Punjab Kings face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the eagerly awaited IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, where both teams will compete for a straight spot in the final.
The confidence levels are high in both teams, as RCB triumphed over LSG while PBKS overcame MI to secure their spots in Qualifier 1 – they also possess the advantage of a safety net by competing in Qualifier 2 even if they do not win this match in Mullanpur.
RCB’s prolific English opener Phil Salt contemplated the chance for triumph that Qualifier 1 offers the team following a successful season thus far.
“Yes, it is nice to get to this stage of the competition, regardless of which team you are playing for. As a player, it is where you want to be. Big games, big moments. You want to put a stamp on those. As a player, it is unbelievably exciting,” Salt told broadcasters.
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This is RCB’s first finish in the top two since 2016. PBKS have reached the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons. Both teams are looking for their first IPL title. The team which loses this match will get another opportunity to reach the final. Both teams concluded the league phase with identical points, with PBKS finishing ahead due to better net run rate.
Pitch Report
This pitch has been used on two prior occasions. In the night match, over 200 were scored while in the afternoon game, over 150 were scored. The field has ample grass, which facilitates the batters’ performance. However, at one end, there are some arid spots that could benefit the spinners.
Playing XIs
RCB: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
PBKS: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson
