Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally broken their nine-year drought, storming into the IPL 2025 final with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1. The scenes after the win were emotional, especially with RCB legend AB de Villiers tearing up in the stands, visibly moved by the franchise’s long-awaited return to the grand stage.
This marks RCB’s fourth appearance in an IPL final and their first since 2016, a year when AB de Villiers played a pivotal role in their campaign. However, the elusive IPL trophy still remains out of reach for the Bengaluru-based side, having fallen short in all three previous finals. The current squad, led by Rajat Patidar, will look to change that narrative on June 3, when they take the field at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the grand finale.
In a heartfelt conversation with ESPNcricinfo, AB de Villiers revealed that Virat Kohli has personally asked him not to utter the much-loved yet jinxed fan slogan, “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (“The cup is ours this year”). Respecting Kohli’s wishes, AB said, “I’m not allowed to say the Bengaluru terms because Virat told me I’m not allowed to say that anymore. But I truly believe we are going all the way this season. So stay tuned, buckle up and enjoy the ride.”
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RCB’s performance in Qualifier 1 was nothing short of dominant. After winning the toss at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, their bowlers made quick work of the Punjab Kings, dismissing them for a paltry 101 in just 14.1 overs. Josh Hazlewood and young leggie Suyash Sharma starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each.
RCB fans, we have a surprise gift 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z6kynh9a3P
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 29, 2025
PBKS suffered a dramatic collapse, losing half their side for just 50 runs. Key batters like Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis all fell early. Marcus Stoinis showed some resistance with a brisk 26, but it wasn’t enough to salvage the innings. Musheer Khan, brought in as the Impact Player, failed to deliver, falling for a duck.
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In response, RCB chased down the target in style. Phil Salt led the way with a scintillating 56 off 27 balls, which included a blistering assault in the powerplay. Though Kohli fell for 12, and Mayank Agarwal contributed 19, Rajat Patidar sealed the deal with a towering six off Musheer Khan. Suyash Sharma was deservedly named Player of the Match for his 3/17 spell.
PBKS still have one lifeline left and will battle the winner of the Eliminator between MI and GT in Qualifier 2 on Sunday, June 1, for the remaining spot in the final.
