India, May 29 -- Two IPL teams that have been around for the entirety of the tournament's 18-year history, and two that have never managed to win it. It feels like it is about time that one of Punjab Kings or Royal Challengers Bengaluru get their hands on an IPL title - and it can only be one of them. As they prepare to meet at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, for Qualifier 1 to get the IPL playoffs going, here is a look at their journey in this tournament so far, and what can be expected in this marquee matchup.

In truth, sealing the playoffs themselves was fairly routine when it came down to it in a top-heavy year in the IPL. None of the fireworks and drama of RCB's run last year, when they needed to win six in a row. ...