IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 PBKS vs RCB Highlights: RCB triumph with convincing win, march into finals

Among the top ten batters with over 500 runs this season, Shreyas Iyer’s strike rate of 171.90 ranks second highest, just behind Nicholas Pooran’s impressive 196.25.

Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli aren’t just the most seasoned batters in their respective teams—they’re also the top scorers this IPL season. Kohli leads with 608 runs at a strike rate of 147.91, while Iyer has 514 runs at a blistering 171.90. Both have evolved impressively: Iyer against pace, Kohli with sharper intent from ball one.

But heading into Thursday’s clash, Kohli might hold the edge. Iyer has managed just 25 runs in four innings in New Chandigarh this season and has historically struggled against RCB bowlers. Kohli, meanwhile, thrived the last time they met here—scoring an unbeaten 73 and earning Player of the Match. His animated celebration toward Iyer after that win hinted at a simmering rivalry.

Punjab Kings: WLWWW

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: WLWWW

Both teams come into this clash with identical recent form — four wins in their last five matches. Their momentum sets up a thrilling contest, with confidence high in both camps.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have evolved in IPL 2025, finally moving beyond their past reliance on individual brilliance. While Virat Kohli remains in fine form, the team’s success now stems from a more balanced unit. Skipper Rajat Patidar has led confidently, supported by consistent batting from Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, and Jitesh Sharma. Their bowling has also improved, with Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma complementing veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. This well-rounded approach has brought much-needed stability, making RCB look like serious contenders for the title—arguably their most complete side in years.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, have brought a fresh and bold approach to IPL 2025. The team has shown strong faith in uncapped players, played with great passion, and energized the tournament with their spirited performances. Iyer, who previously captained Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title, continues to build his legacy with solid backing from Ponting, who is motivated to make a fresh start after several close calls with Delhi. Together, they have shaped a dynamic squad that has impressed fans and produced consistent results on the field.

The weather forecast for Thursday evening in Chandigarh predicts no rain, with temperatures hovering around 37°C. Humidity levels are expected to be about 57 percent.

Virat Kohli has been in sensational form this IPL season, scoring 602 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 60.20 and a strike rate of 147.92. What stands out this season is his aggressive approach right from the start, attacking bowlers fearlessly. Kohli has already notched eight half-centuries and, as the former India captain, he will be eager to provide his team with a strong foundation once again.

Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced each other 35 times in the history of the IPL. Punjab Kings hold a narrow edge, having won 18 of those encounters, while RCB have secured 17 victories. There have been no tied matches or no-results between the two sides. Their rivalry dates back to May 5, 2008, when they first clashed, and their most recent meeting took place on April 20, 2025.

PBKS vs RCB Predicted Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (WK & C), Tim David/Tim Seifert, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood/Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal.

Mullanpur has hosted nine IPL matches to date, with an average first-innings score of 174. Out of these, teams batting first have emerged victorious in five games. In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, the venue has witnessed four matches, three of which were won by the side setting a target. The average first-innings score this season stands at 183. While teams in T20s usually prefer chasing, conditions in Mullanpur suggest that putting runs on the board could be a smart strategy. Set batters will play a crucial role, as new batters may struggle to find rhythm against the bowlers early in their innings.

Punjab Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The high-stakes encounter is scheduled to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29, with the match starting at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can catch the live broadcast on JioStar Network Channels, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

It’s playoff time! Punjab Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-voltage clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and topped the league table with consistent performances.

RCB, under Rajat Patidar, are brimming with confidence after pulling off a record chase of 228 against LSG. Both teams won 9 league matches each — but only one can book a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 Final!

Stay tuned for live updates, key moments, player performances, stats, and expert analysis — right here, all day long.

It’s PBKS vs RCB. It’s knockout cricket. It’s IPL at its best!