Phil Salt's Sensational Catch Turns the Tide in RCB's Six-Run Win

Phil Salt's incredible catch of Priyansh Arya at the deep backward square leg fence may have been the turning point in RCB's six-run win over PBKS in the IPL final.

Arya's Blazing Start

Priyansh Arya had given Punjab a blazing start in their chase of 191, racing to 24 with four confident boundaries before Salt produced a moment of brilliance.

Salt's Stellar Pouch

Salt caught the ball on the run and tossed it up as he crossed the fence, completing a stellar pouch. "Sometimes, these 20 over games can be decided by a piece of brilliance like that," said Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings.

Arya's Impact

Arya was one of the batting mainstays of the Punjab team, having amassed 475 runs at a strike rate of 172.69. He had given their chase initial impetus with a flurry of boundaries in the first two overs.

Salt's Brilliance

"That was an outstanding catch," said Andy Flower, the head coach of RCB. "I thought it was a perfect example of someone holding his nerve under pressure. It took a while to get to him. He knew that he was moving towards the boundary. And to stay that calm under that sort of pressure in a final to get our first wicket was an amazing piece of fielding from him and also just holding his nerve."

Salt's Return to India

Salt had gone home and returned to India early hours of Tuesday to take part in the IPL final. Besides, Salt is primarily a wicketkeeper and for him to judge the catch so well was incredible.

RCB's First-Ever IPL Title

Punjab Kings eventually made 184 for 7, giving RCB their first-ever IPL title in 18 years and four attempts.