Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into the IPL 2025 final after a dominant 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1, thanks to a stunning performance by Phil Salt, who turned his long-standing battle with Arshdeep Singh into a personal triumph.
Salt Turns the Tables on Arshdeep Singh
Heading into the Qualifier, Arshdeep Singh had dismissed Salt four times in T20s and ODIs, including both league-stage matches this IPL season. But Salt came prepared, and his approach was simple:
“Do not get out to Arshdeep,” he said after the game.
The England opener smashed 56 off 27 balls*, including six fours and three sixes, one of which was a commanding pull shot off Arshdeep himself. It was a complete reversal of past struggles, and Salt led RCB’s chase of 102 with ease.
Salt’s IPL Form and Record-Breaking Feat
Salt is now RCB’s second-highest run-scorer this season, with 387 runs in 12 innings at an average of 35.18 and a strike rate of 175.90. All four of his fifties have come while chasing.
He also crossed 1,000 IPL runs, becoming the joint second-fastest to do so in just 575 balls, equalling Travis Head. Only Andre Russell reached the milestone faster, in 545 balls.
“It gives us momentum. That’s what you want at the backend of the tournament,” said Salt, who now boasts 10 IPL fifties and a career-best of 89*.
RCB’s Bowling Stars and Match Summary
After choosing to bowl, RCB’s pace attack dismantled PBKS early.
- PBKS were 48/4 in the powerplay
- Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Josh Hazlewood (3/21) were the top bowlers
- Yash Dayal also impressed with 2/26
PBKS were bundled out for 101 in 14.1 overs, despite late resistance from Marcus Stoinis (26) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18).
In reply, RCB lost Kohli (12) and Mayank Agarwal (19) early, but Salt and Rajat Patidar (15)* finished the chase in just 10 overs, sealing RCB’s first final appearance since 2016.
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