Get ready for another thrilling contest in IPL 2025 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings prediction heats up. The 34th T20 match of the season is scheduled for Friday, 18th April 2025, at the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With both teams in intense form and fighting for a top-four spot, this clash promises fireworks. Cricketwebs provides 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match — read on for full insights.
Match Details: RCB vs PBKS – 34th Match IPL 2025
| Match | RCB vs PBKS, 34th Match, IPL 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, April 18, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioCinema (Digital) |
Team Previews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
RCB are on a roll this season under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, showing discipline, consistency, and composure. They’re coming off a massive 9-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals. The top order looks fearsome with Virat Kohli and Philip Salt in blazing form. Salt has played aggressively in the powerplay, taking the pressure off Kohli, who plays the anchor role.
The middle order boasts Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma — a mix of solidity and explosiveness. The presence of Tim David and Krunal Pandya gives this unit a threatening depth.
On the bowling front, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal have picked early wickets consistently. Josh Hazlewood’s control and Krunal Pandya’s economy have made them tough to score against in the middle overs. Suyash Sharma, a rising talent, has added a new dimension with his wrist spin.
If RCB continues to dominate with both bat and ball, they’ll be hard to stop, especially at Chinnaswamy.
Punjab Kings Preview
Despite an up-and-down campaign, Punjab Kings come into this match with belief after a stunning 16-run win over KKR, mainly due to a spectacular bowling performance. However, their batting needs a serious reboot.
Priyansh Arya has emerged as their top performer with the bat. He’ll need to give a solid start alongside Prabhsimran Singh. The middle order, with Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Nehal Wadhera, looks capable but hasn’t clicked consistently.
Finishing duties rest with Maxwell, Shedge, and Marco Jansen, all of whom can clear the ropes. Their bowling, though, is the stronger suit. Yuzvendra Chahal spun a web around KKR in the last game, and alongside Arshdeep Singh, they’ve formed a reliable partnership. Jansen and Xavier Bartlett have impressed with the new ball.
PBKS have talent, but if the top order fails again, it could be tough against RCB’s attack in their home fortress.
RCB vs PBKS Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Philip Salt (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Rasikh Dar, Mohit Rathee
Punjab Kings Squad:
Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Suryansh Shedge, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kuldeep Sen, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak
Probable Playing XI
RCB Playing XI:
- Philip Salt (wk)
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Suyash Sharma
PBKS Playing XI:
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Glenn Maxwell
- Suryansh Shedge
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Xavier Bartlett
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction For Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
| Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Salt (C) | RCB | Wicketkeeper |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batsman |
| Devdutt Padikkal | RCB | Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batsman |
| Priyansh Arya | PBKS | Batsman |
| Liam Livingstone | RCB | All-rounder |
| Glenn Maxwell | PBKS | All-rounder |
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | All-rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler |
| Yuzvendra Chahal (VC) | PBKS | Bowler |
Fantasy Analysis:
- Captain Pick: Philip Salt – explosive starts, wicketkeeping points
- Vice-Captain Pick: Yuzvendra Chahal – top form and a threat in middle overs
- Players to Avoid: Josh Inglis (form concerns), Harpreet Brar (less impact this season)
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are favourites due to their consistent performances, explosive batting at the top, and strong record at Chinnaswamy. Their balance of youth and experience makes them a formidable side, especially on home turf.
RCB T20 Stats & History
RCB have shown flashes of brilliance over the years but are still chasing their maiden IPL title.
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 273 | 130 | 137 | 6 |
PBKS T20 Stats & History
Punjab Kings have been one of the more inconsistent franchises in IPL history but always dangerous on their day.
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 251 | 116 | 135 | 0 |
RCB vs PBKS Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | RCB Wins | PBKS Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 16 | 17 | 0 |
Though PBKS have a slender lead in overall record, RCB dominate at home.
Pitch Report – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- A batting paradise with short boundaries
- Bowlers need variations to survive
- Expect scores around 180+ if the top order clicks
Weather Report
- Clear skies, no rain threat
- Temperature: 26–29°C
- Humidity: 55–60%
Score Prediction
- If RCB Bat First: 168+
- If PBKS Bat First: 155+
Toss Prediction
Punjab Kings to win the toss and opt to bowl first.
Match Prediction
Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Will Win
RCB’s home advantage, settled combination, and current form give them a strong edge over PBKS.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – RCB vs PBKS 34th IPL T20
Q1. What is the date of the RCB vs PBKS match?
A: Friday, April 18, 2025
Q2. Where is the match being played?
A: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Q3. Who is the favourite to win today’s match?
A: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Q4. Who are the top fantasy picks for today?
A: Philip Salt, Yuzvendra Chahal, Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone
Q5. What is the expected score on this pitch?
A: A par score would be around 175+ at Chinnaswamy.
Q6. Which team has the better head-to-head record?
A: Punjab Kings lead 17-16 in 33 matches.
Match Summary
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings 34th T20 IPL 2025 clash promises high-octane action at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB enter the match in dominant form, riding on a balanced squad and a recent thumping win over Rajasthan Royals. Their top-order, led by Philip Salt and Virat Kohli, looks deadly, while their bowling is holding firm. Punjab Kings, despite a heroic bowling effort in the last match, need their batting to step up, especially against RCB’s home advantage. With Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer needing to anchor the innings, PBKS will hope for a complete performance. RCB, however, have momentum and crowd support on their side. Our prediction? RCB to clinch a thrilling contest.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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