Toss & Team Lineups

Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry, batting-friendly pitch. Both teams fielded unchanged XIs, reflecting confidence in their league stage performances.

First Innings: PBKS Batting Struggles

Punjab Kings faced early setbacks as both openers fell cheaply within the first five overs. Jonny Bairstow was dismissed for 9 runs by a sharp inswinger from Mohammed Siraj, while captain Shikhar Dhawan fell for 18 to Lockie Ferguson’s pace bowling. These early wickets put PBKS on the back foot.

Despite valiant efforts from Liam Livingstone, who scored a brisk 41 off 28 balls, and Jitesh Sharma’s 29 off 21, PBKS struggled to build substantial partnerships. Tight bowling from RCB’s Karn Sharma (2/24) and Cameron Green (1/18) restricted the Kings to a below-par total of 153/8 in their 20 overs.

Second Innings: RCB’s Commanding Chase

Chasing 154, RCB’s openers Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli set the tone with a blistering 91-run partnership in just 9.4 overs. Du Plessis played a commanding innings of 54 runs off 35 balls, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 67 off 47 deliveries, showcasing his trademark composure and aggression.

Although PBKS bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel managed to claim a couple of wickets, the match remained firmly in RCB’s control. Glenn Maxwell sealed the victory with a six, guiding RCB to 157/2 in 17.5 overs and securing their place in the IPL 2025 Final.

Player of the Match: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 67-run innings under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to anchor the chase while maintaining an aggressive approach was instrumental in RCB’s victory. Kohli’s performance highlighted his championship mindset and leadership qualities, inspiring his team to the final.

Key Highlights & Takeaways

• Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 67 runs sealed a confident win for RCB.
• Karn Sharma’s crucial middle-over breakthroughs restricted PBKS’s scoring.
• Early top-order collapse hurt PBKS’s momentum and chase prospects.
• RCB reached the IPL final for the first time since 2016, signaling a strong title challenge.

What’s Next for PBKS and RCB?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will now prepare to face their final opponents on June 2 , aiming to clinch their maiden IPL title. Their balanced squad and recent form make them strong contenders.

Punjab Kings, despite the setback, still have a chance to reach the final by winning Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator winner on May 31 . They must address their top-order vulnerabilities to bounce back in the knockout stages.

Where to Watch Full Match Replays & Highlights

Disney+ Hotstar

Live streaming and full match replays with highlight packages and detailed match stats. Visit hotstar.com for more.

Willow TV

Available for international viewers offering full match coverage and expert analysis. Check willow.tv for subscription details.

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Final Thoughts

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clinical and composed performance in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 sends a strong message to their rivals. With star players like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis firing on all cylinders, supported by incisive bowling from Karn Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, RCB looks poised to finally lift the IPL trophy.

Punjab Kings, while disappointed, still have a path to redemption. Their success in Qualifier 2 will depend on shoring up their batting lineup and maintaining composure under pressure. Fans can expect a thrilling finish to the IPL 2025 season.