Punjab Kings is on a mission to reach the finals, but their path just got a little tougher. After losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore in Qualifier 1, they now need to win Qualifier 2 to make it to the championship game. This crucial match is set for June 1, where they’ll face the winner of the Eliminator match. Today, Gujarat Titans will take on Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.
Let’s break down the playoff format. The top four teams after the league stage move on to the playoffs. The top two teams play in Qualifier 1, while the third and fourth teams face off in the Eliminator. The winner of Qualifier 1 heads straight to the finals, while the loser gets another chance in Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator winner.
Historically, 11 teams have made it to the finals after losing in Qualifier 1. Here are the teams that achieved this feat:
- 2024: SRH
- 2023: GT
- 2022: RR
- 2020: DC
- 2019: MI
- 2018: SRH
- 2017: MI
- 2015: CSK
- 2014: PBKS
- 2013: MI
- 2011: RCB
However, only two teams have gone on to win the championship after losing in Qualifier 1. Mumbai Indians is the only team to have achieved this twice:
- They beat RPS in the final.
- They beat CSK in the final.
Now, the question is: can Punjab Kings become the 12th team to make it to the finals after losing in Qualifier 1? They’ll need to win Qualifier 2 on June 1, where they’ll face the winner of today’s Eliminator match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. The stage is set for an exciting showdown!