Punjab Kings Set to Clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier

Match Overview

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up to take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first Qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This exciting match is set to unfold at the Mullanpur Stadium located in Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings' Performance

Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS has had an outstanding season, finishing at the top of the league standings. The team has demonstrated remarkable consistency, with significant performances from players like Arshdeep Singh, who has claimed 18 wickets this season, and Josh Inglis, who scored a pivotal 73 runs in their last league match against Chennai Super Kings. Historically, PBKS has a slight edge over RCB, winning 18 out of their 35 encounters. They aim to leverage their current momentum to secure a place in the final.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Strength

Meanwhile, RCB has been showcasing impressive form, with Virat Kohli leading the charge by amassing 602 runs this season, including eight half-centuries. Their batting lineup is robust, featuring ten players who have scored half-centuries. The bowling unit has been bolstered by the return of pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has taken nine wickets. RCB's recent success against PBKS, winning four of their last five matches, boosts their confidence as they head into this crucial game.

Match Details

Match Information

Pitch Analysis

The pitch at Mullanpur is known to favor batsmen. In the last three matches played here, teams batting first have successfully crossed the 200-run mark on two occasions. However, in a previous match against KKR, PBKS managed only 111 runs while batting first but restricted KKR to 95 runs during the chase. This upcoming match is expected to be played on a favorable batting surface, suggesting a high-scoring game.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Head-to-Head Record: PBKS vs RCB

Expected Playing XI

Probable Playing XI

• Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Nehal Wadhera, Arshdeep Singh, Priyansh Arya (Impact Subs: Prabhsimran Singh, Musheer Ahmed Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen Dubey, Harnoor Singh)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (c/wk), Tim Seifert, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma (Impact Subs: Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Nuwan Thushara, Swapnil Singh)

Toss Insights

Toss Prediction

Historical Toss-Winning Stats at the Venue

• In the last five IPL matches at this venue, the teams winning the toss opted to bowl first three times and batted first twice.

Advantages of Bowling First on This Pitch

• Out of the last nine IPL matches played here, teams batting first have secured five victories, while those bowling first have won four times. Based on recent toss trends and statistics, teams batting first appear to have a slight advantage.

Match Predictions

Match Scenario

Scenario 1

• Toss Winner: Punjab Kings (opts to bat first)


• Power-Play Score: 50-55


• PBKS Total: 180-195


• Match Winner: Punjab Kings

Scenario 2

• Toss Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (opts to bat first)


• Power-Play Score: 50-55


• RCB Total: 170-190


• Match Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Final Thoughts

Who Will Prevail in PBKS vs RCB?