In the high-octane clash of Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it was less of a cricket match and more of a clinical dissection. RCB didn’t just win – they stormed into their fourth IPL final, leaving PBKS with shattered stumps and hopes. For Punjab, it was a reality check; for Bengaluru, a warning shot to the remaining contenders: This could be our year.
Punjab Kings Collapse — A Batting Horror Show
PBKS, put in to bat after losing the toss, crumbled like a badly baked papadum. From Shreyas Iyer to Josh Inglis, no one stuck around long enough to write a decent batting obituary. The final score? A meagre 101. And no, that’s not a misprint.
While the pitch offered some turn, what really spun heads was the shot selection. Suyash Sharma bowled like he had cheat codes, nabbing three crucial wickets with a googly so deceptive, even Hawk-Eye was baffled.
As captain Iyer put it post-match:
“We have lost the battle, but not the war.”
Sounds brave, but one wonders if they brought the right weapons.
RCB’s Record Run Chase — Salt, Patidar, and Peppering the Boundary
Chasing 102? RCB looked like they were late for dinner.
Phil Salt, the English dynamite, sizzled with a 23-ball half-century, reminding everyone why bowlers fear him more during a chase than when he’s early for net practice. Partner-in-demolition Rajat Patidar brought the fireworks with a glorious slog sweep to seal the game with 60 balls remaining — the largest margin while chasing in IPL playoff history.
That’s not just a win. That’s a statement.
The Bowling Blueprint: Just Hit the Stumps
RCB’s secret sauce? No mystery — just discipline and deadly intent.
Suyash Sharma, the Player of the Match, had one job: hit the stumps. And boy, did he. Captain Patidar echoed the clarity in their gameplan:
“I always give Suyash clear ideas. Hit the stumps. If you get smacked, so be it.”
Turns out, being predictable works when your ball spins like a drunken UFO.
What’s Next? War Cries, Eliminators, and #RCB2025
While PBKS lick their wounds and prep for the Eliminator, RCB are already dreaming of lifting the trophy. Will the fourth time be the charm? With Kohli, Salt, and Sharma in beast mode, the stars might finally align.
Don’t forget, the team winning Qualifier 1 has taken home the trophy in 11 of the last 14 editions. Momentum is red and gold.
Odds & Insights — 188bet Has Its Say
According to 188bet’s live IPL odds, RCB has surged to the favorite spot, with their title odds dropping to 2.10, thanks to the dominant win. PBKS, meanwhile, have slipped to 5.50, but still cling to hope with another chance in the Eliminator.
Smart money might be on RCB, but as always — cricket’s a funny game.
FAQs: People Also Ask
RCB won by a massive margin of 60 balls while chasing 102, securing their place in the IPL 2025 final.
Their batting collapsed under pressure, with poor shot selection and inability to handle RCB’s disciplined bowling attack.
Suyash Sharma, for his superb 3-wicket haul and stump-targeting wizardry.
He has scored 50+ in 4 out of 6 innings while chasing — a certified finisher.
With their performance in Qualifier 1 and historical data, their chances look strong, and 188bet odds now favor them as frontrunners.
The Eliminator between Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians will be held at the same venue, with the winner facing PBKS.
Conclusion: RCB Roars, PBKS Regroups
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru was supposed to be a showdown. Instead, it turned into a highlight reel for RCB’s dominance. But remember, Punjab isn’t out — just down. Cricket is the land of comebacks, collapses, and confetti.
So stay tuned, keep your snacks handy, and maybe — just maybe — put a sneaky bet on who’s lifting the trophy. Because in IPL 2025, the only certainty is entertainment.
