IPL 2025 PBKS vs RCB: 5 Reasons Why Royal Challengers Bengaluru Won Qualifier 1

IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Clinical Royal Challengers Bengaluru consigned a clueless-looking Punjab Kings by 8-wickets in the Qualifier 1 at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur to steamroll into the final of the IPL 2025.

The Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS - who finished the league stage as table-toppers - couldn't handle the pressure of the big match as they were folded to a paltry 101, which the RCB chased down within 10 overs.

It was a complete performance from RCB as they stormed into their fourth IPL final while PBKS, who are eyeing their first IPL final appearance since 2014, will now face the winner of Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on Sunday (June 1) in Ahmedabad. Here are the five reasons behind RCB's win.

1. Ruthless Powerplay Bowling From RCB in IPL 2025 Q1

RCB's fast bowlers struck early and hard. Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone with swing and control, removing both Punjab openers inside the first three overs. Josh Hazlewood then delivered a brutal over to dismiss captain Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis. Punjab were reduced to 30/4 in under 5 overs, leaving them no chance to recover.

2. Suyash Sharma's Game-Changing Spell

Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma dismantled the PBKS middle order with figures of 3/22, including wickets of Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and debutant Musheer Khan. His clever variations and accurate googlies exposed Punjab's poor shot selection against spin and ensured no recovery post the powerplay collapse.

3. Phil Salt's Explosive Batting

Chasing a small target can be tricky in big games, but Phil Salt's aggressive intent took the pressure off immediately. He smashed a 23-ball fifty, finishing unbeaten, and ensured RCB crossed the line in just 10 overs - the third-fastest chase of 100+ in IPL history. His innings shattered any hopes of a PBKS comeback.

4. Disciplined Field Placements and Execution

RCB executed their bowling plans with precision - including smart field placements and sharp catching behind the stumps. Jitesh was alert as usual and pocketed those nicks behind the stumps while Virat Kohli was electrifying on the ground as he was seen sprinting on the outfield to save those singles. Their bowlers bowled into the pitch and used the two-paced nature of the surface effectively, never allowing PBKS to settle or build partnerships.

5. Punjab's Meltdown Under Pressure

While RCB were clinical, PBKS self-destructed in the high-stakes encounter at home. Several of their top and middle-order batters - including Prabhsimran, Iyer, Wadhera, and Musheer - perished to reckless shots. Their total of 101 was the joint-lowest ever in an IPL playoffs first innings. The nerves of the occasion clearly got the better of Punjab, while RCB looked calm and composed throughout.