The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 showcased a dominant performance by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who decisively defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) with excellent bowling on Thursday. This highly anticipated match saw RCB’s bowlers dismantle the PBKS top order, paving the way for a substantial victory that secured their place in the IPL 2025 final.
Bowling Brilliance from RCB
Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal spearheaded the attack, taking two wickets each, while veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar took an early wicket during the powerplay, leaving Punjab in a precarious position at 50/3 within just 6.3 overs. This early collapse severely impacted PBKS’s momentum, and they struggled to set a competitive score on a pitch conducive to batting in Mullanpur.
Social Media Sensation: RJ Mahvash’s Emotional Response
Beyond the cricket action, social media influencer RJ Mahvash drew attention as a supporter of the Punjab Kings from the stands. Her visible distress and emotional reactions during PBKS’s batting failure caught the eye of fans and media, particularly amid ongoing rumors regarding her friendship with Yuzvendra Chahal.
This marked not the first appearance of Mahvash at a PBKS match this season; she has been seen with the team often and is frequently alongside Chahal. Her reaction following Nehal Wadhera’s dismissal became emblematic of the disappointment felt by the Punjab camp and their supporters.
Setback for Punjab Kings
This match represented a crucial setback for PBKS, following an impressive season under the leadership of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer. Having topped the league stage and reached the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, expectations were high. The team had previously overcome formidable opponents like the Mumbai Indians, showcasing a new era of confidence and strategic ingenuity.
RCB’s Tactical Mastery
Rajat Patidar made his return as captain of RCB after recovering from a finger injury and made a tactical decision to bowl first on a pitch with a grassy surface. “The wicket looked hard with a decent grass covering. We wanted to exploit the early movement,” he commented at the toss.
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood also returned to the lineup, replacing Matheesha Pathirana. His exceptional performance revitalized RCB’s bowling attack and, combined with Dayal’s consistency and Bhuvneshwar’s accuracy, they dismantled Punjab’s game plan effectively.
Chahal-Mahvash Relationship Sparks Speculation
The match had its share of off-field drama as well. A video emerged online showing Mahvash trying to enter a hotel believed to be housing the PBKS team days before the match, capturing the attention of many and fueling curiosity regarding her rumored relationship with Chahal.
Although neither has confirmed their relationship, Mahvash has previously expressed admiration for Chahal, calling him “kind-hearted and genuinely humble.” Her emotional reactions from the stands only fueled further speculation.
RCB Celebrates Victory
In contrast, RCB was in high spirits after their victory. Anushka Sharma, watching in support of her husband Virat Kohli, led the celebrations, embodying the team’s vibrant energy as they took a significant step toward breaking their IPL title drought.
While PBKS still has a chance in the second qualifier, the momentum clearly favors RCB, who made a strong statement to all potential challengers.
