In a blistering and historic display of dominance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into the IPL 2025 final with a crushing eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Mullanpur, Chandigarh. With a perfectly balanced performance, RCB bundled out PBKS for a paltry 101 runs and then chased down the target in just 10 overs, setting a new all-time IPL record for the fastest 100-plus run chase in playoffs.

RCB's Clinical Bowling Display Sets the Stage

The match started with RCB winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive. Suyash Sharma led the charge with figures of 3/17 in three overs, showing remarkable control and variation. Josh Hazlewood backed him up with an equally devastating spell, picking up 3 wickets for 21 runs. Yash Dayal too contributed with 2 wickets, making it a collective bowling effort that completely dismantled PBKS.

The Punjab Kings never found momentum and lost wickets in clusters. Their batters were unable to read the pitch or the movement generated by the RCB bowlers. Eventually, PBKS were bowled out for 101 runs, one of the lowest totals in IPL playoff history.

Phil Salt’s Fireworks Guide RCB to Glory

Chasing a modest target, RCB came out all guns blazing. English opener Phil Salt took the attack to the PBKS bowlers right from the beginning. With an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes, Salt was the hero of the chase. His aggressive approach ensured there were no hiccups or pressure situations, as RCB coasted to the finish line in 10 overs flat, with 60 balls to spare.

This victory margin became the largest in IPL playoff/knockout history while chasing, surpassing the previous record held by Kolkata Knight Riders, who chased 114 in 13 overs with 57 balls to spare in the 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

IPL History Rewritten: Fastest 100+ Chases

RCB’s performance etched a new chapter in IPL history. Here's a look at the quickest 100-plus chases in IPL history:

• 9.4 overs – RCB vs KKR, Bengaluru, 2015 (Target: 112) (Rain-shortened match)

• 9.4 overs – SRH vs LSG, Hyderabad, 2024 (Target: 166)

• 10.0 overs – RCB vs PBKS, Mullanpur, 2025 (Target: 102)

• 10.1 overs – KKR vs CSK, Chennai, 2025 (Target: 104)

This third-fastest 100+ run chase by RCB, considering regular games, demonstrated sheer dominance and control. The record becomes more significant as it was achieved in the high-pressure context of the IPL playoffs.

A Historic Final Beckons

This is RCB’s fourth IPL final appearance in the tournament’s 18-year history. The team last made it to the final in 2016, which they lost. The current squad, powered by experienced campaigners and fresh young talent, seems better poised to end the trophy drought that has haunted them for years.

Moreover, IPL trends indicate a strong possibility of an RCB title win. Historically, the team winning Qualifier 1 has gone on to win the IPL in 11 out of 14 seasons since the playoff format was introduced in 2011. In fact, in the last seven years, the side winning the first qualifier has lifted the trophy each time.

Star Performers of the Match

• Phil Salt – 56* off 27 balls

• Suyash Sharma – 3/17 (Player of the Match)

• Josh Hazlewood – 3/21

• Yash Dayal – 2 wickets

Salt’s return to form, Sharma’s composure under pressure, and Hazlewood’s consistency in IPL 2025 have solidified RCB's standing as the most in-form team of the tournament.

Punjab Kings Fall Short Yet Again

For PBKS, the loss was another heartbreaking chapter in their long-standing playoff struggles. Their batting collapse under pressure exposed the lack of experience in the middle order. No batter managed to cross the 30-run mark, and the team looked clueless against RCB's strategic bowling plan.

Their bowlers, too, had no answers to the onslaught by Phil Salt and his opening partner. PBKS’s inability to perform in crunch moments continues to haunt them, as they now await next season for a shot at redemption.

What This Means for the IPL 2025 Final

RCB's entry into the final not only boosts the morale of its vast and loyal fanbase but also sets up a mouth-watering title clash. While their opponent will be decided after Qualifier 2, the momentum clearly lies with Bengaluru. The fearless brand of cricket they’ve displayed, especially in chasing under pressure, makes them strong contenders to lift their first-ever IPL trophy.

The likes of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj are yet to fully fire in this playoff phase, which only adds more depth to RCB’s arsenal as they prepare for the final showdown.

Conclusion: Redemption on the Horizon for RCB?

RCB’s thunderous victory in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 is not just a statement, it's a historic record. With precision bowling, explosive batting, and tactical brilliance, they have turned the tide in their favor. If past playoff patterns hold true, RCB may finally end their title drought and taste IPL glory.

Whether they lift the trophy or not, this performance against PBKS will go down in IPL folklore as one of the most clinical chases ever executed, especially in the pressure cooker of the playoffs. For now, all eyes are on the final, where RCB will look to ride this wave of dominance all the way to the title.

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