The 34th match of IPL 2025 features Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST. RCB is aiming to build on their recent victory, while PBKS enters the match with momentum after a historic win.
RCB vs PBKS: Match Overview
- Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
- Date: April 18, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB comes into this match after a convincing win over Rajasthan Royals, where their batting lineup fired cohesively. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front, while Liam Livingstone and Tim David provided the necessary firepower in the middle order. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and supported by Yash Dayal, has shown consistency in recent matches.
Key Players to Watch:
- Rajat Patidar (C): Leading the team with consistent performances at the top.
- Liam Livingstone: An explosive all-rounder capable of turning the game around.
- Yash Dayal: Emerging as a reliable pacer with crucial breakthroughs.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS enters this fixture on a high note after defending the lowest total in IPL history, successfully restricting Kolkata Knight Riders to 95 runs while defending a mere 112.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen were instrumental in this remarkable victory, showcasing the team’s bowling depth.
Captain Shreyas Iyer continues to anchor the batting lineup, with support from young talents like Prabhsimran Singh.
Key Players to Watch:
- Shreyas Iyer (C): Providing stability and experience in the batting order.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: A seasoned spinner who can exploit the pitch conditions effectively.
- Marco Jansen: A left-arm pacer known for his ability to take early wickets.
RCB vs PBKS Pitch Report
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its batting-friendly conditions, with a flat pitch and short boundaries favoring high-scoring games. However, recent matches have shown that disciplined bowling can also yield results, making it a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Bengaluru is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 28°C during match time. Humidity levels will be moderate, and no rain is forecasted, ensuring uninterrupted play.
RCB vs PBKS Match Insights
Both teams are in good form, with RCB looking to capitalize on their home advantage and PBKS riding high on their recent historic win. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-balanced sides aiming to climb the points table.
