After fueling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their first IPL final since 2016 with an unbeaten of 56 out of 27 balls, Phil Salt offered a frank and post-match reflection. His whirlwind stroke helped RCB to cruise in front of the modest total of 101 points from the Kings of Punjab in just 10 overs, guaranteeing a categorical victory at eight counters in the qualifier 1 in Mullanpur.
Salt, who broke six four and three on a surface where no other striker seemed to control, revealed a secondary personal intrigue which led its calculated aggression. “Do not go out to Arshdeep-it was the only thing in my mind,” he said with a smile. “We played two group games with PBKS and he brought me out in different ways. Today, it was simply a question of reacting to the ball.”
While many considered RCB’s travel calendar as a disadvantage, salt framed it differently. “I said to Andy (Fleur) before the match, maybe the trips and breaks were a disguised blessing. This victory gives us momentum. It’s a cliché, but that’s what you want at the back of a tournament.”Quiz: Who is this IPL player? The Punjab Kings, making its first appearance in the playoffs since 2014, underwent a brutal collapse after choosing to beat. Their 101 all-out in just 14.1 Overs, which is their lowest total in an IPL qualifying series and was orchestrated by the relentless Bowling unit of RCB. Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Yash Dayal (2/26) were fatal with the ball. In response, Salt’s assault was skillfully supported by Rajat Patidar (15 *) while RCB wrapped the pursuit with 60 balls to lose, setting up a confrontation in Ahmedabad on June 3.