Shepherd one step away from IPL glory - RCB crush Punjab Kings to reach final

NEW CHANDIGARH, India:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd, stormed into their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final since 2016 with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on Thursday.

The Kings crumbled to 101 all out in just 14.1 overs, with RCB's bowlers running riot. Spinner Suyash Sharma and seamer Josh Hazlewood starred with three wickets each, dismantling the Kings' line-up early.

After losing four wickets in the powerplay with just 38 runs on the board, the Kings never recovered and stumbled over the 100-run mark, with only Marcus Stoinis, with 26, offering brief resistance.

Shepherd sent down just one over, which went for just five runs, as he claimed the wicket of number nine batter Harpreet Brar, who was bowled for four.

In reply, opener Phil Salt smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, including six fours and three sixes, to guide his side home in a mere 10 overs.

Rajat Patidar sealed the emphatic win with a six off the final ball, securing RCB's place in Tuesday's final, the biggest victory by balls remaining in IPL playoff history.

Kings, who topped the league stage, now face a must-win eliminator against the winners of Friday's clash between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, for a shot at the title.

- CMC