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The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium turned into a showcase for young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, whose match-winning spell and light-hearted post-match banter became the talk of the cricketing world.
RCB dominate as Suyash Sharma spins a web against Punjab Kings
RCB outclassed PBKS by eight wickets to book their first IPL final berth since 2016. The architects of this emphatic win were Suyash and Josh Hazlewood, who dismantled Punjab’s batting order. PBKS, put in to bat, collapsed for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Suyash, named Player of the Match, delivered a sensational spell of 3 overs for 17 runs, claiming the key wickets of Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession.
Suyash’s googly proved unplayable on the worn Mullanpur pitch, with Punjab’s batters repeatedly failing to pick his variations. “Today I felt very good with the ball. It seemed like the batters couldn’t read the googly. The talk was that this was a semifinal, but we approached it like any other game. I have worked hard on my bowling,” Suyash told broadcasters during the mid-innings break.
The haircut question: Suyash Sharma’s witty reply
In the post-match press conference, Suyash was quizzed by commentator Ravi Shastri about whether his new haircut had anything to do with the extra turn he was getting on his googlies. The question drew laughter from the room, and Suyash responded with characteristic humility and humor, saying that while the haircut might be new, his focus remained on hitting the stumps—regardless of his hairstyle. The exchange highlighted the relaxed atmosphere in the RCB camp after their comprehensive victory.
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“The coaches have given me one role that is to hit the stumps, be it with the googlies, with the leg spinners or with the flippers. Whatever I bowl should finish on the stumps was what the coaches have told me,” Suyash explained, crediting the RCB coaching staff for his clarity and confidence.
Chasing a modest 102, RCB lost Virat Kohli early but Phil Salt’s unbeaten 54 ensured there were no hiccups. Rajat Patidar, the captain, finished the match with a six, taking RCB to 106/2 in just 10 overs and sending their fans into celebration mode.
RCB now await their opponent for the final on June 3 in Ahmedabad, while PBKS will have to fight through Qualifier 2 for another shot at the title.
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