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The stage was set at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for a historic IPL 2025 final, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against Punjab Kings (PBKS). With both teams chasing their maiden IPL crown, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, were buoyed by a season of newfound balance, while PBKS, under Shreyas Iyer, carried the momentum of a dramatic playoff run. All eyes, however, were on Virat Kohli—playing his last IPL before a cricketing hiatus—hoping to finally lift the elusive trophy for Bengaluru.
Azmatullah Omarzai plucks a blinder to dismiss Virat Kohli in the IPL 2025 final
The intensity of a final often produces moments that linger in memory, and Azmatullah Omarzai delivered just that in the 15th over. With RCB at 131/4 and Kohli anchoring the innings at 43 off 35 balls, the pressure to accelerate was mounting. Omarzai steamed in and unleashed a 127 kph short ball outside off. Kohli, aiming to pull, mistimed it as the ball climbed awkwardly, possibly aided by some late movement off the seam.
What followed was pure athletic brilliance. Omarzai sprinted three pitches across to his left at midwicket, launching into a full-length slide. With both hands outstretched, he snatched the ball inches from the turf, maintaining control even as he grazed the ground. The stadium erupted as Kohli, stunned, had to walk back—his slow but steady knock ending at a crucial juncture. The catch not only broke a dangerous partnership but also shifted the momentum squarely in PBKS’s favor, underlining the high-pressure stakes of a final.
Here’s the video:
Virat kohli out#RCBvPBKS #IPLFinals #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/PBL07NZfdk
— Flash Video (@FlashVideo25) June 3, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025 Closing Ceremony [WATCH]: A stirring salute to Indian Armed Forces before RCB vs PBKS final
Punjab Kings’ bowling brilliance squeezes RCB in the powerplay and beyond
PBKS’s decision to bowl first paid early dividends. Kyle Jamieson struck twice, removing the dangerous Phil Salt for 16 and later trapping RCB skipper Patidar lbw for 26. Mayank Agarwal’s cameo ended at 24, courtesy of Yuzvendra Chahal’s guile. Despite Kohli’s presence, RCB’s run rate hovered around 9 an over in the powerplay, but the middle overs saw PBKS tightening the screws.
Omarzai’s spell was pivotal—not just for the Kohli wicket, but for his economy and control in the middle overs, conceding just 21 runs in three overs. Arshdeep Singh and Chahal, though expensive, kept the pressure with timely dot balls and variations. By the time Kohli fell, RCB had lost their anchor, and the onus shifted to the lower middle order. Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd tried to inject late impetus, but PBKS’s discipline ensured RCB could only reach 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Also READ: RCB vs PBKS: Here’s why Tim David is not playing in today’s IPL 2025 final
