PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction, 1st Qualifier Today IPL 2025 Match Preview: Clash of Titans for a Spot in the Final

PBKS vs RCB Match Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face off in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League 2025 on May 29, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Both teams will be trying to guarantee their spot in the championship game when the game starts at 7:30 PM IST. With power-packed lineups and recent form backing them, expect a fierce contest between two of the most consistent teams of this season.

Weather Report

During the match hours, Mullanpur is predicted to have sunny skies with no chance of rain. A complete, continuous match under the lights is guaranteed in ideal cricketing conditions, with temperatures averaging about 28°C.

PBKS vs RCB Analysis of Recent Performances

Punjab Kings Recent Performances:

Form: WLWWW

• 26 May 2025 vs Mumbai Indians: PBKS won by 7 wickets

MI: 184/7 (20 overs)

PBKS: 187/3 (18.3 overs)

• 24 May 2025 vs Delhi Capitals: PBKS lost by 6 wickets

PBKS: 206/8 (20 overs)

DC: 208/4 (19.3 overs)

• 18 May 2025 vs Rajasthan Royals: PBKS won by 10 runs

PBKS: 219/5 (20 overs)

RR: 209/7 (20 overs)

• 04 May 2025 vs Lucknow Super Giants: PBKS won by 37 runs

PBKS: 236/5 (20 overs)

LSG: 199/7 (20 overs)

• 30 April 2025 vs Chennai Super Kings: PBKS won by 4 wickets

CSK: 190/10 (19.2 overs)

PBKS: 194/6 (19.4 overs)

Punjab Kings are entering the Qualifier in strong form, winning 4 of their last 5 matches with dominant all-round performances.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Recent Performances:

Form: WLDWW

• 27 May 2025 vs Lucknow Super Giants: RCB won by 6 wickets

LSG: 227/3 (20 overs)

RCB: 230/4 (18.4 overs)

• 23 May 2025 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: RCB lost by 42 runs

RCB's bowlers struggled, and their batting failed to chase down a big total.

• 17 May 2025: (draw)

• 27 April 2025: RCB won by 6 wickets

Opponent: 162/8 (20 overs)

RCB: 165/4 (18.3 overs)

RCB has also been in excellent form, winning four of their last five completed matches, and they head into the playoffs with solid momentum.

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head

In the IPL 2025 season, PBKS and RCB faced each other three times:

20 April 2025: RCB beat PBKS by 7 wickets

PBKS: 157/6 (20 overs)

RCB: 159/3 (18.5 overs)

18 April 2025: PBKS beat RCB by 5 wickets

RCB: 95/9 (14 overs)

PBKS: 98/5 (12.1 overs)

09 May 2024: RCB beat PBKS by 60 runs

RCB: 241/7 (20 overs)

PBKS: 181/10 (17 overs)

Head-to-Head Record (Last 3 Matches):

PBKS Wins: 1

RCB Wins: 2

PBKS vs RCB Playing XI Prediction

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Virat Kohli (C), Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Harshal Patel, S Singh, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Josh Hazlewood

PBKS vs RCB Key Players to Watch

Best Batsman Prediction:

Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS)

Prabhsimran Singh's powerful top-order batting makes him essential in high-stakes games, and he has amassed 1255 runs in 48 games with a strike rate of 153.42.Prabhsimran Singh's powerful top-order batting makes him essential in high-stakes games, and he has amassed 1255 runs in 48 games with a strike rate of 153.42. His ability to accelerate at the top and finish strong makes him a vital weapon for PBKS, especially in pressure knockout games.

Top Bowler Prediction:

Yash Dayal (RCB)

Yash Dayal has taken 25 wickets in 27 matches with a strike rate of 22.12, and his death-over precision makes him key to containing PBKS's batting strength.

PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction - Who Will Win?

Scenario 1: PBKS Bats First

Predicted Total: 195–210

Result: RCB to chase the target with 4 wickets in hand

Scenario 2: RCB Bats First

Predicted Total: 200+

Result: RCB to win by 10–20 runs defending

Today Match Winning Percentage Prediction:

RCB: 60%

PBKS: 40%

With improved balance, improved recent results, and a head-to-head advantage this season, RCB enters the game with an advantage.