Chandigarh, May 29 (UNI) There was barely a bead of sweat spilled as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cruised into the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, brushing aside Punjab Kings (PBKS) with an eight-wicket thumping in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadvindra Singh International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.
Having blown PBKS away for a paltry 101 in 14.1 overs, RCB's reply was nothing short of a sprint. English opener Phil Salt turned the modest chase into a personal exhibition of power-hitting, slamming an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls. With six boundaries and three towering sixes, Salt ensured the target was overhauled in a mere 10 overs — making a mockery of the occasion that was supposed to test nerves and temperament.
It was Salt’s intent from ball one that set the tone. Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson bore the brunt as the right-hander cut, pulled, and lofted with clinical precision. When he wasn't finding the ropes, he was pinching quick singles and keeping the scoreboard galloping. By the time Salt crossed his 50, the result was all but a formality.