Royal Challengers Bengaluru On Their Way to the Final?

In a dramatic collapse, Punjab Kings (PBKS) were bowled out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss for RCB and elected to bowl first against Shreyas Iyer’s PBKS.

Match Summary: PBKS vs RCB – First Innings

RCB's bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma—both of whom claimed three wickets each—completely dismantled PBKS’s batting line-up. Punjab, known for their fighting spirit, had a history of defending low scores at this venue. But today, their performance lacked stability and composure.

RCB now needs 102 runs in 20 overs to book their place in the IPL 2025 final.

RCB’s Dominance and Punjab’s Struggles

RCB has looked like a well-oiled machine throughout the season, becoming the first team in IPL history to win all seven away games. While their bowling has leaked runs in recent matches, today's performance was near-perfect.

PBKS, though competitive throughout the season, has shown inconsistency—especially in batting collapses like today. They made a bold decision to use Musheer Khan as an Impact Substitute to strengthen the batting but were left one bowler short as a result.

Wickets Tumble: How PBKS Lost the Plot

Opening Trouble: RCB started strong. Yash Dayal removed Priyansh Arya early, and despite a few attacking strokes from Prabhsimran Singh, he was dismissed after edging one to the keeper.

Hazlewood Strikes: The Australian pacer accounted for Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Josh Inglis, disrupting any momentum Punjab tried to build.

Spin Trouble: Suyash Sharma bamboozled the middle-order. Musheer Khan, brought in as an Impact Player, attempted a slog-sweep but was trapped LBW. Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh also fell attempting risky shots across the line.

Tail Collapse: PBKS were 9 wickets down when Romario Shepherd picked up Harpreet Brar, and then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai.

Live Commentary Highlights

20:57 IST – Punjab bundled out for 101

Romario Shepherd cleaned up the tail. With PBKS missing a frontline bowler due to the substitution, a disciplined and aggressive start from Arshdeep Singh is now crucial if they are to defend this meager total.

20:48 IST – Punjab short on bowling

Musheer Khan’s inclusion means Punjab will rely on a limited bowling unit of Arshdeep, Omarzai, Jamieson, Stoinis, and Brar. If they don’t strike early, RCB could run away with the game.

20:39 IST – Punjab eight down

Three PBKS batters—including Stoinis—fell trying to sweep across the line. The approach backfired against Suyash Sharma’s clever variations.

20:30 IST – Musheer’s brief stay

Musheer Khan, coming in as an Impact Sub, managed just three balls before getting LBW to Suyash. The review confirmed the decision with all three reds.

20:19 IST – Hazlewood unstoppable

The Australian pacer showcased his T20 evolution with a clinical performance, knocking over Shashank Singh and stifling the PBKS innings.

20:13 IST – PBKS lose five

Nehal Wadhera was bowled by a sharp delivery from Yash Dayal, further denting Punjab’s hopes. They never really managed to build any significant partnership.

19:58 IST – Four down early

PBKS’s aggressive approach cost them dearly. Shreyas Iyer's ill-timed shot added to their woes. Hazlewood, sensing vulnerability, continued to apply pressure.

19:50 IST – Collapse begins

Prabhsimran Singh’s dismissal after a mistimed charge against Bhuvneshwar started the decline. Hazlewood then removed Iyer, compounding PBKS’s early troubles.

19:38 IST – Decent start, early loss

Though the pitch seemed good for batting, PBKS lost Priyansh Arya in the very first over to Yash Dayal. It set the tone for a tough day ahead.

Pitch Report – Deep Dasgupta

“The square boundaries are 62m and 65m, with 73m straight down the ground. It’s deceptively big. The pitch had some early movement, but it should get easier to bat as the game progresses.”

Next Up: Can RCB Seal the Deal?

All eyes now shift to RCB’s run chase. With just 102 runs required, Bengaluru are strong favourites to win. But as we've seen in cricket, especially in playoffs, pressure can do strange things.

Stay tuned for live updates from the second innings!