IPL 2025 Final – RCB vs PBKS: Punjab Kings Strike Hard as RCB Crumbles Under Pressure
The grand finale of the IPL 2025 is currently underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium, and it has already delivered high drama. Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by captain Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that appears to be paying off. Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) set a target of 191 runs, but their innings saw several setbacks thanks to aggressive and disciplined bowling by the Punjab attack.
Early Setbacks for RCB
RCB’s innings began on a shaky note. Phil Salt was dismissed early for just 16 runs, with Shreyas Iyer taking a sharp catch to give Punjab their first breakthrough. The dismissal of Salt marked the beginning of a wicket-by-wicket collapse for the Bengaluru side.
Kohli-Patidar Partnership Offers Brief Hope
After Salt’s dismissal, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar stabilized the innings, stitching together an 87-run partnership in 10 overs. However, just when Kohli looked set to anchor the innings, he attempted a pull shot off Azmatullah Omarzai in the 15th over. Omarzai ran in to take the catch himself, dismissing Kohli for 43 runs off 35 balls, including 3 boundaries. Kohli’s failure to convert the start into a half-century came as a major blow to RCB, as their innings began to falter soon after.
Middle-Order Struggles Continue
Following Kohli's departure, RCB's middle order could not hold firm:
Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for 24 runs
Captain Rajat Patidar was out leg-before for 26 runs
Liam Livingstone added 25 runs
Jitesh Sharma chipped in with 24 runs
Romario Shepherd fell for 17 runs
Despite crossing the 100-run mark in the 12th over, RCB lost momentum during the death overs.
Punjab's Bowlers Shine
Punjab's bowling unit showcased sharp discipline and aggression:
Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson took 3 wickets each, putting constant pressure on RCB’s batters.
Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vaishak, and Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with one wicket each.
With Punjab Kings now needing 192 runs to win, all eyes are on whether they can chase down the total and claim their maiden IPL title. The momentum appears to be in Punjab’s favor, but RCB’s bowlers will look to fight back in what remains of this thrilling contest.
Stay tuned for the second innings coverage and full match highlights.