Red-Hot Royal Challengers Bengaluru Storm Into IPL 2025 Final with Record-Breaking Win

Posted by By Cricket Enthusiast

Red-Hot Royal Challengers Bengaluru Storm Into IPL 2025 Final with Record-Breaking Win

In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have charged into their fourth IPL final, demolishing Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a massive eight wickets in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on Thursday. This marks RCB’s first appearance in the summit clash since 2016, and with history tilting in their favor, the Virat Kohli-led side now stands on the cusp of their maiden IPL title.

The match was a masterclass in dominance, both with ball and bat. RCB’s bowlers, led by the fiery duo of Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Josh Hazlewood (3/21), ripped through the PBKS batting lineup, skittling them for a measly 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. Hazlewood’s disciplined line and length coupled with Sharma’s deceptive spin left PBKS with no answers on a pitch that offered assistance to both pace and turn.

If the bowling attack set the tone, the chase was nothing short of a blitzkrieg. England’s explosive opener Phil Salt unleashed carnage, racing to his fastest IPL fifty in just 23 balls. Finishing unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls, Salt’s knock was studded with 7 fours and 2 monstrous sixes, powering RCB to the target in a mere 10 overs. This victory margin of 60 balls remaining rewrote the record books, surpassing Kolkata Knight Riders’ 57-ball win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final as the biggest margin of victory in IPL playoff/knockout history while chasing.

RCB’s record in the IPL finals—having previously reached the summit clash in 2009, 2011, and 2016—has been one of near misses, but their current form suggests a different story this time. The final showdown is set for June 3, 2025, at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where RCB will aim to rewrite history. Adding to their confidence is a remarkable stat: 11 of the last 14 Qualifier 1 winners have gone on to lift the trophy, including each of the last seven seasons.

For Punjab Kings, who were making their first playoff appearance since 2014, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. However, their journey isn’t over. PBKS will have a second chance to reach the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on June 1 at the same venue. With talents like Shikhar Dhawan and Arshdeep Singh in their ranks, they remain a dangerous side.

Salt’s whirlwind innings also etched RCB’s name into another piece of IPL history. This chase ranks among the fastest 100+ run targets achieved in the tournament’s history:

  • 9.4 overs – RCB vs KKR, Bengaluru, 2015 (rain-shortened)
  • 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)

As RCB fans paint social media red with celebration, the question lingering in everyone’s mind is whether 2025 will finally be the year for this star-studded franchise to claim the elusive IPL crown. With momentum on their side and Salt’s bat blazing fire, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not just in the final—they are in with a roaring chance to make history.

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