The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams have had a remarkable run in the league stage, finishing in the top two, and will now battle for a direct spot in the final.
Team Overview
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Under the new leadership of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have scripted a memorable season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They won nine matches out of 14, with one being a no-result due to rain. The team showed great balance throughout the season, combining solid batting with sharp bowling. Their latest performance, a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, confirmed their spot at the top of the table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
RCB, led by Jitesh Sharma, finished second in the standings with the same number of wins and losses as PBKS. However, their slightly inferior net run rate placed them behind. RCB sealed their place in the top two with a dramatic chase of 228 against Lucknow Super Giants, marking their highest-ever successful chase in IPL history. The team appears well-rounded with explosive batters and dependable bowlers.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 35
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PBKS Wins: 18
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RCB Wins: 17
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No Result/Ties: 0
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First Meeting: May 5, 2008
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Most Recent Meeting: April 20, 2025
In the league phase of IPL 2025, both teams won one game each against each other. PBKS emerged victorious at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, while RCB avenged the defeat at Mullanpur.
Pitch Report – Mullanpur
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium has hosted nine IPL matches, with teams batting first winning five times. The average first-innings score is 174, while this season the number jumps to 183. Set batters have flourished, while new batters have struggled to adjust quickly. Despite the general T20 trend of chasing, setting a total could be the better option here, especially in a pressure knockout game.
Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
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Priyansh Arya
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Nehal Wadhera
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Shreyas Iyer (C)
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Shashank Singh
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Josh Inglis (WK)
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Marcus Stoinis
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Marco Jansen
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Harpreet Brar
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Kyle Jamieson
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Arshdeep Singh
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Vijaykumar Vyshak
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Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
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Philip Salt
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Virat Kohli
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Mayank Agarwal
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Jitesh Sharma (WK & C)
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Tim David / Tim Seifert
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Romario Shepherd
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Krunal Pandya
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Josh Hazlewood / Nuwan Thushara
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Suyash Sharma
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Yash Dayal
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Impact Player: Rajat Patidar
Key Players to Watch
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Virat Kohli (RCB): With 602 runs in 13 innings at an average of 60.20 and a strike rate of 147.92, Kohli remains RCB’s mainstay. His aggressive starts have laid solid foundations this season.
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Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Back from injury, Hazlewood has picked up 18 wickets in 10 games at an average of 17.28. His ability to strike early and bowl economically at the death makes him crucial.
Match Predictions and Scenarios
Scenario 1:
PBKS win the toss and bowl first
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RCB PP Score: 50-60
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Final Total: 170-180
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RCB win the match
Scenario 2:
RCB win the toss and bowl first
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PBKS PP Score: 55-65
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Final Total: 170-180
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PBKS win the match
Considering the venue and both teams’ recent form, the team batting first may have a slight edge, especially if they can post anything above 180. Expect a high-octane battle between two well-matched sides with a ticket to the IPL 2025 final at stake.