RCB reach IPL final after 9 years with crushing win over Punjab

KATHMANDU: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have secured their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final for the first time in nine years after a commanding 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in the first qualifier on Tuesday.

In a high-stakes match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, RCB chased down a modest target of 102 runs in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets.

Opener Phil Salt was the star of the night, delivering a match-winning unbeaten knock of 56 runs off 27 balls, which included six boundaries and three sixes.

Mayank Agarwal contributed 19 runs, while Rajat Patidar remained unbeaten on 15. Star batsman Virat Kohli scored 12 before being dismissed. Kyle Jamieson and Musheer Khan claimed one wicket each for Punjab.

Earlier, Punjab Kings struggled after being put into bat first. They were bowled out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs, unable to handle RCB’s tight and aggressive bowling attack.

Marcus Stoinis top-scored for Punjab with 26 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Prabhsimran Singh added 18 each. No other batsman could reach double digits.

RCB’s bowling unit was in top form, with Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma taking three wickets apiece. Yash Dayal picked up two, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with Romario Shepherd grabbed one each.

With this emphatic win, RCB have booked their spot in the IPL 2025 final. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will now face an eliminator match for another shot at the final.