Mohali, Chandiger was so boring a venue last night that the massive crowds who came had an early slumber as the game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings was done and dusted in just 24 overs in a much awaited qualifier 1.
According to match experts, it was schoolboy stuff by Punjab Kings who finished top of the tree in the league stage and ate humble pie at the business end.
They are lucky that they have a bite of the second cherry due to tournament rules and structure, but their batting display yesterday is an early indication that Shreyas Iyer and his boys look chokers.
I hope they can prove the media and the expert analysis wrong when they meet either Mumbai Indians or Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
They were bowled out for 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Hence, none of the batters deserve a mention. Quote Sunil Gavaskhar un Quote.
Jos Hazelwood, who returned from injury after a short trip to home base Australia, took 3 for 21. Yasas Dayal 3 for 26 , and Sharma spun 3 for 17 on a hapless set of batters representing the State of Punjab.
Royal Challengers Bangalore simply reached the target in 10 overs. Phil Salt 56 , and the South Indian team won by 8 wickets. Well played richly deserve to be finalist.
They will take wings to play in the finals of the 18th episode of IPL 2025.
Spectators put their money on Mumbai Indians as strong favourites to meet the Bangalore boys in the finals. Funny game, especially T 20 , predictions are never gospel.