RCB vs PBKS [WATCH]: Phil Salt takes a blinder on the boundary to dismiss Priyansh Arya in the IPL 2025 final

The IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad brought together two hungry contenders—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS)—both vying for their maiden IPL crown. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, set a competitive total of 190/9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a gritty 43 off 35 balls. Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer, faced the daunting chase under the lights, knowing every moment could tilt the balance in this high-stakes encounter.

Phil Salt grabs a stunner to dismiss Priyansh Arya in the IPL 2025 final

As PBKS began their chase, Priyansh Arya looked in sublime touch, racing to 24 off 19 balls with four boundaries. The Punjab openers had given their side a brisk start, reaching 43 without loss in under six overs. But then came the moment that electrified the crowd and swung the momentum RCB’s way.

Josh Hazlewood, steaming in at 141kph, delivered a back-of-a-length ball on middle stump. Arya picked it up sweetly, sending it towards the deep square leg boundary. Phil Salt, patrolling behind square, sprinted to his right, eyes never leaving the ball. In a display of supreme athleticism and awareness, Salt executed a reverse-cupped catch while running at full tilt. As his momentum carried him over the ropes, he had the presence of mind to flick the ball up in the air, step back into the field of play, and complete the catch—an act that drew gasps and applause in equal measure.

The RCB fielders erupted in celebration, knowing how pivotal this wicket was in the context of the final. Arya’s dismissal at 43/1 in the sixth over put the brakes on PBKS’s promising start, with RCB suddenly back in the contest.

Here’s the video:

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Phil Salt with a clutch grab under pressure ❤

Was that the game-defining catch? 🤔

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Also WATCH: Kyle Jamieson bowls a ripping yorker to dismiss Rajat Patidar in IPL 2025 final

RCB’s fightback begins against PBKS for the title

Salt’s catch was more than just a highlight-reel moment—it was the spark RCB desperately needed. Until that point, PBKS seemed to be cruising, needing 191 from 20 overs and scoring at a healthy rate of 8.66 runs per over. Arya’s wicket, however, shifted the pressure squarely onto the chasing side. With the required run rate climbing to nearly 10 an over and RCB’s bowlers buoyed by the breakthrough, the complexion of the match changed.

The scorecard reflected the tension: PBKS at 98/4 after 12.3 overs, now needing 93 runs in 45 balls. The RCB bowlers, led by Hazlewood and backed by sharp fielding, tightened their lines. The Punjab Kings, who had looked comfortable, now faced a disciplined attack and a rejuvenated opposition.

Also WATCH: Azmatullah Omarzai grabs a stunner to dismiss Virat Kohli in the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final