Explained: Why Punjab Kings Have Two Shots at IPL 2025 Final?

Punjab Kings (PBKS) booked their place in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 after defeating Mumbai Indians by seven wickets on Monday. The match was played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. With this win, Punjab Kings finished on top of the points table with 19 points. They have become the first team to confirm a top-two finish this season. It is a special moment for PBKS fans.

This is the first time in 11 years that the team has ended the league stage in the top two. Punjab Kings have shown great improvement this season. Their performance has been strong and consistent. Head coach Ricky Ponting has guided the team well while captain Shreyas Iyer has led from the front. Iyer finished the match against MI with a massive six, sealing the win in style.

PBKS Qualifier 1: Two Shots at IPL Glory

Having secured a top-two spot in the points table, the PBKS Qualifier 1 chances of making it to the final have increased. If they win Qualifier 1, they will directly qualify for the final, to be played on June 3. However, they won't be out of the tournament even if they lose the game. They will have another shot at reaching the final by winning Qualifier 2.

It is the advantage of finishing in the top two in the group stage. The top two teams can have a shot at the final twice, while the teams playing the eliminator won't have such a privilege. The winner of the Eliminator goes to Qualifier 2, where they will face the loser of Qualifier 1. The Indian Premier League playoffs have four matches, and here is the whole scenario:

1. Qualifier 1: Played between the top two teams on the points table.
2. Eliminator: Played between the teams placed third and fourth.
3. Qualifier 2: The loser of Qualifier 1 plays the winner of the Eliminator.
4. Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2.

PBKS Qualifier 1 Chances

The playoff format gives a big reward to teams that perform well in the league stage. Punjab Kings are now in a strong position because of their consistent results. PBKS have shown great form in recent matches. Their batting and bowling units are working together. With players in good form and a tactical leadership group, the PBKS IPL 2025 final chances have increased as well.
Punjab Kings will now prepare for Qualifier 1. The players know what is at stake. Winning that match will take them to the IPL 2025 final. Even if they lose, they will get one more chance in Qualifier 2. That extra opportunity could make all the difference, and it increases Punjab Kings Qualifier 1 chances of winning the game.
For now, Punjab Kings will enjoy this important win. But they also know the job is not done. The real challenge starts in the playoffs. They are just two wins away from lifting their first IPL trophy. They last reached the IPL final more than a decade ago, in 2014. It's not often that they perform so well in the IPL, which makes it a big moment for them. The dream is alive and with form, momentum, PBKS will be a team to watch in the coming days.