Salt’s quickfire fifty powers RCB to IPL 2025 final, beats Punjab

Chandigarh: Phil Salt’s unbeaten half-century and sharp bowling spells from Suyyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeat Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off as Punjab were bundled out for just 101 runs. Only three Punjab batsmen managed to reach double digits.

In response, Salt led the chase with a blistering 56 off 27 balls, guiding RCB to victory within 10 overs.

With this win, Bengaluru have booked their place in the IPL final for the fourth time, having previously reached the title clash in 2009, 2011, and 2016.