IPL Qualifier 1 RCB vs PBKS Match Analysis & Prediction

The 2025 IPL Qualifier 1 RCB vs PBKS match is scheduled for May 29, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. In this post we are going to study on RCB vs PBKS match analysis and prediction.

IPL Qualifier 1 RCB vs PBKS Match Analysis

This high-stakes clash pits two top-performing teams against each other, with the winner securing a direct spot in the IPL 2025 final. Below is a comprehensive analytical study covering team form, player performances, venue records, head-to-head records, top batters and bowlers, possible playing XIs, match prediction, and three Dream11 teams optimized for the Grand League (GL) to target the top prize.

RCB and PBKS Both Team Analysis

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

• Form: PBKS have been a revelation in IPL 2025, finishing the league stage at the top with 9 wins in 14 matches, boasting a net run rate (NRR) of +0.308. They secured a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in their last league game, showcasing batting depth and bowling precision. Their recent five-wicket win over RCB in a rain-curtailed match (April 20, 2025) at Mullanpur adds confidence. Source
• Strengths: A balanced squad with explosive top-order batting (Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer), a strong middle order (Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis), and a versatile bowling attack led by Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal. Their ability to defend low totals (e.g., 116 vs KKR) highlights their bowling depth.
• Weaknesses: Over-reliance on Shreyas Iyer and Priyansh Arya for runs. The absence of Marco Jansen (left the squad) and Lockie Ferguson’s injury concerns weaken their pace attack, though Chahal’s return bolsters spin.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

• Form: RCB finished second in the league with 9 wins in 14 matches, excelling away from home (unbeaten in away games except against SRH at a neutral venue). They chased a record total against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with Jitesh Sharma’s 85* off 33 balls sealing a six-wicket win, boosting their playoff momentum.
• Strengths: A formidable batting line-up led by Virat Kohli (602 runs in 13 matches) and Phil Salt (331 runs), complemented by all-rounders like Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd. Their pace attack (Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal) is potent, especially in the powerplay.
• Weaknesses: Vulnerability against spin, as seen in their home losses, and no home wins this season (0/2 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium). The choice between Nuwan Thushara and Josh Hazlewood may impact bowling balance.

Venue Records (Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur)

• Matches Played: 9 IPL games (2008–2025).
• Pitch Characteristics: The pitch is balanced but leans batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 174. Pacers get early movement, while spinners, especially wrist-spinners and off-spinners, dominate as the pitch dries out. Batting first has been advantageous (4/7 wins in IPL 2025).
• Key Stats:
  • Highest Team Total: 219/6 (PBKS vs CSK).
  • Lowest Team Total: 95 (KKR).
  • Average 1st Innings Score: 167–174 runs.
  • Chasing Success Rate: 38% (3/8 wins).
  • Notable Performances: Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28), Marco Jansen (3/17), Suryakumar Yadav (78).
• Weather: Clear skies, 33°C, no rain threat, minimal dew expected, favoring batting first.

Head-to-Head Records

Matches Played: 35

PBKS Wins: 18 (51% win rate)

RCB Wins: 17 (49% win rate)

Recent Encounters:

• April 20, 2025 (Mullanpur): PBKS won by 5 wickets (DLS, 14-over match).
• April 18, 2025 (Bengaluru): RCB won by 4 wickets.
• Other Recent Results: RCB won by 60 runs, PBKS won by 54 runs.

Key Insight: The head-to-head is closely contested, but PBKS’s recent win at Mullanpur gives them a slight edge.

Player Performance Records

Top Batters

1. Virat Kohli (RCB):
   • IPL 2025 Stats: 602 runs in 13 matches, average ~46, strike rate ~150.
   • Overall IPL: Over 8,000 runs, leading run-scorer in IPL history.
   • Why Top Pick: Kohli’s consistency and ability to anchor or accelerate in chases make him a prime captaincy choice, especially on a pitch favoring top-order batters.
2. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS):
   • IPL 2025 Stats: 514 runs in 14 matches, average ~49.80, strike rate 141.48.
   • Why Top Pick: As PBKS captain, Iyer’s middle-order stability and form (257 runs in last 7 games) are crucial for setting a competitive total.
3. Priyansh Arya (PBKS):
   • IPL 2025 Stats: 323 runs in 9 innings, average 35.88, strike rate 209.01, including a century and a half-century.
   • Why Top Pick: Arya’s aggressive opening batting is ideal for Mullanpur’s batting-friendly conditions, making him a high-upside pick.

Top Bowlers

1. Josh Hazlewood (RCB):
   • IPL 2025 Stats: 18 wickets in the season, strike rate 12.2, economy 8.44.
   • Why Top Pick: Hazlewood’s new-ball swing and death-over accuracy suit Mullanpur’s early movement, making him a key wicket-taker against PBKS’s top order.
2. Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS):
   • IPL 2025 Stats: Not fully detailed, but noted for 4/28 at Mullanpur and a strong middle-overs presence.
   • Why Top Pick: Chahal’s wrist-spin thrives on Mullanpur’s spin-friendly pitch, especially against RCB’s spin-vulnerable batting.
3. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS):
   • IPL 2025 Stats: 18 wickets in 13 matches.
   • Why Top Pick: Arshdeep’s pace and variations, especially in the death overs, make him effective at Mullanpur, where he thrives.

Also read: RCB Squad 2025

Possible Playing XIs

• Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kyle Jamieson. Impact Player: Shashank Singh.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt/Tim Seifert, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma. Impact Player: Rajat Patidar.
• Notes:
  • PBKS’s Marco Jansen has left, and Lockie Ferguson is injured; Harpreet Brar and Vijaykumar Vyshak fill in.
  • RCB’s Phil Salt’s fitness is uncertain; Tim Seifert may replace him. Josh Hazlewood is preferred over Nuwan Thushara for his experience.

Match Prediction

• Analysis: PBKS’s home advantage at Mullanpur, recent form (9 wins, including a win over RCB), and balanced squad give them a slight edge. RCB’s unbeaten away record (except SRH) and explosive batting (Kohli, Sharma) make them dangerous, especially in a chase. The pitch favors batting first, but minimal dew reduces the chasing advantage. PBKS’s spin duo (Chahal, Brar) could exploit RCB’s spin weakness, while RCB’s pacers (Hazlewood, Dayal) challenge PBKS’s top order.
• Prediction: PBKS have a 55-60% chance of winning due to their table-topping form, home advantage, and head-to-head edge (18-17). However, RCB’s chasing prowess and playoff momentum make it a close contest.