PBKS vs RCB- IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chased down Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) modest total of 102 in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets with plenty of overs to spare. Phil Salt was the star with a blazing unbeaten 56 off 27 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 207.40. He was well supported by captain Rajat Patidar, who contributed a quick 15 not out.

Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain: “Not a day to forget, but we have to go to the drawing board. We were befuddled and lost a lot of wickets. Something to go back and study. Not doubting on my decisions in terms of planning. Outside of the ground, it was on point. Couldn’t execute, can’t blame our bowlers. It was such a low total. Got to work on our batting, on this wicket. In all games here, there has been variable bounce. Can’t give such reasons because we are professionals and we have to live up to it. We have lost the battle but not the war.”

Rajat Patidar, RCB captain: “We were very clear in our plans and how we have to bowl. Fast bowlers used the surface well, Suyash chipped in well. He bowls in line of the stumps, which is his strength. I don’t give him a lot of ideas, don’t want to confuse him. We had done a lot of practice throughout the tournament. One day of non-practice won’t harm you. The way [Salt] is batting in every match, the way he is giving us starts, it is a treat. I am a big fan of him. Always thank RCB fans, wherever we go, we feel like it is our home ground. One more game, let’s celebrate together!”