IPL 2025: RCB VS PBKS - Qualifier 1

 

🏟️ Match Details

• Date & Time: Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.

• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

• Format: Qualifier 1 – Winner advances directly to the final; the loser gets another opportunity in Qualifier. 

🧾 Pitch Report

The Mullanpur pitch has been unpredictable this season. While early matches saw high scores over 200, a recent game had PBKS defending a modest total of 111. The surface offers true bounce, aiding both batters and bowlers. Pacers may find early assistance, while spinners could be effective in the middle overs. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first, considering the venue's history.

🌤️ Weather Forecast

• Temperature: Around 33°C at match start, dropping to 29°C by late evening

• Humidity: Approximately 20%

• Rain Probability: Low (around 10%)

• Dew Factor: Minimal impact expected

🧢 Team News & Key Players

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

• Form: RCB has won 4 of their last 5 matches against PBKS.

• Key Players:

  • Virat Kohli: 602 runs this season, including eight half-centuries.

  • Josh Hazlewood: Returned from injury, contributing 9 wickets before the break.

  • Rajat Patidar: Leading the team as captain.

• Strengths: Deep batting lineup with multiple players contributing significant scores.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

• Form: Reaching Qualifier 1 for the first time in 11 years.

• Key Players:

  • Arshdeep Singh: 18 wickets this season, effective against top-order batters.

  • Shreyas Iyer: Captain leading the batting unit.

  • Glenn Maxwell: Provides all-round capabilities.

• Challenges: Inconsistency in the middle overs and a less favorable head-to-head record against RCB.

🔮 Match Outlook

RCB enters the match as slight favorites due to their recent form and head-to-head advantage. However, PBKS, playing at their home ground, will be eager to capitalize on familiar conditions. The match promises to be a competitive encounter with both teams aiming for a direct spot in the final.

🏟️ Previous Encounters

In their most recent encounter on May 9, 2024, during Match 58 of the IPL 2024 season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 60 runs at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

🏏 Match Summary

• RCB Innings: 241/7 in 20 overs

  • Virat Kohli: 92 runs off 47 balls

  • Rajat Patidar: 55 runs off 23 balls

  • Cameron Green: 46 runs off 27 balls

  • RCB set a formidable total, marking the highest T20 score ever at Dharamsala. 

• PBKS Innings: 181 all out in 17 overs

  • Rilee Rossouw: 61 runs off 27 balls

  • Shashank Singh: 37 runs off 19 balls

  • Harshal Patel: 3 wickets, all taken in the final over

  • Despite a strong start, PBKS couldn't maintain momentum and were bowled out well short of the target.

🏅 Player of the Match

• Virat Kohli: For his outstanding innings of 92 runs, leading RCB to a commanding total.