On May 29, 2025, at the Mullanpur stadium, Josh Hazlewood delivered a performance that will be etched in the memories of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans. In the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), the Australian pacer’s scintillating spell of 3 wickets for 21 runs in 3.1 overs was the cornerstone of RCB’s commanding 8-wicket victory, securing their place in the IPL final after a nine-year wait. Josh Hazlewood‘s ability to dismantle PBKS’s batting lineup, combined with his insightful post-match comments, underscored his pivotal role in RCB’s journey to the final.
A Masterclass in Pace Bowling- Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood’s return to the RCB lineup after a month-long recovery from a shoulder injury was nothing short of spectacular. PBKS, opting to bat first, faced the full brunt of his skill as he exploited the pitch’s subtle assistance with precision. His spell was a blend of pace, movement, and unrelenting accuracy, leaving the opposition batsmen struggling to cope.
The first significant blow came in the 4th over when Hazlewood dismissed Shreyas Iyer, caught by Jitesh Sharma for 2 off 3. This wicket broke a budding partnership, shifting the momentum firmly in RCB’s favor. Soon after, he trapped Josh Inglis lbw for just 4 runs, a dismissal that further tightened the screws on PBKS. The crowning moment of his spell was the removal of PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, caught by Jitesh Sharma for a mere 2 runs. These wickets, taken at crucial junctures, ensured PBKS could not recover, collapsing to 101 runs in 14.1 overs.
Josh Hazlewood stars on his comeback with 3/21 👏
🎥🔽 WATCH his superb spell | #TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB | @RCBTweets
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2025
Hazlewood’s ability to vary his lengths and extract movement off the pitch was a masterclass in T20 bowling. His disciplined approach, honed in Test cricket, translated seamlessly to the fast-paced IPL format, proving why he has become one of RCB’s most reliable performers. With 21 wickets in 11 games in the tournament, Hazlewood’s evolution into a T20 specialist has been remarkable, and his performance in Qualifier 1 was a testament to his adaptability.
Post-Match Insights
In the post-match interview, Josh Hazlewood reflected on the significance of restricting PBKS to a low total. “Chasing 150-160 would have been tough,” he remarked, emphasizing the bowlers’ role in setting up an easy chase for RCB’s batsmen. His comment highlighted the tactical importance of his spell, as a higher total could have tested RCB’s formidable batting lineup, featuring stars like Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Hazlewood’s insight revealed his understanding of the game’s nuances, acknowledging that every run saved in the first innings was critical to RCB’s success.
𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙫𝙚 & 𝙗𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 🎶#RCB’s big-game specialist Josh Hazlewood reflects on edging closer to glory with heaps of praise for the squad 🏆
🔽 Watch | #TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 30, 2025
Impact on RCB’s Journey
RCB’s chase of 102 was a formality, completed in just 10 overs with only 2 wickets lost. Phil Salt steered the team to victory with ease, but it was Josh Hazlewood’s heroics with the ball that set the stage. His performance not only decimated PBKS but also sent a strong message to RCB’s opponents in the final: the team’s bowling attack, led by Hazlewood, was a force to be reckoned with.
This victory marked RCB’s return to the IPL final after their last appearance in 2016, a milestone that has reignited hopes of clinching their maiden IPL title. Hazlewood’s contribution was pivotal, as his 3-wicket haul in Qualifier 1 propelled him to third in the IPL 2025 Purple Cap standings. His consistency throughout the season, with 21 wickets in 11 matches, has made him a cornerstone of RCB’s campaign.
Looking Ahead to the Final
As RCB prepares for the IPL 2025 final, Hazlewood’s form will be a significant asset. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his experience in high-stakes matches, makes him a key player in RCB’s quest for the elusive trophy. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement, hopeful that Hazlewood’s magic will continue to shine on the biggest stage.
Josh Hazlewood’s stellar performance in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against PBKS was a defining moment in RCB’s journey to the final. His 3-wicket haul, marked by precision and tactical brilliance, dismantled PBKS’s batting and set up an easy chase for RCB. His post-match comment about the difficulty of chasing a higher total highlighted his strategic mindset, while his overall contribution underscored his importance to the team. As RCB heads into the final, Hazlewood’s heroics will be remembered as a turning point in their quest for IPL glory.
Also Read: RCB vs PBKS: RCB Give A Reality Check To PBKS & Enter Final