Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualified for its fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) final, and its first since 2016, after easing to an eight-wicket victory against Punjab Kings during Qualifier 1 in New Chandigarh on Thursday.

RCB, which lost the IPL 2016 final to Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight runs, reached the summit clash in 2009 and 2011 too, losing to Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings, respectively.

The team headed into the Playoffs riding on a morale-boosting win against Lucknow Super Giants in its last league match. It registered its highest successful run-chase in a dramatic finish with stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma scoring a memorable unbeaten 85.

RCB carried that momentum into Qualifier 1, bundling out Punjab Kings for just 101 in 14.1 overs before overhauling the target in just 10 overs.

While RCB moved a step closer to winning its maiden title, Punjab Kings will have another shot at reaching the final when it takes on either Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians will face off in the Eliminator on Friday in New Chandigarh.

The final will be held on Tuesday (June 3) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.