IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings Set to Clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore

Exciting Showdown in IPL 2025

In the upcoming Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

PBKS has had a remarkable season under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, finishing at the top of the standings with 9 wins out of 14 matches. RCB matched their performance, also securing 9 victories from their 14 games.

Neither team has yet claimed the IPL trophy, making this match a crucial opportunity for both PBKS and RCB to inch closer to their first title. RCB has reached the finals three times, while PBKS, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, made it to the final once in 2014 but lost to KKR. The winner of this Qualifier will advance directly to the final, and both teams are eager to secure that spot.

Contingency Plans for Rain

Both teams are hoping for clear skies on match day, with rain forecasts indicating a low chance of precipitation in Chandigarh on May 29. However, if heavy rain leads to the match being called off, it would be a setback for RCB, as PBKS finished higher on the points table.

There is no reserve day for Qualifier 1, meaning if the match is abandoned due to rain, PBKS will automatically advance to the final.

Eliminator Match: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians

In another playoff matchup, Gujarat Titans (GT) will face Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 30, 2025, at the same venue.

GT had a strong presence at the top of the table throughout the season but fell short of securing the second position due to a lower run rate. Their recent losses to CSK and LSG hindered their chances, and they will be without star player Jos Buttler for the playoffs.

MI had a mixed season, starting slowly but gaining momentum in the latter half to qualify for the playoffs. The winner of the Eliminator between GT and MI will meet the loser of the PBKS vs RCB match in Qualifier 2.