Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into their first IPL final since 2016 with a thumping eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on Thursday (May 29).
Punjab’s innings folded for a paltry 101 in 14.1 overs after RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first. Marcus Stoinis was the top scorer with 26 off 17 balls.
Josh Hazlewood (3-21 in 3.1 overs) and Suyash Sharma (3-17 in 3 overs) were the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, returning with three wickets each. Yash Dayal (2-26 in 4 overs), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-17 in 2 overs) and Romario Shepherd (1-5 in 1 over) shared the four scalps among them.
Chasing the target, RCB got over the line in 10 overs, led by a blazing unbeaten half-century from opener Phil Salt (56* off 27).
Reflecting on the performance after securing the final berth, captain Patidar said: "I think we were clear in our plans, how we have to bowl. I think the fast bowlers used the surface really well.”
“The way Suyash chipped in, the way he bowled his lines and lengths, that was really good. As a captain I am clear about his bowling. He has to target the stumps, that's his strength. His wrong 'un is difficult to read for the batters. I always want to give him clear ideas, I don't want to confuse him. I am okay if he concedes a few runs (in the process),” he added.
"The way he (Salt) is batting in most of the matches. The way he is giving starts, I am a big fan of him. It's a treat to watch him from the dugout,” he continued.
Despite having made it to the IPL final on three previous occasions (2009, 2011, and 2016), RCB are still chasing their maiden title.
Patidar appreciated the passionate RCB fans and hoped that they will celebrate winning their maiden IPL title next week.
“That's really good. I always thank RCB fans, not only in Chinnaswamy, but wherever we go we feel it's our home ground. We love you, so keep supporting us. One more game and let's celebrate together," the RCB skipper remarked.
Punjab Kings, who were table-toppers in the league stage, will have another opportunity to reach the final. They will now face the winner of Eliminator clash between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 at Ahmedabad on June 1.
