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The highly anticipated Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to take place on May 29, featuring a blockbuster clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). As the stakes reach their peak, both teams are just one win away from securing a place in the final. The winner of this encounter will seal a direct ticket to the summit clash, while the losing side will still have a second opportunity to reach the final through Qualifier 2. With both franchises having enjoyed dominant seasons, this contest promises intensity, drama, and high-quality cricket, as they battle for supremacy and a long-awaited IPL title.
A shot at the IPL 2025 final for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB are coming into this clash riding a wave of momentum and confidence. Led by stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma, RCB finished second on the points table with nine wins and one abandoned match, underlining their consistency and ability to adapt across conditions.
One of the most notable achievements of RCB this season is becoming the first team in IPL history to win all of their away games, a remarkable feat that speaks to their discipline and composure. Their last league-stage game saw them defeat Lucknow Super Giants in a must-win match, further affirming their mental strength under pressure. This marks RCB’s 10th appearance in the IPL Playoffs, and notably, their third outing in a Qualifier match, with previous ones in 2011 and 2016. Despite reaching the final three times, they are still in pursuit of their first IPL trophy. With form, belief, and a talented squad in their favour, RCB will look to break their title drought and take a giant step forward with a win in this critical clash.
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IPL 2025: Here’s how RCB fared in Qualifier 1 so far
1. IPL 2011: Qualifier 1 vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Date: May 24, 2011
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
RCB entered the playoffs in 2011 as the top-ranked team in the league stage, largely due to the explosive form of Chris Gayle, who was the Orange Cap winner that season. In Qualifier 1, they faced Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions. Batting first, RCB posted 175/4 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli starred with a powerful unbeaten 70 off 44 balls, smashing five boundaries and three sixes. Despite the solid total, RCB’s bowling couldn’t withstand CSK’s chase.
Chennai were in trouble early at 7/2, but a stunning counter-attack from Suresh Raina, who scored a blazing 73 off 50 balls, turned the match around. His knock, filled with clean strikes and fearless batting under pressure, guided CSK to victory with 2 balls and 6 wickets to spare. Though RCB lost this match, they had a second chance to reach the final via Qualifier 2, which they won against Mumbai Indians. However, their dream ended in the final, where they lost once again to CSK.
2. IPL 2016: Qualifier 1 vs Gujarat Lions
- Date: May 24, 2016
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
In the 2016 season, RCB had a phenomenal run in the latter half of the league stage, winning 6 of their last 7 matches to finish second on the points table. They hosted Gujarat Lions at home in Qualifier 1. Bowling first, RCB bundled out Gujarat for 158 in 20 overs, with Shane Watson taking 4 wickets and a disciplined bowling show restricting the opposition. However, RCB’s chase began disastrously, collapsing to 29/5 inside the Powerplay.
Just when the match seemed lost, AB de Villiers played one of the greatest playoff innings in IPL history. He scored a masterful 79 off 47 balls not out, anchoring the innings with support from Iqbal Abdulla, who contributed an important 33 off 25 not out. Their unbeaten partnership of 91 runs not only saved RCB but secured a dramatic 4-wicket win with 10 balls to spare. With this heroic win, RCB entered the IPL final for the third time. Unfortunately, despite being favorites, they lost the final to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 runs.
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