• Fans flooded social media with memes after Punjab Kings poor batting performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

  • RCB bowled out PBKS for 101 in 14.1 overs in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1.

IPL 2025: Fans brutally roast Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings for their ugly batting collapse against RCB in Qualifier 1
PBKS vs RCB (Image Source: X)

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The Indian Premier League 2025 Qualifier 1 unfolded dramatically at the New PCA Stadium in Chandigarh, where Punjab Kings endured a catastrophic batting collapse to be dismissed for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. The game, which promised fireworks between the two top teams of the season, quickly turned one-sided thanks to a lethal and disciplined bowling performance from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With a place in the final at stake, RCB seized the moment with precision and aggression, dismantling PBKS on their home turf in ruthless fashion.

RCB dominate with the Ball as Punjab Kings crumble for 101 in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Despite winning the toss and opting to bat first, contrary to RCB’s preference to chase, Punjab began with some intent, but their momentum evaporated swiftly as wickets began tumbling in clusters. The team, known for its strong batting performances throughout the season, looked shell-shocked as RCB’s bowlers exploited the conditions expertly. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with a clinical spell, removing key top-order batters and setting the tone for what became a bowling masterclass.

Hazlewood, who replaced Nuwan Thushara in the lineup, justified his inclusion immediately, finishing with figures of 3.21. He was ably supported by leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, whose flight and accuracy earned him three wickets as well, while Romario Shepherd chipped in with a vital scalp during the middle overs. RCB’s collective bowling effort was relentless. Yash Dayal kept things tight and reaped rewards with two wickets, adding pressure from the other end. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience came into play too, claiming a key dismissal to maintain control over the flow of runs.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Fans brutally troll PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer after reckless shot leads to dismissal vs RCB in Qualifier 1

A lone fight from Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai for Punjab Kings

Even as wickets fell steadily, Marcus Stoinis offered brief resistance. He struck a quick-fire 27 from just 18 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes, and tried to anchor the innings with some intent. However, once he was dismissed, the remaining batters crumbled without much fight. Prabhsimran Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai added 18 runs apiece, but their efforts were far from enough to stabilize the innings. Shreyas Iyer’s disappointing stay at the crease yielded just two runs, while the likes of Shashank Singh and Josh Inglis could manage only 3 and 4 respectively. The experiment of playing young Musheer Khan backfired as the Mumbai-born batter was trapped leg-before wicket for a duck by Suyash, reflecting the lack of composure in Punjab’s batting.

With just 102 runs needed to secure a spot in the IPL 2025 final, Bengaluru now have a golden opportunity to chase down a modest target and seal their place in the title clash. However, Punjab cannot be written off entirely. They had previously defended a low score of 112 against Kolkata Knight Riders at this very venue during the group stage, thanks to a magical bowling effort.PBKS will need an extraordinary bowling display and early breakthroughs if they are to pull off another miracle and keep their IPL title hopes alive.

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Also READ: Explained: Why Tim David, Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen are not playing in today’s PBKS vs RCB match | IPL 2025, Qualifier 1

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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