Batting failure dooms PBKS as RCB dominate with ruthless efficiency

Punjab Kings endured a crushing defeat in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, crumbling under relentless pressure from a dominant Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday. What began as a promising encounter quickly turned into a nightmare for the hosts, as RCB’s disciplined bowling attack ran riot, dismantling Punjab’s batting lineup with clinical precision.

Opting to field first, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar`s decision paid off almost immediately. Punjab Kings never found momentum, collapsing for a meagre 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. The total is now tied for the third-lowest in IPL playoff history, equaling Lucknow Super Giants` 101 in the 2023 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. Only Deccan Chargers` 82 in the 2010 semi-final, also against RCB, and Delhi Daredevils’ (now Capitals) 87 in the 2008 semi-final stand below it.

From the outset, Punjab’s batters appeared overwhelmed by the occasion and the accuracy of RCB’s attack. The top order disintegrated within the powerplay, with Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and skipper Shreyas Iyer all falling cheaply. Iyer, the team’s leading run-scorer this season, once again failed to overcome his Mullanpur woes, departing for just two after edging a rising delivery from his long-time nemesis Josh Hazlewood to the keeper.

Hazlewood led the charge with fiery pace and disciplined lines, finishing with figures of 3/21. He was ably supported by Yash Dayal (2/26) and veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17), who applied relentless pressure from the other end. However, the standout performer was young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who bamboozled the middle order and returned with a match-winning spell of 3/17.

Marcus Stoinis was the only batter to show any resistance for Punjab, scoring a brisk 26. But with wickets tumbling around him at alarming frequency, even his brief fightback was never going to be enough to mount a recovery. Punjab were reduced to 50 for five within the first seven overs and never looked like posting a competitive total.

This batting implosion marks yet another disappointing chapter in Punjab Kings’ playoff history, especially after a breakthrough season under the leadership of Iyer. For RCB, it was a near-perfect execution of plans, their bowling unit stepped up on the big stage and seized the early advantage, taking a giant stride toward their long-awaited maiden IPL title.

This article first appeared on Mid Day