My Electrifying Night Watching RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on TV
Some matches just pull you in and refuse to let go—and last night’s RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 was exactly that. I may have been on my couch, but my heart was right there in the stadium with every twist and turn. Here’s how the drama unfolded for me, glued to my TV at home.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : Pre-Match Buzz
The build-up was intense. I set up my snacks, put on my RCB jersey, and tuned in early to catch all the pre-match analysis. The experts were divided, but everyone agreed it would be a close contest. I could feel the pressure building, especially knowing how much was at stake.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : Introduction
The IPL playoffs are renowned for their drama and unpredictability, but few anticipated the sheer one-sidedness that unfolded in Qualifier 1. RCB, a team with a passionate fanbase and a history of near-misses, entered the match with momentum and hunger. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, were hoping to break their playoff jinx. However, what transpired was a clinical exhibition of bowling and batting by RCB, leaving PBKS shell-shocked and their campaign hanging by a thread.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : Punjab Kings’ Batting Collapse
PBKS’s decision to bat first after losing the toss quickly backfired as RCB’s bowlers came out firing on all cylinders. The collapse began early, with Priyansh Arya falling for just 7 in the second over to Yash Dayal. Prabhsimran Singh (18) and Shreyas Iyer (2) followed in quick succession, both undone by sharp bowling and poor shot selection.
The top order disintegrated under relentless pressure. Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury, was lethal, removing Josh Inglis (4) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18), while Suyash Sharma spun a web around the middle and lower order, claiming three wickets in just two overs.
The wickets tumbled in a flurry:
- Priyansh Arya (7) – caught at cover, Yash Dayal’s extra bounce proving too much.
- Prabhsimran Singh (18) – hoicked to the keeper off Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- Shreyas Iyer (2) – edged behind off Hazlewood.
- Josh Inglis (4) – another scalp for Hazlewood.
- Nehal Wadhera (8) – bowled by Dayal.
- Shashank Singh (3) – Suyash Sharma’s first.
- Musheer Khan (0) – LBW to Suyash.
- Marcus Stoinis (26) – Suyash cleaned him up.
- Harpreet Brar (4) – bowled by Romario Shepherd.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (18) – last wicket to fall, Hazlewood again
PBKS were all out for 101 in just 14.1 overs, the shortest batting innings in IPL playoff history and one of the lowest totals ever recorded at this stage. Only Marcus Stoinis (26), Prabhsimran Singh (18), and Omarzai (18) managed double digits, underlining the magnitude of the collapse.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : RCB’s Special Bowling Performances
RCB’s bowling was a masterclass in execution, aggression, and teamwork. Every bowler contributed:
- Josh Hazlewood: 3 wickets for 21 runs, including crucial breakthroughs at the top and end of the innings.
- Suyash Sharma: 3 wickets for just 17 runs, his spell breaking the back of PBKS’s middle order.
- Yash Dayal: 2 wickets for 26 runs, setting the tone in the powerplay.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 1 wicket for 17 runs, swinging the new ball and keeping things tight.
- Romario Shepherd: 1 wicket for 5 runs, cleaning up the tail.
Their fielding was equally sharp, with catches taken under pressure and ground fielding that saved crucial runs. The bowlers operated like a “pack of wolves,” hunting in tandem and never letting PBKS settle.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : RCB’s Batting Cruise
Chasing 102 was never going to be a daunting task, but RCB’s intent was clear—they wanted to finish the job quickly and emphatically. Phil Salt led the charge with an explosive unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of over 200. He was well supported by Rajat Patidar (15*), who ensured there were no hiccups after the early loss of Virat Kohli (12), who edged behind off Kyle Jamieson.
Mayank Agarwal (19) also chipped in before falling to Musheer Khan, but by then, the result was a foregone conclusion. RCB reached the target in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets with a massive 60 balls to spare—a statement victory heading into the final.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Early Strikes: Yash Dayal and Hazlewood’s early wickets put PBKS on the back foot immediately.
- Suyash Sharma’s Double Blow: His twin strikes in the middle overs, including the prized wicket of Marcus Stoinis, ended any hopes of a PBKS recovery.
- Hazlewood’s Return: Picking up wickets at both ends of the innings, Hazlewood’s spell was the backbone of RCB’s bowling dominance.
- Salt’s Powerplay Assault: Phil Salt’s aggressive start in the chase ensured there were no nerves, only momentum.
- Kohli’s Early Exit: Briefly gave PBKS hope, but Salt’s counterattack snuffed out any chance of a comeback.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Captains’ Speeches – Reflections and Resolve
Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings Captain:
” It’s not a game to forget, but we need to go back to the drawing board and assess everything. We need to start reading the wicket better. We’ve lost too many wickets in tandem, and we have a lot to study once we go back.I’m not doubting my decisions, honestly. We did everything we could in terms of planning. We couldn’t execute in the first innings when it came to scoring runs. I can’t blame the bowlers, as it was such a low total to defend. We need to focus more on our batting, especially on wickets like this.In all the games we’ve played here, there has been some variable bounce, but that’s no excuse. We are professionals, and we need to bat according to the situation and live up to it. We may have lost the battle, but not the war.”
Rajat Patidar | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain:
“We were very clear with our bowling plans. Our fast bowlers used the surface well, and the way Suyash bowled with his line and length was incredible.As a captain, I’m very clear on his strengths. His strength is to bowl in line with the stumps, and his googly is very hard to pick. I don’t want to confuse him, and we don’t mind him conceding a few runs. The way he’s been batting in most matches, giving us such great starts, it’s a dream to watch him from the dugout. I’m a huge fan of him. I want to thank the RCB fans. Wherever we go, whether it’s Chinnaswamy or elsewhere, we feel at home. We all love you. Just one more game and let’s celebrate together.”
Suyash Sharma | Player of the Match:
” I’m happy with my performance, and everyone is pleased for me. The coaches have given me a clear role: to hit the stumps, whether it’s with googlies, leg spinners, or flippers. Whatever I bowl, it should end up on the stumps. The googly is my stock ball, and the wicket gave me some assistance, which made it tough for the batters to pick them. We’ll celebrate hard on June 3rd. Thank you.”
Source : IPL T20 Official Website
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: RCB’s Journey to the Finals
RCB’s 2025 campaign has been a story of resilience and peaking at the right time. After a mixed start, they found momentum in the latter half of the league stage, with key players stepping up in crunch situations. The bowling unit, often criticized in previous seasons, has emerged as a strength, while the batting lineup, powered by Salt, Kohli, and Patidar, has provided consistency.
This victory marks RCB’s first IPL final appearance since 2016, and the team will be eager to end their long wait for a maiden title.
Qualifier 2 Preview: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
While RCB await their final opponent, all eyes turn to Qualifier 2, where Gujarat Titans (GT) face Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams have a history of performing in high-pressure games. GT, led by Shubman Gill, have relied on their balanced attack and top-order stability. MI, with their championship pedigree, will look to their experienced core to deliver.
The winner of GT vs MI will face PBKS in the Eliminator, with the victor then earning the right to challenge RCB in the final. It promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams desperate to keep their title hopes alive.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: FAQs
Q: Who was the Man of the Match in RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?
A: Suyash Sharma, for his brilliant bowling performance of 3 for 17 .
Q: What was Punjab Kings’ total in the first innings?
A: PBKS were bowled out for 101 in 14.1 overs.
Q: Which RCB bowler took the most wickets?
A: Both Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma took three wickets each.
Q: How many balls did RCB take to chase down the target?
A: RCB chased down the target in just 10 overs (60 balls to spare).
Q: When was the last time RCB reached the IPL final?
A: RCB last reached the IPL final in 2016.
Q: Who will PBKS play next?
A: PBKS will play the winner of GT vs MI in Qualifier 2 for another shot at the final.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 : Conclusion
The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 was a showcase of RCB’s hunger and execution. Their bowlers, led by Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, ripped through PBKS, while Phil Salt’s fireworks ensured a no-contest chase. For PBKS, it was a humbling night, but they have a second chance in Qualifier 2. For RCB and their fans, the dream of lifting the IPL trophy is alive and closer than ever. With momentum on their side, they now await their final challenger, as the IPL caravan heads towards a dramatic conclusion.
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Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.
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