PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier: The IPL 2025 Qualifier clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. The high-octane encounter, held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw RCB emerge victorious by 18 runs, booking their place in the IPL 2025 Final.
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier
From flamboyant knocks to tactical bowling changes, the PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier reflect the adrenaline, passion, and heartbreak that define the Indian Premier League. Let’s delve into the drama-filled night of cricket that kept fans at the edge of their seats.
Toss Drama and Team Selection: A Battle of Strategy
The toss turned out to be crucial, with RCB captain Faf du Plessis winning it and electing to bat first on a dry wicket. The decision was rooted in the conditions—batting under lights had proven tricky throughout the tournament.
RCB fielded their trusted eleven, with Virat Kohli, du Plessis, and Maxwell forming the core batting trio. PBKS, on the other hand, went with an extra spinner, hoping to choke RCB in the middle overs.
First Innings: Kohli’s Masterclass Guides RCB to 198
Batting first, RCB posted a formidable total of 198/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was headlined by a sensational Virat Kohli knock of 78 runs off 49 balls, featuring 7 fours and 3 sixes.
Key Moments from RCB’s Innings:
- Powerplay Blitz: RCB started strong with Kohli and du Plessis adding 59 runs in the first six overs.
- Maxwell’s Cameo: Glenn Maxwell struck a quickfire 36 from 18 balls, pushing the run rate past 10.
- PBKS Fightback: Harshal Patel’s slower balls brought PBKS back into the game by removing du Plessis and Green in quick succession.
- Finish by DK: Dinesh Karthik finished the innings in style, scoring 21 off 8 balls.
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier clearly showcased Kohli’s experience and RCB’s tactical batting depth.
Second Innings: PBKS Fall Short Despite Dhawan’s Heroics
Chasing 199 for a place in the final, PBKS started cautiously but never really dominated the RCB bowlers. Despite a valiant half-century from captain Shikhar Dhawan, the team managed only 180/9, falling 18 runs short.
Key Moments from PBKS’s Chase:
- Top-Order Collapse: RCB pacers Siraj and Dayal dismantled PBKS’s top order, removing Livingstone and Bairstow within the Powerplay.
- Dhawan’s Anchor Role: The skipper kept the chase alive with a gritty 62 off 45 balls.
- Spin Stifles Momentum: Karn Sharma’s two key wickets in the middle overs turned the tide.
- Last-Over Drama: With 28 needed from the final over, PBKS’s tail couldn’t produce the fireworks needed, sealing RCB’s win.
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier once again underlined RCB’s dominance in high-pressure games.
Scorecard Summary: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier
| Team | Score | Overs |
| RCB | 198/5 | 20.0 |
| PBKS | 180/9 | 20.0 |
RCB won by 18 runs
Man of the Match: Virat Kohli
There was little doubt about the Man of the Match. Virat Kohli, with his 78-run masterclass, held the RCB innings together. His shots were a blend of aggression and artistry, setting the tone early and ensuring a defendable total.
In the post-match presentation, Kohli said:
“I love these moments. Knockouts bring out the best in me. It’s about holding your nerve and executing the plan. Proud of how we played.”
Bowling Brilliance: Siraj and Karn Seal the Deal
The RCB bowling unit deserves applause for defending 198 with discipline and tactical precision.
- Mohammed Siraj: 3/31 in 4 overs – broke PBKS’s backbone in the Powerplay.
- Karn Sharma: 2/22 in 4 overs – slowed the game in the middle overs.
- Dayal and Green: Supported well with wickets at crucial junctures.
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier wouldn’t be complete without crediting this remarkable bowling effort.
PBKS: What Went Wrong?
Despite a consistent season, PBKS faltered under pressure when it mattered the most.
Areas of Concern:
- Top-Order Fragility: Bairstow and Livingstone fell cheaply, adding pressure on Dhawan.
- Inconsistent Bowling: They failed to contain RCB during the death overs.
- Lack of Big Finishers: The team lacked someone to explode in the final overs.
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier make it clear: a team needs more than just talent—it needs execution under pressure.
Fans’ Reactions: A Roar for RCB, Tears for PBKS
Social media lit up post-match with fans expressing a mixture of joy, heartbreak, and anticipation.
- RCB fans celebrated their team’s entry into the final with hashtags like #EeSalaCupNamde and #RCB2025Final.
- PBKS supporters praised Dhawan’s fight but questioned team selection and strategy.
- Memes, reactions, and Kohli fanfare dominated X (formerly Twitter), with some calling it his “finest IPL knock since 2016”.
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier weren’t just about cricket—they were about emotion, legacy, and dreams.
Statistical Highlights: Records and Milestones
- Virat Kohli became the first player to score 700+ runs in IPL 2025.
- RCB reached their 6th IPL final, still chasing their elusive maiden title.
- PBKS registered their 7th knockout exit, further extending their title drought.
Such data-packed moments elevate the PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier into one for the history books.
What’s Next for RCB?
With this win, RCB advances to the IPL 2025 Final, where they will face either Rajasthan Royals or Chennai Super Kings, depending on the outcome of Qualifier 2. The team looks balanced, focused, and driven by the hunger for their first-ever IPL title.
Kohli, du Plessis, Siraj, and Maxwell seem to be peaking at the right time—a good omen for RCB fans.
What’s Next for PBKS?
For Punjab Kings, the road ends here. It was a strong season filled with highs, but the inability to cross the knockout barrier continues to haunt them. Management may look to:
- Restructure the top order
- Invest in death-bowling specialists
- Groom young finishers for the next season
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier may serve as a critical learning chapter for the franchise.
Final Thoughts: A Classic Knockout Battle
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier delivered every element of drama, talent, and unpredictability that IPL is known for. Kohli’s brilliance, Siraj’s fire, and PBKS’s fighting spirit made it a classic.
With RCB now just one game away from the crown, fans eagerly await whether 2025 will finally be the year their dreams come true. As for PBKS, it’s back to the drawing board—with hope, reflection, and the ambition to come back stronger.
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