The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was nothing short of a cricketing rollercoaster. Held at the electric Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, the clash witnessed heartbreak, heroics, and a stunning collapse that took the cricketing world by surprise. With a spot in the final at stake, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) outplayed Punjab Kings (PBKS) in every department, booking their place in the title clash of IPL 2025.
This high-voltage encounter didn’t just make headlines for its cricketing brilliance, but also for the emotional ride that gripped players, fans, and even co-owners like Preity Zinta, whose reactions quickly went viral online.
Preity Zinta is heart broken 💔 #RCBvsPBKS #Qualifier1 pic.twitter.com/1eilMkql9b
— Meme Patakha (@MemePatakha23) May 29, 2025
Source: Meme Patakha
Let’s dive deep into the key highlights, standout performances, and major turning points of this unforgettable playoff match.
Toss and Early Decisions
Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that looked logical given the pressure of chasing in a knockout match. But what followed was an absolute nightmare for the team in red and gold. The decision to bat backfired as RCB’s bowlers struck early and hard, dismantling Punjab’s top and middle order with surgical precision.
Read Also: Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Hasan Ali’s Comeback Steals the Spotlight in First T20I
Punjab Kings Collapse Under Pressure
From the very start, Punjab Kings appeared nervous. RCB’s opening bowlers, Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, set the tone by removing the openers early. The usually reliable Prabhsimran Singh managed just 18 runs, while Priyansh Arya was sent back after scoring 7.
Captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been the backbone of PBKS throughout the season, could only manage 2 runs before edging one behind off Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood, showing all his big-match experience, picked up two key wickets in his opening spell.
It was Suyash Sharma, though, who turned the game decisively in RCB’s favor. The young leg-spinner ripped through Punjab’s middle order with a magical over that saw him grab three wickets — including debutant Musheer Khan, who walked back for a golden duck.
PBKS were bowled out for a dismal 101 runs in just 14.1 overs, making it one of the lowest totals in IPL playoff history. The collapse was so shocking that it left fans stunned and Preity Zinta visibly distressed in the stands.
Key Stats – Punjab Kings Innings
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Dismissed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh | 18 | 14 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| Priyansh Arya | 7 | 10 | Yash Dayal |
| Shreyas Iyer (C) | 2 | 5 | Josh Hazlewood |
| Marcus Stoinis | 26 | 18 | Suyash Sharma |
| Josh Inglis | 4 | 6 | Hazlewood |
| Total | 101 | 14.1 overs | All Out |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Dominate the Chase
Chasing just 102 runs to secure a final berth, RCB took a cautious yet confident approach. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli walked out with purpose, eager to avoid any hiccups on a pitch that was starting to offer some turn. Kohli looked in complete control, while Salt capitalized on the powerplay to keep the pressure on PBKS.
Though RCB lost Salt to Rahul Chahar, the target was never out of reach. Faf du Plessis ensured there were no late surprises, partnering with Kohli to see the team through comfortably.
RCB finished the game in 13.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive 9-wicket victory and sending a strong message ahead of the IPL 2025 Final.
Star Performers of the Match
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Josh Hazlewood – 3 wickets for 21 runs, removing key batsmen at the top.
- Suyash Sharma – A stunning 3-wicket over, including two clean-bowled dismissals.
- Yash Dayal – Opened the bowling with aggression and precision, claiming 2 wickets.
- Virat Kohli – Calm and composed, anchoring the chase with a steady hand.
Punjab Kings
- Marcus Stoinis – The only batter to show some fight, scoring a brisk 26.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – Contributed 18 runs and tried to slow the RCB momentum.
Emotional Reactions: Preity Zinta Goes Viral
Among the most talked-about moments of the match was the emotional reaction of PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta. From hopeful cheers at the toss to stunned disbelief as her team crumbled, her rollercoaster of emotions was captured live and quickly spread across social media.
Fans resonated with her visible heartbreak — a reflection of how much this team means to her. In many ways, her reaction encapsulated the mood of every Punjab Kings supporter watching the collapse unfold.
What This Means for Both Teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Into the IPL 2025 Final with strong momentum.
- Bowling unit firing on all cylinders.
- Kohli, Salt, and Faf looking in fine form.
Punjab Kings
- Will now head to Qualifier 2, facing the winner of the Eliminator.
- Need a major rethink about their top order and game strategy.
- Psychological recovery will be key after such a dramatic collapse.
Final Thoughts
The Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 clash will go down in history as one of the most lopsided playoff encounters in recent memory. While RCB fans celebrated a dominant display, PBKS supporters were left heartbroken by a performance that simply didn’t live up to expectations.
Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and this match was a powerful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the IPL. As RCB look forward to the final, PBKS must regroup, reset, and get ready for one last shot at redemption.
Stay tuned for more updates on the road to the IPL 2025 Final.
