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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Look this unbelievable catch by jitesh sharma❤️ #IPL2025 #Qualifier1 #JiteshSharma #rcb #rcbfans #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/XJYJvGJU3p

— Aditya kumar (@adityagupta_418) May 29, 2025

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.

In a signature moment of the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh, on May 24, Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). At 3.4 overs, Hazlewood bowled a back-of-a-length delivery, just around the fourth stump, that moved away and had a bit of bounce. Iyer followed through on his aggressive intention with a shot across the line and edged the ball to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, which he caught fairly easily. This dismissal was Hazlewood’s fourth of Iyer in the IPL, a reminder of Iyer's ongoing issues with the Australian pacer. Virat Kohli's fiery celebration indicated how important that wicket was in this high-pressure playoff, as Iyer's exit for 2 runs derailed the PBKS skipper's start and provided RCB the ascendancy.

The effect of the wicket was soon felt throughout PBKS's innings as RCB's skillful bowlers capitalized on the opportunity presented to them. Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma persistently hunted the PBKS batting coalition, which struggled to recover from conceding captain Iyer's wicket in a disorganized and erratic manner. The loss of Iyer forced PBKS into survival mode, failing to develop partnerships against RCB’s tight lines and effective use of the bounce of the pitch. This pivotal moment shifted momentum firmly toward RCB, who maintained their dominance, positioning themselves for a direct entry to the IPL 2025 final.

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Josh is soooo back! 🔥

pic.twitter.com/LuUVqU9drF

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 29, 2025

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

Current Match Situation: PBKS vs RCB 

At the end of 10 overs, PBKS looked good at 77/8. Iyer's early dismissal disrupted a decent start by the Punjab Knight Riders, but the batting order quickly collapsed due to Hazlewood, Dayal, and Suyash Sharma (two wickets each), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up one wicket. Marcus Stoinis's wicket has left Azmatullah Omarzai and the tail enders with plenty of work to do to post a decent total. RCB bowlers are in control and are now well positioned to book their spot for the IPL 2025 final with their early breakthrough.