RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025: In a ruthless display of precision fast bowling and spin, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bulldozed Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs during the IPL 2025 Playoff match. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma shared six wickets between them, dismantling PBKS’s batting lineup and placing RCB firmly on the path to the final.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted to bowl first on a surface offering early bounce and grip, a decision that paid immediate dividends. PBKS, already under pressure with key players inconsistent throughout the season, never found momentum and folded embarrassingly before even completing their 15th over.
PBKS Batting Crumbles Under Pressure
Prabhsimran Singh started briskly for Punjab, scoring 18 off 10 balls including two boundaries and a six, but the innings quickly began to unravel. His dismissal at 27/2, caught by Jitesh Sharma off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, opened the floodgates. Captain Shreyas Iyer (2 off 3) and Josh Inglis (4 off 7) fell cheaply, the latter failing to rotate strike or pierce the field.
The only saving grace for PBKS came from Marcus Stoinis, who struck 26 off 17 balls, including two sixes. Azmatullah Omarzai also added a fiery 18 off 12 deliveries. However, with wickets tumbling regularly, their brief resistance proved insufficient.
Bowling Brilliance by RCB
Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the attack with clinical precision, finishing with figures of 3.1-0-21-3. He picked up crucial wickets, including Inglis, Omarzai, and Iyer, exploiting bounce and seam movement with ease.
Equally impressive was young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who bamboozled the middle and lower order to return figures of 3-0-17-3. His clever variations and flight outfoxed the likes of Stoinis, Sharukh Singh, and Mujeeb Khan in rapid succession.
Yash Dayal also played a vital role, claiming 2 for 26 in his four overs, including the early wicket of Prabhsimran Arya and later Nehal Wadhera. Romario Shepherd and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up one wicket each to wrap up a complete team bowling effort.
Punjab’s Collapse in Numbers
Here’s how the collapse unfolded:
- 9/1: Arya fell early, caught behind.
- 30/3: Skipper Iyer and Inglis gone in quick succession.
- 60/7: A middle-order meltdown ensued.
- 101/10: The innings ended abruptly in 14.1 overs.
Extras were the third-highest contributor with 11 runs, highlighting the lack of resistance from PBKS’s batting.
What This Means for RCB
RCB’s dominant bowling has not only booked their ticket to the IPL 2025 Final but also sent a strong message to their opponents. With their bowlers firing in unison and experienced campaigners like Hazlewood in rhythm, the team appears well-balanced heading into the title clash.
Their batting, which includes powerhouses like Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell, will now look to chase a modest total with confidence and precision.
As RCB prepares for the final, PBKS’s journey ends in disappointment yet again, continuing their title drought. Their inconsistent batting, particularly in high-pressure matches, remains an area for serious reflection before the next season.
RCB, on the other hand, stands one step away from glory. With the bowlers setting the tone, all eyes will now be on their batting lineup to finish the job in style.
