The highly-anticipated Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings prediction for the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 brings two of the most entertaining teams head-to-head in a clash that could rewrite their franchise histories. With a final spot at stake, the RCB vs PBKS battle at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh promises high-octane cricket. Both teams have never lifted the IPL trophy despite coming close over the years. As fans eagerly await, today’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings prediction hinges on form, momentum, squad strength, and nerves.
RCB stunned everyone with a 228-run chase in their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants, signaling their confidence and adaptability. Punjab Kings, meanwhile, destroyed Mumbai Indians to seal their top-two finish. Both teams have reshaped their identities in IPL 2025—with RCB displaying composure and PBKS exuding flair.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings prediction leans heavily on individual brilliance—Virat Kohli for RCB and Shreyas Iyer for PBKS are leading from the front. With experienced heads like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Tim David joining RCB at the right time, their playoff push looks strong. Meanwhile, PBKS will rely on their core unit—Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Arshdeep Singh—to deliver in clutch moments.
This match isn’t just about statistics or league standings—it’s about rewriting legacy. The RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1 match could pave the way for a maiden IPL title for one of these long-waiting franchises. Given the balance and late momentum, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings prediction slightly favors RCB to pull through in this blockbuster contest.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | PBKS vs RCB, Qualifier 1, IPL 2025 |
| Date | Thursday, May 29, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Chandigarh |
| Broadcast | JioHotstar, Star Sports Network |
Team Previews
Punjab Kings Preview
Punjab Kings have had one of their most consistent seasons in recent memory, winning 9 out of their 14 league matches. This turnaround can be credited to the leadership duo of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting. Punjab’s batting has flourished with aggressive starts and dependable middle-order performances.
The opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh (499 runs) and Priyansh Arya (424 runs) has been rock solid. They consistently provided aggressive starts, neutralizing opposition pace attacks early. Shreyas Iyer, the captain, has been the backbone, with 514 runs and a strike rate of 172—playing the anchor role masterfully.
Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis have added balance to the middle order. Wadhera has often played cameo roles to boost the scoring rate, while Stoinis has been the finisher, closing games with composed aggression. Inglis, too, has played clutch knocks—his 73 vs Mumbai being a prime example of turning a match single-handedly.
In bowling, Arshdeep Singh has led from the front with 18 wickets. The support cast of Harpreet Brar and Kyle Jamieson has been effective, though Jamieson’s economy remains a concern. Chahal’s expected return could be the game-changer, offering experience and guile in crunch moments.
Punjab’s overall strength lies in their balanced batting depth, with the ability to post or chase big totals. However, inconsistency in the bowling department could hurt them in high-pressure scenarios.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
RCB have exorcised many past demons in IPL 2025. With 10 wins in the group stage, they sealed a top-two spot with a dramatic chase against LSG. Their strength lies in a versatile batting unit, experienced bowling, and impactful all-rounders.
Virat Kohli remains the fulcrum, scoring 602 runs at an average of 60.20. His eight fifties show consistency, while his big-match temperament is a boost heading into the playoffs. Phil Salt provides attacking intent up top, and Rajat Patidar has played an efficient role despite fitness concerns.
Mayank Agarwal and Jitesh Sharma have given RCB the much-needed firepower in the middle overs. Jitesh’s 85* off 33 balls against LSG was a reminder of his match-winning potential. Down the order, Romario Shepherd and Tim David add brutal hitting ability.
Bowling-wise, Josh Hazlewood is a trump card with 18 wickets in just 10 matches. Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings control and experience, while Krunal Pandya is RCB’s utility option. There are concerns over Suyash Sharma and Yash Dayal, who have leaked runs under pressure.
RCB’s X-factor lies in their momentum and bench strength. With key players like Tim David and Hazlewood returning, RCB enter the knockout as slight favourites.
Squads
Punjab Kings Squad: Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yuzvendra Chahal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vishnu Vinod, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Aaron Hardie, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Musheer Khan
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Tim David, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar, Blessing Muzarabani, Abhinandan Singh, Tim Seifert
Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction For Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Jitesh Sharma |
| BAT | Virat Kohli, Prabhsimran Singh, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer |
| ALL-R | Marcus Stoinis, Romario Shepherd |
| BOWL | Josh Hazlewood, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal |
Fantasy Analysis:
- Captain Picks: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
- Vice-Captain Picks: Marcus Stoinis, Josh Hazlewood
- Players to Avoid: Yash Dayal (inconsistent under pressure), Vishnu Vinod (limited opportunities)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB are entering this Qualifier 1 with peak momentum and better team balance. Their top-order is firing, and bowlers like Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar bring calm in pressure games. The addition of finishers like Tim David and Jitesh Sharma make RCB a better-rounded side. Their experience in knockout matches gives them an edge over PBKS.
T20 History – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Ties |
| 273 | 130 | 137 | 6 | 0 |
RCB have played 273 T20 matches with 130 wins. They have reached three finals but are yet to win a title, which keeps their hunger alive in 2025.
T20 History – Punjab Kings
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Ties |
| 251 | 116 | 135 | 0 | 0 |
PBKS have long remained underachievers. With 116 wins in 251 matches, their only finals appearance came in 2014. 2025 presents a rare chance to rewrite history.
RCB vs PBKS – Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | RCB Wins | PBKS Wins | No Result |
| 33 | 16 | 17 | 0 |
The head-to-head battle is tight. PBKS slightly edge RCB with 17 wins to 16, making this encounter even more gripping.
Pitch Report
The Chandigarh pitch has offered a balanced contest in IPL 2025. Expect early seam movement and a flat deck by the second innings. Teams chasing have had a higher win rate here.
| City | Mullanpur | ||
| Country | India | ||
| Matches Played | 9 | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 5 (55.56%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 4 (44.44%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 5 (55.56%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 4 (44.44%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 103 | P Arya (Punjab Kings) | 08/04/2025 v Chennai Super Kings |
| Best Bowling | 4/28 | Y S Chahal (Punjab Kings) | 15/04/2025 v Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Highest Team Innings | 219/6 (Punjab Kings) | 08/04/2025 v Chennai Super Kings | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 95 (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 15/04/2025 v Punjab Kings | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | N/A | ||
| Average Runs per Wicket | 22.55 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 8.58 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 169.89 | ||
Weather Report
Clear skies and no rain forecast. The temperature will hover around 29°C with mild humidity, creating good conditions for batting.
Broadcast Details
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioCinema
RCB vs PBKS Score Prediction
- If RCB bat first: 178+
- If PBKS bat first: 155+
Toss Prediction
Punjab Kings to win the toss and bowl first.
Also Check For More: Indian Premier League Prediction
Match Prediction
Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru will win
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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 Qualifier 1 IPL T20
Q1: Who will win RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1?
Based on form and squad strength, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are favourites.
Q2: What is the pitch report for RCB vs PBKS?
The pitch is good for batting with slight early seam, favoring teams chasing.
Q3: Where to watch RCB vs PBKS live?
Live on Star Sports and JioCinema.
Q4: Who are the top fantasy picks?
Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Hazlewood.
Q5: Which players to avoid in fantasy?
Kyle Jamieson and Yash Dayal.
Q6: What is the head-to-head record between RCB and PBKS?
PBKS lead with 17 wins to RCB’s 16 in 33 matches.
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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