[WATCH] Qualifier 1: Jitesh Sharma’s stunning catch off Hazlewood seals PBKS’s fate in PBKS vs RCB Clash in IPL 2025

In a thrilling finish to the First innings of IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh, Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had delivered a memorable performance, and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma had played an integral role. Hazlewood effectively ended the Punjab Kings (PBKS) innings at just 101 after dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai at 14.1 overs. Hazlewood bowled a length seam-up delivery over-the-wicket line on the fourth stump, and it held seam in and moved in a little as Omarzai stepped down to slog-sweep across the line, offering a thick outside edge that flew to Jitesh's right. Jitesh leapt athletically for a stunning one-handed catch, igniting wild celebrations and stamping RCB's position in this crunch playoff match.

RCB's disciplined bowling, by Hazlewood, with three wickets including Omarzai's with their final wicket, helped dissolve PBKS's batting lineup when support came from three from Suyash Sharma and two from Yash Dayal. RCB maximized the bounce and movement of the surface, and PBKS struggled to build an innings or partnerships, with Hazlewood's wicket capping the PBKS innings, and Jitesh's sensationally acrobatic catch also showed RCB's fielding had been sharp in supporting their bowling. The early dismissals and consistent pressure from RCB’s attack ensured PBKS could only muster 101, with just two batters reaching double figures, setting RCB a straightforward chase for a spot in the IPL 2025 final.

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Also Read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Shreyas Iyer dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in PBKS vs RCB clash in IPL 2025

Current Match Situation: PBKS vs RCB 

PBKS were bowled out for 101 runs in 14.1 overs, and RCB only needed 102 runs to qualify for the final of IPL 2025. Jitesh Sharma took an outstanding one-handed catch off the bowling of Hazlewood to dismiss Omarzai, and in our opinion it concluded an impressive bowling performance. Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma each took three wickets, and Yash Dayal took two wickets; consequently, there is an opportunity for RCB's bowlers to pull off a commanding chase in this important Qualifier match, aided by Jitesh's brilliant fielding.