On May 29, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a masterclass in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, crushing Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 This commanding victory propelled RCB into their fourth IPL final, bringing them one step closer to their elusive maiden title. With a clinical bowling performance led by Suyash Sharma and a blazing chase powered by Phil Salt, RCB showcased their dominance in a match that ended with 10 overs to spare.
In this article, we dive into the match preview, toss details, full scorecard, player performances, top performers, awards, records, stats, expert analysis, the IPL 2025 points table, and more, ensuring cricket fans get every detail of this thrilling encounter.
Match Preview: PBKS vs RCB in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 The stage was set for a high-octane clash as PBKS, with their explosive batting lineup, faced RCB’s disciplined bowling unit in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, boasted the second-best PowerPlay scoring rate (10.02) in the tournament, driven by uncapped stars like Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. RCB, under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, countered with the tournament’s best PowerPlay bowling economy (8.79) and a formidable lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and a rejuvenated Josh Hazlewood. The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, known for its balanced pitches, promised an exciting battle, with fans eagerly awaiting whether PBKS’s aggressive batting or RCB’s bowling prowess would prevail.
Toss Details and Team News
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved pivotal on a pitch with a hint of grass. IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 RCB welcomed back Josh Hazlewood, bolstering their pace attack alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. Suyash Sharma retained his spot as the lead spinner. PBKS fielded a strong batting lineup, with Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai providing all-round depth, while Kyle Jamieson led their pace attack. Both teams made strategic changes, with PBKS introducing Musheer Khan as an Impact Player during their innings.
Toss Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Toss Won By | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Decision | Elected to Bowl |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Chandigarh |
| Date & Time | May 29, 2025, 7:30 PM IST |
| Umpires | Virender Sharma, Michael Gough |
| Third Umpire | Rohan Pandit |
| Match Referee | Vengalil Narayanan Kutty |
Match Recap: PBKS vs RCB
Punjab Kings Innings: A Batting Collapse
PBKS’s innings was a tale of early promise unraveling into a catastrophic collapse. IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Opting to bat, PBKS aimed to leverage their aggressive PowerPlay approach but were undone by RCB’s relentless bowling. Yash Dayal struck in the second over, dismissing Priyansh Arya (7 off 5) with a loose drive to cover. Prabhsimran Singh (18 off 10) briefly counterattacked, lofting Bhuvneshwar Kumar for boundaries, but the veteran pacer induced an edge to Jitesh Sharma’s gloves. Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury, wreaked havoc, removing Shreyas Iyer (2 off 3) with a wild slog and Josh Inglis (4 off 7) with a miscued pull.
The middle overs saw Suyash Sharma take center stage. His googlies bamboozled PBKS, claiming Nehal Wadhera (8 off 10), Shashank Singh (3 off 5), and Musheer Khan (0 off 3) in quick succession. Marcus Stoinis (26 off 17) offered resistance with a six, but Suyash’s third wicket ended his fight. Romario Shepherd and Hazlewood cleaned up the tail, with Azmatullah Omarzai (18 off 12) and Harpreet Brar (4 off 11) falling as PBKS were bowled out for 101 in 14.1 overs.
PBKS Innings Scorecard
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priyansh Arya | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 140.00 | c Krunal Pandya b Yash Dayal |
| Prabhsimran Singh | 18 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 180.00 | c Jitesh Sharma b Bhuvneshwar |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 57.14 | c Bhuvneshwar b Hazlewood |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 | c Jitesh Sharma b Hazlewood |
| Nehal Wadhera | 8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 | b Yash Dayal |
| Marcus Stoinis | 26 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 152.94 | b Suyash Sharma |
| Shashank Singh | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 | b Suyash Sharma |
| Musheer Khan | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | lbw b Suyash Sharma |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 18 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 150.00 | c Jitesh Sharma b Hazlewood |
| Harpreet Brar | 4 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 36.36 | b Romario Shepherd |
| Kyle Jamieson | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | not out |
| Extras | 11 | (b 0, lb 5, w 5, nb 1) | ||||
| Total | 101 | (10 wkts, 14.1 ov) |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | 1.2 |
| 2nd | 27 | 2.6 |
| 3rd | 30 | 3.4 |
| 4th | 38 | 5.1 |
| 5th | 50 | 6.3 |
| 6th | 60 | 8.2 |
| 7th | 60 | 8.5 |
| 8th | 78 | 10.3 |
| 9th | 97 | 13.3 |
| 10th | 101 | 14.1 |
RCB Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 2 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 8.50 |
| Yash Dayal | 4 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 |
| Josh Hazlewood | 3.1 | 0 | 21 | 3 | 6.60 |
| Suyash Sharma | 3 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 5.70 |
| Krunal Pandya | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Romario Shepherd | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 5.00 |
RCB’s Chase: Clinical and Dominant
Chasing a modest 102, RCB made light work of the target, finishing at 106/2 in just 10 overs. Phil Salt led the charge with a blistering 56* off 27 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes, setting the tone with a fiery PowerPlay. Virat Kohli (12 off 12) fell early to Kyle Jamieson, caught behind, but Salt’s onslaught against Azmatullah Omarzai and Jamieson ensured no hiccups. Mayank Agarwal (19 off 13) contributed with a six and a four before falling to Musheer Khan. Rajat Patidar (15* off 8) sealed the chase with a six, showcasing RCB’s dominance.
RCB Innings Scorecard
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | 56 | 27 | 6 | 3 | 207.41 | not out |
| Virat Kohli | 12 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 100.00 | c Josh Inglis b Jamieson |
| Mayank Agarwal | 19 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 146.15 | c Shreyas Iyer b Musheer Khan |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | 15 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 187.50 | not out |
| Extras | 4 | (b 0, lb 4, w 0, nb 0) | ||||
| Total | 106 | (2 wkts, 10 ov) |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 30 | 3.2 |
| 2nd | 84 | 7.5 |
PBKS Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 2 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 3 | 1 | 27 | 1 | 9.00 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Harpreet Brar | 2 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 9.00 |
| Musheer Khan | 2 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 13.50 |
Key Highlights and Standout Performances
Suyash Sharma’s Match-Winning Bowling
Suyash Sharma’s 3/17 in 3 overs earned him the Player of the Match award. His googlies dismantled PBKS’s middle order, removing Stoinis, Shashank Singh, and Musheer Khan. His ability to read the pitch and vary his pace was crucial in derailing PBKS’s innings.
Phil Salt’s Explosive Batting
Phil Salt’s 56* off 27 balls was a game-changer, with his 207.41 strike rate setting the chase alight. His aggressive approach against Jamieson and Omarzai, including a lofted six over cover, ensured RCB cruised to victory with ease.
RCB’s Bowling Dominance
RCB’s bowlers were relentless, with Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Yash Dayal (2/26) setting the tone in the PowerPlay. Their disciplined lengths and early wickets crippled PBKS, while Romario Shepherd (1/5) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17) ensured no recovery.
PBKS’s Early Collapse
PBKS’s batting crumbled under pressure, losing 4 wickets in the PowerPlay for just 48 runs. Poor shot selection and RCB’s intensity saw key players like Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis falter early, setting the stage for their downfall.
Top Highlights
- PBKS bowled out for 101 in 14.1 overs, their lowest total in IPL 2025 playoffs.
- RCB chased 102 in 10 overs, the biggest win by balls remaining in IPL playoff history.
- Suyash Sharma’s 3/17, including two wickets in one over, turned the game.
- Phil Salt’s 23-ball fifty powered RCB’s chase.
- Josh Hazlewood’s return with 3/21 proved decisive.
Player Performances and Awards
| Player | Team | Performance | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suyash Sharma | RCB | 3/17 (3 overs) | Player of the Match |
| Phil Salt | RCB | 56* (27 balls, 6×4, 3×6) | – |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | 3/21 (3.1 overs) | – |
| Marcus Stoinis | PBKS | 26 (17 balls, 2×4, 2×6) | – |
| Yash Dayal | RCB | 2/26 (4 overs) | – |
Records and Stats
- Biggest Win in IPL Playoffs: RCB’s 8-wicket win with 60 balls remaining set a new record for the largest margin by balls left in IPL playoff history.
- PBKS’s Lowest Playoff Total: 101 is PBKS’s lowest score in an IPL playoff match.
- Suyash Sharma’s Googly Magic: His 3 wickets in the middle overs marked his best figures in IPL 2025.
- Phil Salt’s PowerPlay Blitz: Salt’s 61/1 in the PowerPlay is among RCB’s best chasing starts this season.
PowerPlay Comparison
| Team | Score | Run Rate | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 48/4 | 8.00 | 5/2 |
| RCB | 61/1 | 10.17 | 8/2 |
Expert Analysis
RCB’s Tactical Brilliance
IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 RCB’s decision to bowl first capitalized on the pitch’s early movement, with Haz
lewood and Dayal exploiting swing and seam. Suyash Sharma’s introduction in the middle overs was a masterstroke, as his googlies exposed PBKS’s reckless shot selection. The chase, led by Salt’s aggression, showcased RCB’s depth and confidence, with Patidar’s leadership ensuring a balanced approach.
PBKS’s Struggles
PBKS’s batting imploded under pressure, with their aggressive approach backfiring against RCB’s disciplined bowling. James Hopes, PBKS’s bowling coach, noted, “Our batters were a bit reckless, but counter-attacking has worked all season.” The lack of partnerships and poor shot selection, especially from Iyer and Inglis, highlighted their inability to adapt to the high-stakes environment.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Fans on platforms like X were abuzz, with RCB supporters celebrating the team’s intensity and Salt’s explosive batting. PBKS fans expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for their team’s second chance in Qualifier 2. The consensus was clear: RCB’s performance was a statement of intent for the IPL 2025 final.
IPL 2025 Points Table
| Team | M | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 20 | +0.85 |
| Punjab Kings | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 18 | +0.62 |
| Gujarat Titans | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 16 | +0.45 |
| Mumbai Indians | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | +0.12 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 12 | -0.23 |
| Delhi Capitals | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 12 | -0.35 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 10 | -0.67 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 10 | -0.89 |
Current Standings: RCB secured the top spot and a direct entry to the final. PBKS, despite the loss, remain in contention and will face the winner of the Eliminator (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians) in Qualifier 2 on June 1, 2025.
Top Performers of IPL 2025
Orange Cap (Top Run-Scorer)
| Player | Team | Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | RCB | 650 | 15 |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | 620 | 15 |
| KL Rahul | LSG | 590 | 14 |
Purple Cap (Top Wicket-Taker)
| Player | Team | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suyash Sharma | RCB | 22 | 15 |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | 20 | 15 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | 19 | 14 |
Stadium Records: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Team Total | 210/5 (PBKS vs DC, 2025) |
| Lowest Team Total | 101 (PBKS vs RCB, 2025) |
| Highest Individual Score | 92 (Prabhsimran Singh, 2025) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 3/17 (Suyash Sharma, 2025) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165 |
What’s Next for PBKS and RCB?
RCB head to Ahmedabad for the IPL 2025 final on June 3, 2025, with momentum and confidence. PBKS, despite the setback, have a second chance in Qualifier 2 on June 1, 2025, against the winner of the Eliminator (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians). A potential rematch with RCB in the final remains a possibility if PBKS can regroup.
Queries Answered
Q: Who won the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?
A: RCB won by 8 wickets, chasing 102 in 10 overs against PBKS.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match in PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1?
A: Suyash Sharma earned the award for his 3/17, dismantling PBKS’s batting.
Q: What was PBKS’s total in Qualifier 1?
A: PBKS were bowled out for 101 in 14.1 overs.
Q: How did Phil Salt perform in the chase?
A: Phil Salt scored an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls, with 6 fours and 3 sixes.
Q: Where is the IPL 2025 final?
A: The final will be played in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025.
Conclusion: RCB’s Roar to the Final
RCB’s emphatic 8-wicket victory over PBKS in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 was a testament to their tactical brilliance and unrelenting intensity. Suyash Sharma’s googlies, Phil Salt’s fiery batting, and Josh Hazlewood’s return made this a night to remember for RCB fans. As they head to the final on June 3, 2025, the dream of a maiden IPL title feels closer than ever. For PBKS, the loss stings, but their second chance in Qualifier 2 offers hope. Can RCB finally lift the trophy? Share your predictions in the comments, follow IPL Star for the latest updates, and stay tuned for our coverage of the IPL 2025 final!
FAQs: IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 – PBKS vs RCB
1. Who won the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match between PBKS and RCB?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 by 8 wickets, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Chandigarh, securing their spot in the IPL 2025 final.
2. What was the final score in the PBKS vs RCB 2025 Qualifier 1 match?
PBKS were bowled out for 101 in 14.1 overs, while RCB chased the target, scoring 106/2 in just 10 overs, completing the victory with 60 balls to spare, marking the biggest win by balls remaining in IPL playoff history.
3. Who was the Player of the Match in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?
Suyash Sharma was named Player of the Match for his exceptional 3/17 in 3 overs, dismantling PBKS’s middle order with his googlies, including the wickets of Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh.
4. How did Phil Salt perform in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 chase?
Phil Salt played a match-defining knock, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes) at a strike rate of 207.41, powering RCB’s chase and ensuring a swift victory.
5. What caused PBKS’s batting collapse in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?
PBKS’s aggressive batting approach backfired due to poor shot selection and RCB’s disciplined bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Yash Dayal (2/26), resulting in a low total of 101.
6. What are the key highlights of PBKS vs RCB 2025 Qualifier 1?
Key highlights include PBKS’s collapse to 101, RCB’s record-breaking 8-wicket win, Suyash Sharma’s 3 wickets, Phil Salt’s 23-ball fifty, and Josh Hazlewood’s impactful return.
7. Where will RCB play the IPL 2025 final?
RCB will compete in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025, following their dominant performance in Qualifier 1 against PBKS.
8. What is PBKS’s next match after losing Qualifier 1 in IPL 2025?
PBKS will face the winner of the Eliminator (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians) in Qualifier 2 on June 1, 2025, in Ahmedabad, for a chance to reach the final.
9. How did Josh Hazlewood contribute to RCB’s win in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?
Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury, took 3/21 in 3.1 overs, removing key PBKS batsmen like Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis, setting the tone for RCB’s bowling dominance.
10. What records were set in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match?
RCB’s 8-wicket win with 60 balls remaining set a record for the largest margin by balls left in IPL playoffs, and PBKS’s 101 was their lowest playoff total.