The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings in the first qualifier of the 2025 Indian Premier League. One of these teams will make history by reaching the final for the first time. Punjab hasn’t made it to the final since 2014, while RCB last appeared in a title clash in 2016.
Let’s dive into the numbers. The two teams have faced off 35 times, with Punjab edging out RCB 18-17. This season, they’ve each won one game against the other. In their last five meetings, RCB has taken four wins. The only match played at the Mullapur stadium between the two teams saw RCB emerge victorious.
Playoff Records
RCB has a mixed record in playoffs, with 5 wins and 10 losses in 15 games. Punjab, on the other hand, has played only 4 playoff matches, losing 3 of them. Based on these stats, RCB looks poised to make it to the final directly.
Team Performance
Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and coaching of Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings have shown fearless cricket. Iyer has a knack for leading teams to finals, having done so with Delhi Capitals in 2020 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. RCB boasts in-form players, including
- Jitesh Sharma, who smashed 85 runs in just 33 balls in the previous match
- Josh Hazlewood, who might return to the team after taking 18 wickets in the tournament
- Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have taken 15 and 14 wickets respectively, making them RCB’s ‘silent heroes’
It’s going to be an exciting clash, with both teams hungry for a win. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.