RCB storm into IPL Final with record-breaking rout of Punjab Kings

The clinical performance showcased RCB's bowling prowess and batting firepower, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation for Tuesday's title clash.

Opting to bat after losing the toss, Punjab Kings crumbled to a meager 101 all out in just 14.1 overs.

RCB's bowlers were relentless, with spinner Suyash Sharma (3-17) and seamer Josh Hazlewood (3-21) dismantling the batting lineup. The Kings faltered early, slumping to 38-4 inside the powerplay, and never recovered.

Marcus Stoinis battled to a top score of 26, while opener Prabhsimran Singh and tail-ender Azmatullah Omarzai each chipped in with 18, but no other batter reached double figures.

Chasing a modest target, RCB made light work of the task, romping home in just 10 overs.

Opener Phil Salt led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 56 off 27 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes to notch his fastest IPL fifty off 23 deliveries.

Despite Kyle Jamieson dismissing Virat Kohli for 12 early on, Salt found an able partner in Rajat Patidar, who sealed the win in style, launching a six off Musheer Khan's final ball of the 10th over.

The victory marked the biggest win by balls remaining in IPL playoff history, with 60 deliveries to spare.

Punjab Kings, who topped the regular season table ahead of RCB on net run-rate, now face a do-or-die clash against the winners of Friday's Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians match for the second spot in the final.

For RCB, the dream of a maiden IPL title is alive, and their dominant form in New Chandigarh has set the stage for an electrifying showdown.