 "PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Netizens slam Punjab batters for 'inexplicable meltdown' after Bengaluru's clinical victory")
Royal Challengers Bengaluru hammered Punjab Kings by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 of the 2025 Indian Premier League , becoming the first team to qualify for the final in the process. Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood collected three wickets each while Phil Salt smashed a 23-ball fifty as RCB bundled PBKS out for a meagre 101 before chasing the target down with 8 wickets and half of their overs to spare.
RCB thus have qualified for an IPL final for the fourth time, and will be entering Tuesday’s summit clash at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium as solid favourites after their clinical all-round performance on Thursday.
PBKS, on the other hand, will get another shot at qualifying for the final after topping the points table at the end of the league stage, and they will face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 – also in Ahmedabad.
How experts and fans reacted to RCB’s demolition job of PBKS in Mullanpur
Bengaluru’s dominant performance and the manner in the Punjab batters threw their wickets away despite the situation calling for more caution did lead to plenty of interesting reactions on social media. Here are select reactions:
This is why the system for the play-offs is so good. #PunjabKings have played outstanding cricket and they deserve another opportunity.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 29, 2025
RCB in the final in grand style. Inexplicable meltdown by PBKS batting which left no scope for a fightback. Great season so far for RCB but title still to be won!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 29, 2025
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPretty cruel win by RCB.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) May 29, 2025
While bowling, they wounded PBKS.
And then while batting, rubbed Salt.
Bengaluru cooked today so they can eat on Tuesday 🏆#RCBvsPBKS
— zomato (@zomato) May 29, 2025
Bengaluru, your trophy order has been shipped to the finals 🏆📦#PBKSvsRCB
— Flipkart (@Flipkart) May 29, 2025
Punjab Kings should quit this tournament immediately.
— Inside out (@INSIDDE_OUT) May 29, 2025
- Worst performance by them that too in Qualifier 1.
- They should give "bye" to whoever wins Eliminator.
What a shame.
All batters thought it as a flat track and gifted wickets.pic.twitter.com/wZNLwkEag1
This win was not just a victory on the scoreboard,it was a statement of resilience, belief and the spirit that defines Royal Challengers Bangalore. You played with heart, passion and sheer determination.
— Muzaffar_Bhat (@MuzaffarMehdi12) May 29, 2025
Keep the fire burning,RCB.
Thanks 😊 #PlayBold #RCBForever #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/RPqxxzTQvn
Preity Zinta seeing reflection of Kings XI Punjab in front of her eyes 💔 pic.twitter.com/PztMEPfLlJ
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 29, 2025
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