Kohli’s anchoring knock

In his fourth IPL final, and the first since 2016, Virat Kohli once again led from the front, top-scoring for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the crucial clash. His measured 43 off 35 deliveries, although lacking fireworks, laid a steady foundation.

With a strike rate of 122.86 and three boundaries but no sixes, Kohli looked to anchor the innings, as he often does in high-stakes games. His dismissal came via a sharp return catch by Azmatullah Omarzai, ending his stay just as he looked settled. Donning jersey number 18 in the tournament’s 18th edition, Kohli’s composed contribution proved vital in RCB’s long-awaited triumph.

Punjab’s flying start undone

Chasing a target of 191, Punjab Kings began with flair as openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh attacked from the outset, stitching a 43-run partnership in five overs. Arya’s brisk 24 off 19, including four boundaries, ended when Hazlewood induced a mistimed shot, brilliantly caught under pressure by Phil Salt near the boundary.

Salt’s acrobatic balance and awareness turned it into one of the tournament’s standout catches. Prabhsimran, who was dropped early by Romario Shepherd, powered Punjab’s charge with two massive sixes off Suyash Sharma, guiding them to 70/1 in eight overs. However, the momentum shifted after the strategic timeout. Krunal Pandya struck immediately thereafter, dismissing Prabhsimran for a 22-ball 26.

Iyer falters on the big stage

Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer, who had played a stellar knock in Qualifier 2, couldn’t replicate his heroics in the final. He edged a wide delivery from Shepherd, and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma completed a straightforward catch. Iyer departed for just 1 off 2 balls, dealing a major blow to Punjab’s chase