NEW DELHI: The googly proved to be Suyash Sharma’s lethal weapon as he helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru safe a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Worldwide Cricket Stadium, propelling RCB into the IPL 2025 remaining. The leg-spinner credited some help from the worn pitch for his success.In a outstanding spell of 3-17, Suyash dismantled Punjab’s decrease order by taking the wickets of Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, and Marcus Stoinis in fast succession. His efforts ensured PBKS had been bundled out for a mere 101 runs in simply 14.1 overs. RCB comfortably chased down the goal in precisely 10 overs, marking their first IPL remaining look since 2016.“I’ve carried out nicely, that’s why everyone seems to be pleased for me. My coaches gave me only one position, which was to hit the stumps, whether or not I bowl leg-break, googly, flipper, or every other variation. I simply attempt to end all my proportion balls on the stumps,” mentioned Suyash.He added, “It (googly) is my inventory ball, and in addition I received a little bit of assist from the wicket as nicely, in order that’s why many weren’t in a position to decide it up. Not fairly now (whether or not he shall be celebrating tonight), I’ll rejoice on the third (June) and really onerous as nicely,” in the course of the post-match presentation.

Chasing the modest whole, opener Phil Salt dazzled along with his stroke play, scoring a quickfire 23-ball fifty—his quickest within the IPL—and remained unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls. Reflecting on the match, Salt mentioned that the quick turnaround between their final league match and the qualifier labored of their favor.“Nice feeling proper now, it (the ball) did transfer a bit. I feel that was not the worst wicket to have performed on this season. (Replying to what was occurring in his thoughts in the course of the chase) Do not get out to Arshdeep, we performed two group video games (with PBKS) and he is discovered alternative ways to get me out, so I used to be simply making an attempt to react to the ball.”He concluded, “I mentioned earlier than the sport to Andy (Flower) that it was a blessing in disguise for us. (This win) Provides us the momentum, it’s a cliche however true, that is what you need on the backend of the match, wish to hit your straps and play a component with the bat or ball.”