, in an uncharacteristic dismissal, fell for 12 to Kyle Jamieson, edging to Josh Inglis. It was Kohli’s lowest score in a chase this season and gave Punjab a sliver of hope.
But that hope was swiftly extinguished. Philip Salt, one of the standout performers of the season, launched an aggressive counter-attack. His 23-ball half-century dismantled Punjab’s bowling plans. He took a special liking to Jamieson, smashing 21 runs in an over to tilt the momentum fully in RCB’s favour.
Salt was briefly partnered by Mayank Agarwal, who fell for 19 after being trapped lbw by Musheer Khan, but the damage had already been done. Captain Rajat Patidar joined Salt and calmly guided the team home, finishing the chase with a flourish — a slog-sweep into the stands that symbolized RCB’s newfound confidence.
RCB reached 105/2 in 10.5 overs, sealing the win and their first IPL final appearance since 2016.
RCB’s journey to the final has been built on strategic clarity and team cohesion. The inclusion of Hazlewood, returning from injury, proved pivotal, while the use of Suyash Sharma as a surprise weapon in the middle overs disrupted Punjab’s rhythm. Bowling first in a knockout match could have backfired, but RCB’s powerplay planning worked to perfection. The trio of Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, and Yash ensured early breakthroughs, while Suyash’s clever variations strangled the middle order.
The batting, often reliant on Kohli, now shows depth. With Salt and Patidar stepping up consistently, and Agarwal chipping in, RCB’s top order looks balanced and fearless. For Punjab Kings, the loss was a harsh reminder of the volatility of T20 cricket. Despite finishing top of the table, their batting implosion in the crucial game exposed an over-reliance on individual brilliance.
Shreyas Iyer’s inability to lead from the front, combined with a fragile middle order, undermined their campaign at the final hurdle. The absence of partnerships and failure to read the pitch conditions contributed to their early collapse.
On the bowling front, apart from Jamieson’s early breakthrough, the attack lacked penetration. The failure to defend even a sub-par total highlighted a lack of composure and planning under pressure.
RCB Eye Maiden Title as They March Into the Final
With this win, RCB have silenced critics and exorcised the ghosts of past IPL failures. Their performance was not only dominant but showcased the maturity and calm required in high-pressure scenarios.
Now, with a place in the final secured, RCB are one step away from their first-ever IPL title. Their opponents are yet to be decided, but the Bengaluru-based franchise will enter the contest with renewed belief and momentum.
The bowling looks sharp, the batting line-up deep and aggressive, and leadership under Patidar appears steady. For a team long seen as underachievers, this campaign has already rewritten narratives.
RCB’s long wait is nearly over — but the job isn’t finished yet.
