Punjab Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on Thursday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. This match is crucial for both teams as they fight for a place in the IPL final. However, if the game is called off due to rain or any other reason, Punjab Kings will advance directly to the final because there is no reserve day for Qualifier 1.
Both Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished the league stage with 8 wins each from 14 games, earning 19 points. Punjab holds the advantage because of their better net run rate of 0.372, compared to RCB’s 0.301. This difference in net run rate means that if the match cannot be completed, Punjab Kings will move forward in the tournament.
Punjab Kings have reached the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. Their top position in the league was secured by a win over Mumbai Indians in their final league match. Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya both played important innings, scoring fifties that helped Punjab chase 185 runs comfortably in just 18.3 overs. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has been a key factor in Punjab’s successful season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru earned their spot in Qualifier 1 after an exciting six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma scored an unbeaten 85 runs to help RCB win and keep their hopes alive for the IPL title. RCB will be looking to reach their fourth IPL final, the first since 2016.
The winner of Qualifier 1 will advance to the IPL 2025 final. A Punjab Kings victory would mark their second final appearance since 2014, while a win for RCB would bring them closer to a maiden IPL title in their fourth final.
If the match is washed out or cannot be finished, Punjab Kings will progress due to their superior net run rate and league standing. This rule makes the league phase results very important, especially in rain-affected matches.
