IPL 2025 Final: Phil Salt’s gravity-defying catch turns the tide for RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru found their opening in the IPL 2025 Final thanks to a moment of fielding brilliance from Phil Salt, who took a sensational boundary-line catch to dismiss Priyansh Arya in the final over of the powerplay.

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With Punjab Kings off to a brisk start chasing 191, Arya looked in control, striking four boundaries in a 19-ball 24. But just as he looked to push the tempo, Josh Hazlewood tempted him with a short-of-length delivery aimed at the body. Arya tried to pull it over deep backward square leg — only to find Salt patrolling that very region.

What followed was a masterclass in boundary awareness. Running to his right near the rope, Salt held on to the catch at full pace but realised his momentum would carry him over.

In a split-second decision, he lobbed the ball further to his right, stepped over the rope, re-entered the field of play, and completed the catch with composure and precision.

It was a moment that shifted the energy inside the packed Narendra Modi Stadium, with 90,871 fans witnessing one of the cleanest pieces of fielding in a high-pressure final. Salt, fielding in the deep and not donning the gloves for RCB, showcased elite athleticism and presence of mind. RCB, defending 190/9 in their maiden title bid, needed a spark and Salt delivered just that. At the end of the powerplay, PBKS were 52/1 — still in the chase, but RCB had found their spark thanks to Salt and Hazlewood’s sharp execution.