With an 8-wicket win on May 29th against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, Royal Challengers Bengaluru thus confirmed their entry into the Indian Premier League 2025 final. Chasing a modest target of 102 runs, RCB steamed past it in 10 overs alone, leaving 60 balls in hand. It stands as the quickest IPL playoff victory in terms of balls left, sidelining the previous one set at 59 by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
Teams winning the playoffs match with Most balls to spear
| Balls Remaining | Winner | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | RCB | PBKS | Mullanpur | 2025* |
| 57 | KKR | SRH | Chennai | 2024 |
| 38 | KKR | SRH | Ahmedabad | 2024 |
| 33 | MI | KKR | Bengaluru | 2017 |
| 31 | CSK | PBKS | Wankhede | 2008 |
Standing fast in a show of strong bowling with a smashing start to the outing from the batsmen, especially from Salt, who went on to complete 56 not out from 27 balls, PBKS went to bat first yet got bundled out for a meager 101 in 14.1 overs. The bowling attack of RCB was far too much to handle. Josh Hazlewood inspired the onslaught with 3/21, followed by Suyash Sharma with 3/17, while Yash Dayal and Romario Shepherd also chipped in. PBKS could never stage a comeback after losses came continuously from the start. Marcus Stoinis came up with a 17-ball 26 but the rail fell with no support.
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It was all zen after that for the RCB in the chase. Salt took charge; however, Mayank Agarwal with 19 and Rajat Patidar with 15 not out made their contribution as well. At 106 for 2 in 10 overs, RCB not only confirmed their entry into the final but also set a record for most balls remaining in a playoff victory.
