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The Punjab Kings' (PBKS) batting order ended up succumbing to the pressure in the first Qualifier of IPL 2025 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They were only able to put up a total of 101 runs on the board before getting bundled out in 14.2 overs. PBKS, who have dominated against opposing teams through their batting throughout the season, ended up failing when it mattered the most as the RCB bowlers ripped their batters apart.
Shreyas Iyer was dismissed for just two runs against RCB
Despite none of the batters being able to perform well, legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar bashed PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer in particular for his shot selection. The batter was only able to score two runs before edging a delivery from pacer Josh Hazlewood straight into the hands of wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
"This is not a good shot. This is a nothing shot. One can understand if you are trying to play it over long off, but this is just a wild swing. Two wickets down, just the fourth over going," Gavaskar said while commentating.
It was a shocking batting display from PBKS at their home stadium of Mullanpur as their batters ended up falling like a pack of cards in front of RCB's bowling attack. Marcus Stoinis top-scored for the Punjab-based franchise with 26 while Prabhsimran Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai played cameos of 18 runs each as the side somehow ended up crossing the 100-run mark.
On the other hand, it was a terrific bowling performance from RCB whose bowlers decimated the opposing batters. Spinner Suyash Sharma was the side's top performer, finishing his 3-over spell with figures of 3/17 while Hazlewood also performed brilliantly and ended up with figures of 3/21 in 3.1 overs. Yash Dayal picked up two wickets while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd picked up a scalp each as the Begaluru-based franchise bundled out PBKS in emphatic fashion.
It is now a golden opportunity for Rajat Patidar and Co. to make it to their first IPL final in nine years. The last time they made it to the final was back in the 2016 season where they ended up losing to the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
RCB have so far played in three IPL finals but have lost all of them, so it will be very interesting to see if they can make it to another final and this time, finally put an end to their trophy drought in the penultimate match of the 2025 season that will take place at the Narendra Modi stadium on June 3.
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