IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: PBKS vs RCB – Predicted Playing XIs, Key Matchups, Pitch Report, and Match Preview
 "PBKS vs RCB Playing 11 IPL 2025 Qualifier 1")
IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB, Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, predicted playing XI, key matchups, pitch report, match preview
IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: PBKS vs RCB – Match Preview
The IPL 2025 playoffs kick off with a high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on May 29 at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams finished at the top of the points table, with PBKS securing the first position and RCB close behind. The winner of this match will earn a direct spot in the final, while the loser will have another opportunity in Qualifier 2.
Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Prabhsimran Singh
Atharva Taide
Shreyas Iyer (C)
Nehal Wadhera
Shashank Singh
Marcus Stoinis
Jitesh Sharma (WK)
Azmatullah Omarzai
Arshdeep Singh
Kagiso Rabada
Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli
Phil Salt
Mayank Agarwal
Rajat Patidar
Liam Livingstone
Jitesh Sharma (C/WK)
Romario Shepherd
Krunal Pandya
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Yash Dayal
Josh Hazlewood / Nuwan Thushara
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh
Virat Kohli has been in exceptional form this season, amassing 602 runs with eight half-centuries. However, Arshdeep Singh, with 18 wickets, has been a consistent performer for PBKS and could pose a significant challenge to Kohli’s dominance.
2. Shreyas Iyer vs Josh Hazlewood
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has led from the front, scoring 514 runs this season. RCB’s Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury, has taken nine wickets and will be crucial in containing Iyer’s aggressive batting.
3. Phil Salt vs Kagiso Rabada
Phil Salt’s explosive batting at the top can set the tone for RCB, but facing Kagiso Rabada’s pace and experience will be a stern test.
Pitch and Weather Report
The pitch at Mullanpur is expected to offer balanced conditions with true bounce, favoring both batters and bowlers. However, chasing under lights has been challenging at this venue. The weather forecast indicates clear and hot conditions, with dew potentially playing a role in the latter stages of the match.
Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 35
PBKS Wins: 18
RCB Wins: 17
In IPL 2025, both teams have secured one win each against each other, making this Qualifier 1 encounter even more intriguing.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Date & Time: May 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
Match Prediction
Both teams have shown remarkable consistency throughout the season. RCB’s recent form and depth in batting give them a slight edge, but PBKS’s balanced squad and home advantage cannot be overlooked. Expect a closely contested match with high stakes.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis of this thrilling Qualifier 1 encounter between PBKS and RCB.
