Punjab Kings endured a calamitous batting collapse in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, crumbling under relentless pressure from a dominant Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday. What began as a promising encounter quickly turned into a nightmare for the hosts, as RCB’s disciplined bowling attack ran riot, dismantling Punjab’s batting lineup with clinical precision.

Opting to field first, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar`s decision paid off almost immediately. Punjab Kings never found momentum, collapsing for a meagre 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. The total is now tied for the third-lowest in IPL playoff history, equaling Lucknow Super Giants` 101 in the 2023 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. Only Deccan Chargers` 82 in the 2010 semi-final, also against RCB, and Delhi Daredevils’ (now Capitals) 87 in the 2008 semi-final stand below it.

From the outset, Punjab’s batters appeared overwhelmed by the occasion and the accuracy of RCB’s attack. The top order disintegrated within the powerplay, with Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and skipper Shreyas Iyer all falling cheaply. Iyer, the team’s leading run-scorer this season, once again failed to overcome his Mullanpur woes, departing for just two after edging a rising delivery from his long-time nemesis Josh Hazlewood to the keeper.