The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 heats up as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-stakes clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Scheduled for May 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, this match will decide which team secures a direct spot in the IPL final, with the loser getting another chance in Qualifier 2.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
- Date: May 29, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, led by the prolific Virat Kohli, have enjoyed a strong season, finishing second on the points table with nine wins from fourteen matches. Kohli has been the standout batsman, scoring 602 runs with remarkable consistency.
The team’s batting depth, combined with key performances from players like Jitesh Sharma and Josh Hazlewood, has made RCB a formidable side. Their recent emphatic win chasing a high target against Lucknow Super Giants has boosted their confidence heading into this qualifier.
Key Players to Watch:
- Virat Kohli: The leading run-scorer for RCB this season, known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
- Josh Hazlewood: The spearhead of the bowling attack with 18 wickets, crucial in both powerplay and death overs.
- Jitesh Sharma: In-form batsman who played a match-winning knock in recent games.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings have topped the points table with nine wins and four losses, marking their best season in over a decade.
Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, who has scored 514 runs, PBKS have displayed a balanced combination of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been consistent, providing solid starts. The bowling unit, led by Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen, has been effective in restricting oppositions.
Key Players to Watch:
- Shreyas Iyer: The dependable middle-order batsman and captain, pivotal to Punjab’s batting stability.
- Prabhsimran Singh: Explosive opener and wicketkeeper with 499 runs this season.
- Arshdeep Singh: Leading wicket-taker for Punjab with 18 wickets, known for his death bowling skills.
Pitch Report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh
The pitch in Chandigarh generally offers a good balance between bat and ball. Early conditions favor the pacers with some swing and seam movement, while spinners tend to come into play in the middle overs. The average first innings score hovers around 160-170 runs.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a closely contested rivalry:
- Total Matches: 33
- Punjab Kings Wins: 17
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Wins: 16
Match Insights
Both teams have shown resilience and skill throughout the IPL 2025 season, making this qualifier a thrilling encounter.
Punjab Kings will look to capitalize on their home advantage and top-table finish, while RCB aims to leverage their experience and star power to secure a spot in the final.
The match promises intense competition, with both sides boasting strong batting and bowling units.
