NEW DELHI: The googly proved to be Suyash Sharma’s deadly weapon as he helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, propelling RCB into the IPL 2025 final. The leg-spinner credited some assistance from the worn pitch for his success.In a remarkable spell of 3-17, Suyash dismantled Punjab’s lower order by taking the wickets of Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession. His efforts ensured PBKS were bundled out for a mere 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. RCB comfortably chased down the target in exactly 10 overs, marking their first IPL final appearance since 2016.“I have performed well, that’s why everyone is happy for me. My coaches gave me just one role, which was to hit the stumps, whether I bowl leg-break, googly, flipper, or any other variation. I just try to finish all my percentage balls on the stumps,” said Suyash.He added, “It (googly) is my stock ball, and also I got a bit of help from the wicket as well, so that’s why many weren’t able to pick it up. Not quite now (whether he will be celebrating tonight), I will celebrate on the 3rd (June) and very hard as well,” during the post-match presentation.
Chasing the modest total, opener Phil Salt dazzled with his stroke play, scoring a quickfire 23-ball fifty—his fastest in the IPL—and remained unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls. Reflecting on the match, Salt said that the short turnaround between their last league match and the qualifier worked in their favor.“Great feeling right now, it (the ball) did move a bit. I think that was not the worst wicket to have played on this season. (Replying to what was going on in his mind during the chase) Don’t get out to Arshdeep, we played two group games (with PBKS) and he’s found different ways to get me out, so I was just trying to react to the ball.”He concluded, “I said before the game to Andy (Flower) that it was a blessing in disguise for us. (This win) Gives us the momentum, it is a cliche but true, that’s what you want at the backend of the tournament, want to hit your straps and play a part with the bat or ball.”
