NEW DELHI: Preity Zinta’s cheerful smile quickly faded into visible concern as the Punjab Kings suffered a nightmarish start in their IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The co-owner of PBKS, who was initially spotted smiling and cheering from the stands, looked visibly tense as her team lost four crucial wickets inside the Powerplay — Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis — all falling in rapid succession.
The collapse began with Priyansh Arya’s dismissal. Trying to play a crisp drive off Yash Dayal, Arya ended up hitting the ball straight to Krunal Pandya at cover. It was a simple take, and Dayal gave RCB the early breakthrough they were looking for.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Things got worse for PBKS in the next over. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar outsmarted Prabhsimran Singh, who attempted an aggressive charge down the track. The experienced bowler shortened the length just in time, forcing an edge that wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma safely pouched. With both openers back in the pavilion, Preity Zinta’s concerned expressions were soon caught on camera.
The pressure only mounted when captain Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply to Josh Hazlewood. Attempting a wild slog across the line, Iyer edged the ball to Jitesh Sharma, giving RCB their third wicket inside the first five overs. Hazlewood wasn’t done yet — he returned to dismiss Josh Inglis with a short ball that reared up awkwardly. Inglis's mistimed pull landed straight in the hands of Bhuvneshwar Kumar at long leg.
As the wickets kept tumbling in Mullanpur, Preity Zinta’s stress was palpable. From hopeful excitement to deep anxiety, her changing expressions mirrored the fortunes of her team on the field.
PBKS, who had entered the match as table-toppers, found themselves reeling under pressure, and Zinta’s body language summed up the early drama of this high-stakes encounter.
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