In the first Qualifier of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) found themselves under severe pressure early on, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) bowlers dismantled their top order in dramatic fashion at Mullanpur. Having won the toss and elected to bowl, RCB made immediate inroads, exposing PBKS’s vulnerability under pressure.
PBKS’s Batting Collapses Under Early Heat
Punjab’s batting unit, which had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, crumbled in the high-stakes encounter. The innings never gained momentum, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Prabhsimran Singh gave a glimmer of hope with a quickfire 18 off 10 balls, including two fours and a six, but his aggressive streak was short-lived.
He fell attempting a third consecutive big shot, edging one to the keeper. The early collapse continued with Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, and captain Shreyas Iyer all departing cheaply. Shreyas, in particular, was a crucial wicket as he managed just 2 runs before edging a Hazlewood delivery to the keeper. The scoreboard read a worrying 59/5 after just eight overs.
THE CELEBRATION FROM VIRAT KOHLI.!!
– Josh Hazlewood Hazlegod gets Shreyas Iyer & Josh Inglis
– Yash Dayal gets Priyansh Arya & Nehal Wadhera
– Bhuvi gets PrabhSimran Singh.!!
– RCB RCB at Mullanpur in Qualifier 1.!!
— MANU. (@IMManu_18) May 29, 2025
Wadhera’s Dismissal Deepens the Crisis
One of the most pivotal moments in the innings was the dismissal of Nehal Wadhera, who had just started to look settled at the crease. Facing Yash Dayal, Wadhera attempted to cut a delivery that slightly nipped in, only to inside-edge it onto his stumps. His wicket was symbolic of Punjab’s struggle to establish any rhythm.
With Wadhera gone and half the side back in the dugout before even the halfway mark, the innings looked severely compromised. Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh tried to rebuild, but Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling and RCB’s sharp fielding stifled any potential fightback. Hazlewood, returning from injury, looked in fine touch, claiming two vital wickets including the dismissal of Inglis.
RCB Bowlers Shine; PBKS Face Uphill Battle
RCB’s bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, exploited the conditions perfectly. Hazlewood’s return proved to be a masterstroke as he dismissed both Shreyas and Inglis. Dayal’s sharp spell included the dismissal of Arya and the crucial scalp of Wadhera.
The fielding was equally electric, with timely dives and saves, adding to the mounting pressure on PBKS. As things stand, Punjab Kings will need a miraculous comeback with the ball to stay alive in their quest for a maiden IPL title, while RCB look poised to storm into the final.
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