Punjab Kings seal IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 spot, courtesy of Priyansh Arya & Josh Inglis

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have sealed one of the two Qualifier 1 berths in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Although Shreyas Iyer and co. had qualified for the playoffs, finishing in the top two would mean that PBKS would have two cracks at making the IPL 2025 Final and have a better chance at lifting their maiden trophy.

Arshdeep Singh & Marco Jansen shine

Bowling first, Punjab managed to restrict the Mumbai Indians (MI) to 184. They were great with the new ball. Marco Jansen got the sole wicket in the powerplay but the run rate always remained in Punjab’s control. With Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir in the middle, Mumbai targeted posting 200 on board.

The duo had scored over 50 runs in the last 2 overs against Delhi Capitals and they looked to do something similar again. But Jansen and Arshdeep Singh kept things tight. The total still seemed good enough. It wasn’t that easy to get going in the middle. And Mumbai had Jasprit Bumrah as their trump card.

Priyansh Arya & Josh Inglis ace the chase

Prabhsimran Singh couldn’t get going and Punjab was 35/1 after 5 overs. By their standards, it was a slow start. But Priyansh Arya was hitting it well. Josh Inglis joined the southpaw opener. The Australian wicket-keeper was scoring quick 30s almost every match.

But today, Inglis decided to one-up himself. He managed to get his highest-ever IPL score, 73. Priyansh played incredibly well. He assumed the role of second fiddle as Inglis was in full flow and only targeted bowlers against whom he had a preferable matchup. He too scored a fifty. And then Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera finished the game in the 19th over.

PBKS have reached the IPL Playoffs just twice. And their record isn’t that flattering. But they are looking like an entirely different team. Batting, bowling, and fielding—everything seems to be coming together perfectly for them. The 11-year drought may just result in something special come June 3.

IPL Playoffs record: PBKS