Fri May 30 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## RCB Soar into IPL 2025 Final After Dominating Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1

**Mullanpur, Chandigarh – May 29, 2025:** The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final after a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 held in New Chandigarh on Thursday. This marks RCB’s first final appearance since 2016.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB bowlers put on a clinical display, restricting PBKS to a paltry total. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma led the charge, claiming three wickets each, while Yash Dayal chipped in with two. The Punjab Kings’ batting lineup crumbled under pressure, failing to build any significant partnerships.

Chasing a modest target, RCB’s openers, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, provided a solid start. Salt continued his impressive form, smashing a quickfire fifty, while Rajat Patidar finished the job with a blistering innings, including a towering six to seal the victory.

Punjab Kings’ ultra-aggressive batting approach backfired as they succumbed to poor shot selection against a disciplined RCB bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from Marcus Stoinis (26 off 17), they failed to recover after losing early wickets.

RCB will now await the winner of the Eliminator to determine their opponent in the IPL 2025 final. This victory signifies a remarkable turnaround for RCB, who have finally shaken off their past struggles to emerge as a dominant force in this year’s tournament.

**Scorecard:**

* **Punjab Kings:** (Full scorecard details not available)
* **Royal Challengers Bengaluru:** (Full scorecard details not available)

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