Cricket Prediction | PBKS vs RCB | IPL 2025 | Qualifier 1 | May 29 – Is This the Year PBKS Turns Promise into Silverware?

PBKS vs RCB Match Analysis

Get ready for fireworks in Mohali as Punjab Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025! Action kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on May 29 at Mohali’s IS Bindra Stadium. With a spot in the final on the line, both teams will be aiming to deliver peak performances under pressure. 

Punjab Kings have found excellent momentum at the business end of the tournament, showcasing both explosive batting and disciplined bowling. Led by the composed Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have gelled as a team at the perfect time. 

RCB, under new leadership and with a potent batting order, have surprised many with their late-season resurgence. Virat Kohli’s form and the presence of all-round match-winners have given them the edge in tense finishes. 

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Team Preview & Squads

Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer has brought calmness and maturity to the PBKS camp. His leadership has been characterized by tactical clarity and strong partnerships in the middle overs. As a batter, his ability to rotate strike and anchor innings has been crucial.

PBKS boasts a balanced and deep batting unit with the likes of Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, and Shashank Singh contributing consistently. The top-order has been aggressive, while the middle order has offered stability and finishing prowess. 

The bowling attack, spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh and supported by spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal, has performed under pressure. Xavier Bartlett and Marco Jansen have provided pace and bounce, particularly effective on Mohali pitches. With his steady left-arm spin, Harpreet Brar strengthens the bowling unit and adds a new dimension to the lineup.

In a commanding display, PBKS chased down 185 against Mumbai Indians with ease. Josh Inglis played a brilliant knock while Shreyas Iyer provided a calm presence in the chase. Arshdeep and Chahal were instrumental in restricting MI earlier. PBKS won by 7 wickets with 9 balls to spare, sealing their spot in Qualifier 1.

Punjab Kings Squad

Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer (c), Arshdeep Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Praveen Dubey, Aaron Hardie, Harnoor Singh, Harpreet Brar, Josh Inglis (WK), Kyle Jamieson, Marco Jansen, Musheer Khan, Mitchell Owen, Prabhsimran Singh, Kuldeep Sen, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Nehal Wadhera, Yash Thakur.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar has grown into his role as RCB captain with commendable composure. While still a young leader, he has made proactive bowling changes and backed his big hitters with confidence. His own performances with the bat have added steel to the RCB top order.

With Virat Kohli in fine form and explosive options like Tim David, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone, RCB’s batting lineup is stacked. Their ability to chase or set massive totals gives them tactical flexibility. Rajat Patidar and Mayank Agarwal provide reliable top-order support.

RCB’s bowling attack has seen contributions from veterans like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and exciting pacers such as Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara. The spin department is helmed by Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, offering variety in middle overs. 

RCB turned on the heat against LSG, chasing down 228 in style with 8 balls to go in a nail-biting finish! Virat Kohli starred with a magnificent 80, while Tim David’s late blitz sealed the deal. The bowlers, despite going for runs, managed key breakthroughs. This 6-wicket win ensured RCB’s top-two finish and direct entry into Qualifier 1.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar (c), Abhinandan Singh, Mayank Agarwal, Manoj Bhandage, Swastik Chikara, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Mohit Rathee, Blessing Muzarabani, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam, Phil Salt, Tim Seifert, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal.

PBKS vs RCB Outfield Report

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

Mohali’s pitch usually aids pacers early, with notable bounce and carry.However, under lights, the surface flattens out, making chasing easier. Spinners may play a role in the middle overs if there’s any grip on offer.

The weather forecast for May 29 in Mohali is clear with no rain expected. Temperatures will hover around 33°C during the day, dropping to 27°C by match time, with low humidity. As the evening progresses, dew might creep in and tilt the balance in favor of the chasing side.

The average first-innings score at Mohali this season has been around 185-195, with the highest total being 219. Defending scores below 170 has been tough, so teams winning the toss might prefer chasing. Anything above 200 puts the chasing side under pressure, even with dew.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five meetings, PBKS have won 3 times, while RCB have claimed 2 victories. 

PBKS vs RCB Prediction

According to cricket analysts Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a 52% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.