Royal Challengers Bengaluru Qualify IPL 2025 Final After Eight-Wicket Win Over Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a decisive eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings to advance to the IPL 2025 final, marking their first final appearance in nine years. Punjab Kings were bowled out for 101 runs, with Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma taking three wickets each, while Phil Salt starred for RCB with an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls during the chase. RCB's momentum was boosted by a strong finish in the league stage, including a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants where stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma scored an unbeaten 85 and Virat Kohli contributed 54, helping RCB finish second in the points table. The win in Qualifier 1 gives RCB a direct entry to the final, continuing a trend where 11 of the last 14 Qualifier 1 winners have claimed the IPL title. Punjab Kings will have another opportunity to reach the final by playing the winner of the Eliminator match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. This success for RCB highlights their resurgence under new captain Rajat Patidar and strong performances from key players.