Punjab Kings, RCB Clash in IPL Qualifier 1

Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face each other in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 playoffs at Mullanpur, with both teams vying for their first title and a direct spot in the final. Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer and bolstered by talents like Priyansh Arya, have shown significant improvement this season. RCB have diversified their lineup beyond Virat Kohli, relying on several match-winners and entering the playoffs after a record-breaking run chase. Both teams split their league meetings, and their head-to-head record is nearly equal, making this their first-ever playoff encounter. The winner advances directly to the final, while the loser will have another chance in Qualifier 2 against either Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians. The unpredictable Mullanpur pitch and standout players such as Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, Iyer, and Arya could be decisive for the outcome.