IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 PBKS vs RCB: Evenly matched Punjab Kings and RCB fight for ticket to finale

By our Special Correspondent

Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, in Mullanpur, will be a clash of two teams that share a past and the present. To begin with, both Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are searching for their maiden IPL title. In fact, this is the first time since 2014 that PBKS have made it to the playoffs. They had topped the league stage then also, before losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. While RCB have been a regular in the playoffs in the past few years, the last time they finished in the top two was in 2016. Just like PBKS in 2014, they went on to lose the final, to Sunrisers Hyderabad.