The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs begin with a blockbuster Qualifier 1 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a high-stakes encounter. This PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction analyzes both teams’ road to the playoffs, key strengths, and potential game-changers for this crucial knockout match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.
Match Overview: PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (Qualifier 1)
- Date: May 29, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
- Broadcast: JioHotstar & Star Sports Network
PBKS vs RCB Win Prediction: Road to Qualifier 1
The PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction reveals two teams that peaked at the right time. PBKS finished top of the table with 9 wins, while RCB secured 9 victories with a superior net run rate.
PBKS vs RCB Win Prediction:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): 55%
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): 45%
PBKS’s balanced attack and home advantage give them an edge, but RCB’s star power makes them dangerous in knockouts.
Weather and Pitch Report for PBKS vs RCB
Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: 26-34°C (Cool evening expected)
- Humidity: 40-60%
- Wind Speed: 12-18 km/h
- Rain Probability: <5% (Reserve day available)
Pitch Behavior:
- Powerplay: 55-65 runs expected
- Middle Overs: Spinners get grip
- Death Overs: True bounce helps big hits
- Par Score: 185-195 (Chasing preferred)
PBKS vs RCB Predicted Playing XI
Punjab Kings : PBKS Predicted Playing XI:
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Josh Inglis (WK)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Harpreet Brar
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Arshdeep Singh
- Marco Jansen
- Lockie Ferguson
PBKS Impact Players:
- Aaron Hardie
- Vishnu Vinod
- Yash Thakur
Royal Challengers Bangalore : RCB Predicted Playing XI:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt (WK)
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Liam Livingstone
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Rasikh Salam
RCB Impact Players:
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Nuwan Thushara
- Lungi Ngidi
Key Factors in PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1
PBKS’s Playoff Strengths:
- Powerplay Dominance: Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis averages 58 in first 6 overs
- Middle-Over Control: Chahar’s economy of 6.8 between overs 7-15
- Death Bowling: Arshdeep have taken 32 wickets in last 5 overs
RCB’s X-Factors:
- Kohli’s Form: 602 runs this season at 147 SR
- Phil Salt Impact: 331 runs
- Hazlewood’s Accuracy: Powerplay economy of 5.9
Head-to-Head Record: PBKS vs RCB
| Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result |
| RCB | 35 | 17 | 18 | 0 |
| PBKS | 35 | 18 | 17 | 0 |
Key Player Battles That Could Decide Qualifier 1
1. Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen
Why It Matters:
- Kohli has dominated left-arm pace in 2025 (Avg. 72, SR 148)
- Jansen dismissed him twice this season with angled deliveries
Key Stat: Kohli scores at 170 SR against Jansen in death overs
2. Glenn Maxwell vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Why It Matters:
- Maxwell’s strike rate drops to 112 against Chahal in IPL
- Chahal has dismissed him 5 times in T20s
Tactical Note: PBKS may hold Chahal back for Maxwell’s entry
3. Phil Salt vs Arshdeep Singh
Why It Matters:
- Salt attacks 85% of powerplay balls (SR 165)
- Arshdeep’s swing has removed him twice in 2025
Powerplay Battle: First 3 overs could set RCB’s tempo
Tactical Insights for PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction
PBKS’s Game Plan:
- Power-Packed Top Order
Josh Inglis has been instrumental in giving Punjab Kings quick and confident starts. Their aggressive approach in the powerplay has often put the opposition on the back foot early. - Game-Changing All-Rounders
The presence of Sam Curran has brought balance to the side. Both players contribute with bat and ball, turning matches around with timely wickets and impactful cameos. - Effective Spin Attack
Harpreet Brar kept things tight in the middle overs. Their control and ability to take crucial wickets have played a big role in slowing down opponents and creating pressure.
RCB’s Winning Formula:
- Explosive Opening Partnership
Virat Kohli and Phil Salt have formed a dynamic duo at the top. Kohli’s consistency and Salt’s aggressive powerplay approach have given RCB strong starts in most matches. - Balanced Middle Order
The presence of Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma has added both stability and firepower. This trio has been crucial in building or chasing challenging totals. - Disciplined Death Bowling
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have mastered the art of bowling in the death overs, while Yash Dayal has provided crucial support, making RCB’s bowling attack one of the most reliable this season.
Explore:
IPL Orange Cap Winners List
IPL Commentators 2025
IPL 2025 Rules
Conclusion:
The PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction To be a high-intensity battle between two competitive sides with explosive talent in both camps. While Punjab Kings will rely heavily on their powerful top-order and death bowling, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will bank on their experienced batters and match-winning all-rounders. Given the current form and team balance, RCB hold a slight edge, but PBKS are more than capable of pulling off an upset if their key players fire. Expect a thrilling contest that could go down to the wire.