Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 1 played at the New PCA Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) put up a dominating show against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and clinched an eight-wicket victory. With this success, Challengers have now qualified for the fourth time in the league’s finals after their 18-year history. Pursuing the low target of 102, Challengers saw the magnificent batting effort from their England opener Phil Salt, who took Punjab’s downbeat bowling attack to the cleaners, and smashed an unbeaten 56 off 27. Earlier, the extraordinary performances from bowlers helped Bengaluru shatter Punjab's confidence.
After Rajat Patidar's match-winning maximum, veteran Virat Kohli looked calm and composed. He also hugged his teammates with a big smile on his face. Talking about his performance in the match, the 36-year-old chipped in with his 12 off 12. He has been RCB’s best batsman this season so far, notching up 626 runs with eight fifties in 15 games.
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Virat Kohli’s batting numbers in IPL finals
Kohli has played three IPL finals for RCB and on these occasions, he scored 96 runs. Back in 2016, when Bengaluru clashed against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, he struck 54 runs with five fours and a couple of maximums in just 35 balls. His knock went in vain then as SRH held their nerves and bagged an eight-run win in the intiruing game.
This time, RCB supporters will expect him to step up and show his belligerent side in the final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3. Challengers were keep their eyes on Eliminator and Qualifier 2 as the winning side from the latter game will take on Rajat Patidar's team.
