Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings and secured a place in the final. Punjab still has a chance to enter the final.
SNPNEWS.IN Update: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) qualified for the IPL 2025 final after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 on May 29, 2025, at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
RCB bowled first after winning the toss, restricting PBKS to a mere 101 runs. Suyash Sharma was the standout bowler, taking three wickets with his spin, while Josh Hazlewood also contributed significantly.
PBKS struggled with poor shot selection and a lack of partnerships, with only Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai offering resistance. RCB’s chase was clinical, led by Mayank Agarwal’s 19 and supported by Virat Kohli and Jitesh Sharma, securing the victory with ease. This win marked RCB’s first IPL final appearance since 2016, giving them a shot at their maiden IPL title.
Player performances analysis: Here’s a detailed analysis of player performances from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) match in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025, based on available information:
RCB Performance Analysis
BowlingSuyash Sharma (Spinner): The standout performer, Suyash Sharma was exceptional with figures of 3 wickets for minimal runs. His spin bowling dismantled PBKS’s batting lineup, triggering a collapse. He exploited the conditions at New PCA Stadium, Mullanpur, where the pitch offered turn, making it difficult for PBKS batters to settle.
Josh Hazlewood (Pacer): Hazlewood complemented Sharma effectively, picking up key wickets. His disciplined line and length, combined with pace, contributed to PBKS being restricted to just 101 runs. His ability to hit the right areas on a pitch with some assistance for pacers was crucial.
Other Bowlers: While specific details on other bowlers like Mohammed Siraj or Cameron Green aren’t highlighted, RCB’s bowling unit as a whole was clinical. They maintained pressure, didn’t allow partnerships to flourish, and capitalized on PBKS’s poor shot selection.
Batting
Mayank Agarwal: Leading the chase, Agarwal scored a quick 19, setting a solid foundation. His aggressive approach ensured RCB maintained momentum early in the chase of a modest 102.
Virat Kohli: Played a supporting role in the chase, contributing to a comfortable victory. While exact runs aren’t specified, his presence at the crease likely provided stability, allowing others to play freely.
Jitesh Sharma: Supported Agarwal and Kohli in the chase, helping RCB cross the finish line with ease. His contribution, though not quantified in runs, was part of a cohesive team effort.
Overall Batting Effort: RCB’s chase was described as clinical, indicating a no-nonsense approach. The top order, including Agarwal, Kohli, and Sharma, ensured no hiccups in chasing the low total, wrapping up the game efficiently.
PBKS Performance Analysis
Batting
Marcus Stoinis: One of the few PBKS batters to show resistance, Stoinis fought hard but lacked support. His exact contribution in runs isn’t specified, but he was a key figure in trying to stabilize the innings.
Azmatullah Omarzai: Alongside Stoinis, Omarzai offered some fight, but it wasn’t enough to counter RCB’s bowling attack. His role was limited by the overall collapse.
Top Order Struggles: PBKS’s batting crumbled under pressure from RCB’s bowlers. Poor shot selection and inability to build partnerships were major issues. Key players like Prabhsimran Singh and Sam Curran likely failed to deliver, leading to a paltry total of 101.
Overall Batting Failure: The lack of application and adaptability to the pitch conditions (which offered turn and some seam movement) resulted in PBKS being bowled out cheaply. No significant partnerships were formed, and the batting unit couldn’t counter RCB’s disciplined bowling.
Bowling
Limited Impact: PBKS’s bowling performance wasn’t detailed extensively, but given RCB’s comfortable chase, it’s evident their bowlers struggled to make inroads. The pitch offered some assistance, but PBKS couldn’t exploit it as effectively as RCB’s bowlers did.
Key Bowlers: Players like Arshdeep Singh or Harshal Patel (if retained) likely bowled but failed to create pressure. The low target of 102 meant PBKS needed early wickets, which they couldn’t secure, allowing RCB to chase with ease.
Key Takeaways
RCB’s Dominance: RCB’s bowling, led by Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood, was the game-changer, restricting PBKS to 101. Their batting, though not tested extensively due to the low target, was efficient, with Mayank Agarwal leading the charge.
PBKS’s Collapse: PBKS’s batting was their downfall, with only Stoinis and Omarzai showing some fight. Poor shot selection and lack of partnerships highlighted their struggles on a challenging pitch.
Player of the Match (Likely): Suyash Sharma’s three-wicket haul was pivotal in RCB’s victory, making him a strong candidate for the Player of the Match award.