Punjab Kings could only defend 101 in IPL Qualifier 1. They required a bowling performance reminiscent of that against Kolkata Knight Riders when they were defending a score of 111 on the same ground. Phil Salt had other plans. The English opener, whose playoff participation was in doubt due to the birth of his child, entertained everyone with a blistering IPL half-century coming off just 23 balls in his attempt to earn a place in IPL 2025 finals. He scored an unbeaten 56 and RCB chased down 101 in 10 overs. Salt did encounter early, minor bumps in the road with Azmatullah Omarzai and Kyle Jamieson, but he quickly settled in. Every time a bowler tried to put him off, he answered with savage hitting. His first boundary came off a top-edge from Arshdeep Singh and he followed up with a big six pulled away. Omarzai in the fifth over nearly had him beat when he strayed him just outside off stump, but Salt then hit an authoritative shot after neacwas off strike. In the final over of the powerplay, he dominated against Jamieson, knocking two boundaries and hitting a six to leave RCB in total control. Phil’s Assault! 🔥🙌🏻A fiery start to the chase as #RCB come out all guns blazing, eyeing that FINAL berth in style! 😎LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/B4bnHnppgJ #IPLPlayoffs | #Qualifier1 👉 #PBKSvRCB on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar!#RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/o0Tmns36oX — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 29, 2025 Post match Salt said: “Great feeling right now, the ball did move a bit. I think that was not the worst wicket to have played on this season. I said before the game to Andy (Flower) that it was a blessing in disguise for us. This win gives us the momentum. It is a cliche but true, that’s what you want at the backend of the tournament. Want to hit your straps and play a part with the bat or ball.” Phil Salt knew he had walked into the game with scores of 4 and 1 against Punjab Kings in their prior two fixtures. Of additional concern were his previous woes against Arshdeep Singh who dismissed him twice in 50 deliveries in T20s, ODIs and the IPL overall. But Salt turned the tables on Wednesday hitting a four and a six off Arshdeep, and looked in full control throughout. Phil Salt added: “The idea was not to get out to Arshdeep, we played two group games and he’s found different ways to get me out. So, I was just trying to react to the ball.” Also Read | Who are the batters to have been retired out in the history of IPL? Check full list here Salt has been explosive at the top of the order for RCB this season, with Virat Kohli playing the anchor role from the other end. With 387 runs in 12 games already, Salt is approaching his IPL career best. He scored 435 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders in 12 matches last season. Now, he is heading into his second consecutive IPL final. Opposition Runs Balls 4s 6s SR Venue vs KKR 56 31 9 2 180.64 Eden Gardens vs CSK 32 16 5 1 200 Chennai vs GT 14 13 1 1 107.69 Bengaluru vs MI 4 2 1 0 200 Wankhede vs DC 37 17 4 3 217.64 Bengaluru vs RR 65 33 5 6 196.96 Jaipur vs PBKS 4 4 1 0 100 Bengaluru vs PBKS 1 3 0 0 33.33 Mullanpur vs RR 26 23 4 0 113.04 Bengaluru vs SRH 62 32 4 5 193.75 Lucknow vs LSG 30 19 6 0 157.89 Lucknow vs PBKS 56* 27 6 3 207.4 Mullanpur