The IPL 2025 playoffs kicked off with a high-octane clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 at the Mullanpur Stadium. RCB, riding on a sensational winning streak, continued their dominance and sealed a thumping 9-wicket victory to book a direct spot in the IPL 2025 final.
Match Summary: PBKS vs RCB – IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
- Date: May 29, 2025
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
- Result: RCB won by 9 wickets
- Toss: RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first
Punjab Kings Innings: All Out for 101
Punjab Kings had a forgettable outing with the bat. They collapsed under pressure, posting just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. RCB’s bowlers were in fiery form:
Top Batters:
- Shashank Singh: 27 (21)
- Sam Curran (Captain): 22 (17)
RCB Bowling Highlights:
- Suyash Sharma: 4-0-18-3 (Player of the Match)
- Josh Hazlewood: 3-0-17-2
- Yash Dayal: 2-0-9-2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings: Chase Sealed with Style
Chasing a target of 102, RCB made it look effortless. They reached 103/1 in just 11.2 overs, with Phil Salt and Mayank Agarwal steering the chase.
Top Scorers:
- Phil Salt: 48* (31)
- Mayank Agarwal: 39* (23)
Head-to-Head in IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB
The two teams faced off three times this season:
| Match | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Match 34 | PBKS | Won by 5 wickets |
| Match 37 | RCB | Won by 7 wickets |
| Qualifier 1 | RCB | Won by 9 wickets |
RCB leads the 2025 head-to-head with 2 wins to PBKS’s 1.
Top Performers of IPL 2025 – Season Overview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli: 602 runs in the season. A consistent pillar at the top of the order.
- Josh Hazlewood: 18 wickets – spearheaded the pace attack.
- Suyash Sharma: Match-winner today and a surprise package throughout the season.
Punjab Kings
- Shashank Singh: Most reliable middle-order batter for PBKS.
- Prabhsimran Singh: Provided attacking starts, particularly in league-stage wins.
- Sam Curran: All-rounder and stand-in captain, though struggled under pressure in knockouts.
Current IPL 2025 Scenario
- RCB are through to the Final.
- PBKS will now play in Qualifier 2 for a second shot at the title match.
Punjab Kings vs RCB: All-Time IPL Head-to-Head
| Team | Wins (All Seasons) |
|---|---|
| PBKS | 17 wins |
| RCB | 17 wins |
This win levels their all-time rivalry at 17-17 — making it one of the most evenly matched rivalries in IPL history.
Current IPL 2025 Scenario
- RCB are through to the Final.
- PBKS will now play in Qualifier 2 for a second shot at the title match.
RCB’s comeback is already being talked about as one of the most dramatic in IPL history. From being outside the top four to charging into the final, they’ve rewritten their narrative.
In Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, RCB’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance. Suyash Sharma was the star, taking 3 wickets for just 18 runs in 4 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal picked up 2 wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj and Karn Sharma chipped in with one apiece. For PBKS, Shashank Singh top-scored with 27 off 21, while Sam Curran managed 22. The rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure. During the chase, RCB’s Phil Salt smashed an unbeaten 48 off 31 balls, well supported by Mayank Agarwal’s 39*. Virat Kohli was dismissed early for 10 but wasn’t needed further.
Final Thoughts
RCB’s form in the latter half of the season has been nothing short of remarkable. From nearly being eliminated to reaching the IPL 2025 final, this comeback has been one of the most memorable in IPL history. As fans eagerly wait for the title clash, RCB look like a team on a mission.
Punjab Kings, though impressive through the league stage, will need to regroup quickly and come back stronger in Qualifier 2.
Want updates on the IPL 2025 Final? Bookmark this blog and stay tuned!
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