RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: What Was The Turning Point As Bengaluru Clinch Historic Maiden Title?

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RCB vs PBKS: Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally broke their title curse, lifting their maiden IPL trophy with a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.

In a high-pressure contest that went down to the wire, it was Krunal Pandya's all-round brilliance with the ball that proved to be the decisive factor on the biggest stage.

Put in to bat after Punjab Kings won the toss, RCB posted a competitive total of 190 for 9 in their 20 overs. Opener Phil Salt departed early, while Virat Kohli played the anchor with a 35-ball 43. Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) and Liam Livingstone (25 off 15) chipped in with crucial middle-order runs.

However, RCB's innings never truly took off in the final overs as Punjab's bowling, led by Arshdeep Singh (4-0-30-3) and Kyle Jamieson (4-0-48-3), struck regularly to keep the score in check.

Chasing 191 for victory, PBKS looked strong early on with Priyansh Arya (24) and Josh Inglis (39 off 23) setting a brisk tone. But Krunal Pandya turned the game on its head in the middle overs. He dismissed Prabhsimran Singh and Inglis in quick succession and put a stranglehold on the scoring. His miserly spell of 4-0-17-2 created the pressure that forced PBKS into errors.

Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera tried to rebuild, but wickets continued to tumble. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 for 38) and Yash Dayal (1 for 18) tightened the screws in the death overs, while Romario Shepherd chipped in with a key wicket. Shashank Singh's unbeaten 61 off 30 gave Punjab late hope, but the target ultimately proved just beyond reach, as PBKS finished at 184 for 7.

The night belonged to RCB, and particularly Krunal Pandya, whose spell halted Punjab's momentum at the perfect time. After years of heartbreak, Bengaluru fans finally have reason to celebrate, as their team clinched the title that had eluded them for so long.