New Delhi: All roads lead to Ahmedabad as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off in one of the most highly anticipated finals in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The 2025 edition of the world’s most popular T20 league will witness a first-time winner with both teams eyeing their maiden IPL crown.
The battle of the Reds is expected to be a fiercely fought contest between two sides, which finished at the top of the standings after the conclusion of the league stage. While Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS entered the playoffs as table toppers, Rajat Patidar’s RCB were not far behind in second place.
The two best sides in the tournament recently met in Qualifier 1, which turned out to be a drab affair as the Challengers crushed the Kings by eight wickets to enter their first final since 2016. RCB bowlers produced a superb display last week in Mullanpur to dismantle the power-packed Punjab batting line-up, making Thursday’s clash one of the most lopsided affairs in IPL playoffs’ history.
Can PBKS’ batting line-up avoid the Mullanpur mishap?
However, the same batting line-up that fell like a pack of cards against the Challengers, clicked on Sunday in Qualifier 2 and chased down a mammoth 204-run target against five-time champions Mumbai Indians with six balls to spare.
Iyer led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 41-run ball 87-run knock to send the Kings to their second IPL final and first since 2014.
RCB’s talisman Virat Kohli has proved yet again why he is called the “King”. Eyeing his first IPL title since making his debut in the inaugural edition in 2008, Kohli, unsurprisingly, has been Bengaluru’s most prolific batter with 614 runs in 14 innings at a sensational average of 55.81. Getting him out early will be the top priority for the Kings.
Head-to-head: The battle of the equals
There is very little to separate the two teams this season, as well as in the history of the IPL. Both teams registered nine wins each in 14 matches, accumulating 19 points apiece. In the three matches this season, RCB have won two while PBKS have emerged victorious on one occasion.
In the overall head-to-head record, the two teams are again evenly matched, winning 18 matches each out of their 36 total meetings.
IPL 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vs Punjab Kings Match stats: The IPL 2025 final pits Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad. RCB, after a dominant Qualifier 1 win, face a resurgent PBKS team that triumphed impressively in Qualifier 2. Both teams boast impressive records and a near-even head-to-head history, setting the stage for a thrilling final. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
