How Did Suyash and Hazlewood Lead RCB to Victory Over PBKS?

Synopsis
In a thrilling IPL 2025 Qualifier, Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood's exceptional bowling helped RCB dismiss PBKS for just 101 runs. Discover how their outstanding performances set the stage for an exciting chase as RCB eyes the finals.
Key Takeaways
- RCB's bowling attack was instrumental in restricting PBKS to 101 runs.
- Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood both achieved three-wicket hauls.
- The match showcased the importance of effective bowling strategies in T20 cricket.
- RCB is now in a strong position heading into the finals.
- PBKS will need to reassess their batting approach for future matches.
New Chandigarh, May 29 (NationPress) Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood delivered impressive performances with three wickets each, leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to bowl out Punjab Kings for a mere 101 runs in just 14.1 overs during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The match began with a favorable toss for RCB, where leg-spinner Suyash and the returning Hazlewood claimed figures of 3-17 and 3-21, respectively, dismantling the PBKS batting order. This left the visitors chasing a modest target of only 102 runs to secure a place in the final scheduled for June 3.
PBKS faced a shaky start as Priyansh Arya played a loose drive that resulted in an easy catch to cover off Yash Dayal. However, Prabhsimran briefly steadied the innings with a six off Dayal, followed by consecutive boundaries off Bhuvneshwar. Ultimately, Bhuvneshwar got the last laugh, catching Prabhsimran’s edge on a short ball.
The woes for PBKS exacerbated when skipper Shreyas Iyer attempted a wild swing off Hazlewood, only to edge the ball to the waiting keeper. Hazlewood struck again in the final over of the power-play, having Josh Inglis caught at deep fine-leg, while Marcus Stoinis managed to score a four and six, bringing PBKS to 48/4 after six overs.
PBKS continued to crumble as Nehal Wadhera fell to a leg-stump dismissal from Dayal and Shashank Singh was bowled through the gate by a googly from Suyash. Impact substitute Musheer Khan faced only three balls before Suyash trapped him LBW in front of the leg stump.
Although Stoinis attempted a comeback, Suyash halted his efforts with another googly that bowled him out. Azmatullah Omarzai hit a four and six off Suyash, along with a boundary from Kyle Jamieson, helping PBKS reach three figures, while Hazlewood completed his three-wicket haul when Jitesh Sharma made a remarkable catch.
Brief scores:
Punjab Kings 101 all out in 14.1 overs (Marcus Stoinis 26, Prabhsimran Singh 18; Suyash Sharma 3-17, Josh Hazlewood 3-21) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru