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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)<\/strong> stormed into the Indian Premier League (IPL) final for the first time in nine years, crushing Punjab Kings (PBKS)<\/strong> by eight wickets in a lopsided Qualifier 1 clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.<\/p>\n The emphatic victory was marked not only by RCB\u2019s clinical performance but also by a heartwarming moment as star batter Virat Kohli<\/strong><\/a> signalled \u201cone more\u201d to his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma<\/strong>, in the stands, igniting widespread excitement among fans.<\/p>\n RCB\u2019s bowlers set the tone after skipper Rajat Patidar opted to field first. Punjab Kings, table-toppers in the league stage, faltered from the outset. RCB\u2019s pace duo, Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, tore through the PBKS lineup, each claiming three wickets. PBKS were bundled out for a paltry 101 in just 14.1 overs<\/strong><\/a>, the joint third-lowest total in IPL playoff history.<\/p>\n Marcus Stoinis top-scored for Punjab with 26, but reckless shots and relentless RCB bowling left the home side reeling. Hazlewood, Suyash and Yash Dayal shared the spoils as wickets tumbled at regular intervals, keeping PBKS under constant pressure.<\/p>\n Chasing a modest target of 102, RCB lost Kohli early for 12 and Mayank Agarwal for 19, but opener Phil Salt was in a punishing mood. Salt smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, peppering the boundary with six fours and three sixes at a strike rate over 200. He was ably supported by Patidar (15*), as RCB raced to 106\/2 in just 10 overs, sealing their place in the final with a record margin of 60 balls remaining\u2014the largest in IPL playoff history.<\/p>\n Also READ: Top 5 fastest players to 1000 IPL runs in terms of balls ft. Phil Salt<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Though Kohli\u2019s contribution with the bat was brief, he was a live-wire on the field, actively setting fields and motivating bowlers. After the win, as RCB players celebrated near the dugout, Kohli turned to the stands, where Anushka\u00a0 was cheering, and signalled \u201cone more to go\u201d\u2014a clear message that RCB now stand just one win away from their elusive maiden IPL title.<\/p>\n Virat Kohli saying to Anushka Sharma that we are one more win away from IPL Trophy \ud83c\udfc6 pic.twitter.com\/Hhl5AfxOAU<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) May 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Anushka\u2019s beaming reaction captured the emotion of the moment, quickly going viral on social media.<\/p>\n Virat Kohli saying “ONE MORE” to anushka sharma \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude0d #RCBvsPBKS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/smHQeDI68a<\/a><\/p>\nRCB\u2019s dominance against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Virat Kohli\u2019s emotional gesture after RCB reaches IPL 2025 final<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Here\u2019s the video:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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