Courtesy: BCCI/IPL/Star Sports
Returning to the playing XI after missing the last few IPL matches due to a minor injury concern, Josh Hazlewood made an emphatic statement with the ball in the latest RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match. The Australian pacer delivered a fiery opening spell, dismantling Punjab Kings' top order with precision and pace. Hazlewood removed key batsmen Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession, both falling to deliveries that nipped just enough to induce fatal errors. Talking particularly about the Shreyas Iyer dismissal, Hazlewood bowled a class delivery, which carried to wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma after Iyer failed to connect an attempted big shot.
Later on, Hazlewood got another similar dismissal of Azmatullah Omarzai while bowling the final over of his spell. His ability to extract bounce and maintain a tight off-stump line left PBKS batters unsettled, and proved why he remains a world-class T20 asset. This spell marked a significant comeback for Hazlewood, who had been sidelined during the last phase of the league stage.
Sir Josh Hazlewood is what RCB missed: Fans react as Hazelwood produces brilliant spell against PBKS in Qualifier 1
Questions had been raised about his match fitness and rhythm, but the veteran pacer silenced all doubts with a clinical display under playoff pressure. Here’s a look at some of the fan reactions to Hazlewood’s amazing spell.
Hazlewood’s heroics coupled with solid performances from other RCB bowlers has helped the team restrict PBKS to just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. They will now look to chase down the target with ease in the second innings.
