In a high-stakes IPL 2025 Playoff match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a masterclass in dominance, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets with a staggering 60 balls remaining. This emphatic win in Match 71 of the tournament not only boosted RCB’s morale but also sent a strong message to other playoff contenders.
Toss and Early Momentum
Winning the toss, RCB skipper opted to bowl first — a decision that proved to be spot-on as their pace attack tore through PBKS’s fragile top and middle order. The new-ball bowlers set the tone early, exploiting the conditions brilliantly.
PBKS Crumble to 101 in 14.1 Overs
Punjab Kings, already under pressure, never looked comfortable against a fiery RCB bowling unit. They were bundled out for a paltry 101 in just 14.1 overs. Marcus Stoinis was the top scorer with a 17-ball 26, while Prabhsimran Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with 18 runs each. However, none could convert their starts into anything threatening.
RCB’s bowlers were on fire:
- Josh Hazlewood: 3/21 (3.1 overs) – Cleaned up the tail with precision.
- Suyash Sharma: 3/17 (3 overs) – Wreaked havoc through the middle overs.
- Yash Dayal: 2/26 (4 overs) – Struck early and kept the pressure on.
It was a complete bowling performance that showcased discipline, accuracy, and intent.
Phil Salt Leads RCB’s Rapid Chase
In reply, RCB didn’t break a sweat. England’s wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt played a blazing knock, scoring an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, laced with 6 fours and 3 sixes. He was ably supported by Mayank Agarwal, who scored 19 off 13, and Rajat Patidar, who sealed the win with a quickfire 15* off 8 deliveries.
Despite some decent spells from Kyle Jamieson and Musheer Khan (1 wicket each), PBKS bowlers had no answers to the RCB top-order onslaught.
RCB chased down the total in just 10 overs, finishing at 106/2, ensuring a colossal 60-ball victory — one of the most comprehensive wins of IPL 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Phil Salt’s 50 in 25 balls was the fastest of the match.
- RCB’s victory with 60 balls remaining ranks among the most dominant chases in IPL history.
- PBKS’s middle-order collapse cost them the match, with 7 wickets falling for under 40 runs.
- Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma shared 6 wickets between them, crippling PBKS’s lineup.
What This Means for RCB and PBKS
With this win, RCB keep their playoff hopes alive and improve their net run rate significantly, a crucial factor at this stage of the tournament. Meanwhile, PBKS’s campaign takes a hit, with another disappointing performance under pressure raising questions about their team balance and batting depth.
RCB’s confidence will be sky-high after this commanding victory, and they will look to carry this momentum into their next playoff fixture. For PBKS, it’s back to the drawing board — and unless they pull off a miracle in the remaining matches, their journey in IPL 2025 might be over.
