RCB Storm Into IPL 2025 Final With Record-Breaking Win Over PBKS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved a step closer to ending their long-standing IPL title drought, delivering a dominant performance against Punjab Kings to reach their fourth final. In what became the biggest win in IPL playoff history by balls remaining, RCB crushed PBKS in the first qualifier of IPL 2025, rekindling hopes of their first-ever championship, reports Live Cricket Score.
It’s been 17 seasons of heartbreak, but RCB fans are daring to dream again. The final awaits on June 3 at the world’s largest cricket stadium – the same date RCB last played a final in 2016. This time, with momentum, belief, and history within reach, they look primed for glory.
The match was all but decided in the PowerPlay, where RCB’s bowlers dismantled PBKS, before Phil Salt’s explosive half-century powered them to an eight-wicket win with 10 overs to spare.
Where Was The Match Won?
In the PowerPlay.
The big narrative before the match was PBKS’ aggressive top-order up against RCB’s sharp new-ball bowling. PBKS boasted the second-best PowerPlay scoring rate in the tournament (10.02), while RCB led the bowling charts in that phase for economy (8.79), dot-ball percentage (43.5%), and sixes conceded. It was a clash of strengths – and RCB’s prevailed emphatically.
They reduced PBKS to 48/4 in the first six overs, setting the tone for a historic win.
| Parameter | PBKS | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 48/4 | 61/1 |
| Run Rate | 8.00 | 10.11 |
| 4s/6s | 5/2 | 8/2 |
PBKS Innings: A Collapse Triggered by Hazlewood & Suyash
PowerPlay: 48/4 (RR: 8.00; 4s/6s: 5/2)
Rajat Patidar, leading in Faf du Plessis’ absence, won a crucial toss and unleashed his pacers on a grassy surface. Yash Dayal struck first, removing Priyansh Arya. Bhuvneshwar Kumar then outfoxed Prabhsimran Singh, who had threatened briefly with attacking strokes.
The returning Josh Hazlewood was on the money from ball one, dismissing PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer and fellow Aussie Josh Inglis in quick succession – both edging behind in failed attempts to counter the bounce and seam.
Middle Overs: 53/6 (RR: 6.49; 4s/6s: 2/2)
RCB kept up the pressure. Dayal bowled Nehal Wadhera before Suyash Sharma took centre stage. The young leggie cleaned up Shashank Singh with a googly and then bowled debutant Musheer Khan in the same over. Marcus Stoinis resisted with 26 off 17, including a six, but was undone by yet another Suyash googly.
The resistance ended quickly. Brar was bowled off his arm by Shepherd before Hazlewood wrapped up the innings in the 15th over, with Jitesh Sharma taking a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss the last man.
RCB Chase: Salt Ignites the Charge
PowerPlay: 61/1 (RR: 10.17; 4s/6s: 8/2)
PBKS needed early breakthroughs and found one when Kyle Jamieson bowled a fiery maiden fourth over, dismissing Virat Kohli for 12. But that brief flicker of hope was extinguished as Phil Salt took over.
The Englishman punished Azmatullah Omarzai and then smashed Jamieson for two fours and a majestic six over cover in the sixth over. By the end of the PowerPlay, the match was firmly in RCB’s grip.
Middle Overs: 45/1 (RR: 11.24; 4s/6s: 3/3)
Mayank Agarwal hit a six and a four but was soon caught behind. It didn’t matter. Salt cruised to a 23-ball fifty, and Rajat Patidar joined the party, striking a four and a six off Musheer to finish the match in style.
Match Summary:
Punjab Kings: 101 all out in 14.1 overs
(Marcus Stoinis 26; Suyash Sharma 3-17, Josh Hazlewood 3-21)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 106/2 in 10 overs
(Phil Salt 56*; Kyle Jamieson 1-27)
Result: RCB won by 8 wickets
What’s Next?
Both teams head to Ahmedabad. RCB will enjoy a couple of days’ rest before the grand final on June 3. PBKS still have a shot at redemption — but only if they can overcome the winner of tomorrow’s eliminator.
The final is set. For RCB, the title is one win away. Could this be the year?
