RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Squads & Dream11 Prediction
The TATA IPL 2025 Playoffs are here, and it begins with RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1, a high-voltage clash as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1! Set for May 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, this match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
The winning team books a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 Final on June 3. Get the full match preview, pitch report, squads, Dream11 prediction, and everything you need to dominate your fantasy league!
RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1 – Match Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter Qualifier 1 after a record-breaking chase of 228 runs against LSG, powered by Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 85 off 33 balls. RCB ended the league stage second on the table with 19 points and an NRR of +0.255.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by Shreyas Iyer, finished at the top of the table with 9 wins from 14 matches and a superior NRR of +0.372. Their consistency and balanced squad make them a formidable opponent.
Head-to-Head Record:
- Total Matches: 34
- PBKS Wins: 18
- RCB Wins: 16
- Last Meeting: RCB won by 7 wickets in Mullanpur (April 20, 2025) – Kohli scored 73 off 54*.
Pitch Report – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur
This new-age stadium in Chandigarh has quickly become a spin-friendly venue with balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers.
Key Pitch Insights:
- Avg 1st Innings Score: ~167 runs
- Toss: Chasing is preferred, thanks to dew.
- Spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal thrive in middle overs.
- Pacers like Hazlewood and Arshdeep get early swing.
Weather Forecast (May 29, 2025):
- Temperature: 34°C
- Humidity: 40%
- Rain Chances: 10%
RCB vs PBKS Squads for IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad
Captain: Rajat Patidar
Key Players: Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya
- Wicket-Keepers: Jitesh Sharma, Philip Salt, Tim Seifert
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Mayank Agarwal, Swastik Chikara
- All-Rounders: Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell
- Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Squad
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Key Players: Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Arshdeep Singh
- Wicket-Keepers: Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis
- Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash
- All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Mitchell Owen
- Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Sen, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak
RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1 Dream11 Prediction
Looking to ace your Dream11 fantasy team? Here’s our expert pick based on pitch analysis and recent form:
Dream11 Team Picks:
- Wicketkeepers: Jitesh Sharma (RCB), Josh Inglis (PBKS)
- Batters: Virat Kohli (RCB), Shreyas Iyer (PBKS), Tim David (RCB)
- All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis (PBKS), Krunal Pandya (RCB), Romario Shepherd (RCB)
- Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS), Josh Hazlewood (RCB), Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
Captain & Vice-Captain:
- Captain: Virat Kohli – 505 runs, last Mullanpur match: 73*
- Vice-Captain: Shreyas Iyer – 435 runs, Strike Rate: 174.69
Key Players to Watch
- Virat Kohli (RCB): In sublime form; thrives under pressure.
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Captain leading from the front.
- Jitesh Sharma (RCB): X-factor with explosive hitting.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Spin king on helpful surfaces.
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Key weapon in the death overs.
Fantasy Tips for RCB vs PBKS
- Pick top-order batters – Dew may help chasing teams score big.
- Bank on all-rounders – Players like Stoinis and Krunal Pandya offer dual impact.
- Spin to win – Mullanpur pitch favors spinners in the middle overs.
Where to Watch RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1 – IPL 2025
- Date: May 29, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Streaming: JioHotstar App & Website
- Live Score: Cricbuzz
Conclusion
The RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1 promises fireworks! It’s a battle between RCB’s form and PBKS’s consistency. With a finals berth on the line, expect thrilling performances, nail-biting moments, and Dream11 excitement.
Comment below with your predictions and Dream11 picks! Will RCB storm into the finals, or will PBKS prove why they topped the table?
