The Punjab Kings' (PBKS) performance against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 evoked a strong emotional response from the team's co-owner, Preity Zinta, with her reactions quickly going viral. Zinta's expressions mirrored the dramatic shifts in the game, from initial optimism to palpable disappointment, capturing the highs and lows of the high-stakes encounter.

PBKS, who entered the match as the top-ranked team in the league stage, suffered a disastrous start, crumbling under the pressure exerted by RCB's bowlers. The Mullanpur stadium witnessed a shocking batting collapse, with PBKS being bowled out for a paltry 101 runs in just 14.1 overs. This dismal performance marked one of the lowest totals in IPL playoff history and a significant setback for the team's aspirations.

Zinta was initially seen smiling and cheering from the stands, hopeful for her team's success. However, her demeanor rapidly changed as PBKS began losing crucial wickets early in the innings. The collapse began with Priyansh Arya's dismissal, followed by the quick fall of Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis. These early losses sent Zinta's initial cheerfulness spiraling into visible concern and anxiety. Cameras captured her increasingly tense expressions, reflecting the team's struggles on the field.

Fans on social media were quick to notice and share Zinta's emotional journey. Many expressed sympathy and support, with messages like "You deserve a better team, Preity Zinta" and "Feeling sad for Preity Zinta. She deserves one trophy at least" flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These sentiments underscored the strong connection between Zinta and the team's fanbase, who empathized with her disappointment.

RCB's bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, played a pivotal role in dismantling the PBKS batting lineup. Their performance, combined with sharp fielding, put immense pressure on the Punjab Kings. Captain Shreyas Iyer's failure to score significantly further compounded the team's woes, leaving Zinta visibly distraught.

Following their disastrous batting performance, RCB swiftly chased down the target, securing an 8-wicket victory in just 10 overs. This win propelled RCB into the IPL 2025 final, while PBKS faced the daunting task of traveling to Ahmedabad to compete in Qualifier 2.

The viral reactions to Preity Zinta's expressions highlight the intense emotions associated with IPL matches, especially during the playoffs. As a co-owner, Zinta's passion for her team is evident, and her visible disappointment resonated with fans who had hoped for a stronger performance from PBKS. While the defeat was a significant blow, the Punjab Kings still have an opportunity to redeem themselves in Qualifier 2 and keep their trophy hopes alive.