The IPL 2025 playoffs kick off with a high-stakes Qualifier 1 between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Both teams, having secured top-two finishes in the league stage, aim for a direct berth in the final. PBKS, under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, make their first playoff appearance since 2014, while RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, seek to capitalize on their recent form to secure a spot in the final. As of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced each other 33 times, with Punjab winning 17 matches and Bengaluru winning 16 — making it one of the most closely contested rivalries in the league.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch the PBKS vs RCB live encounter on the Star Sports Network in India, Fox Sports in Australia, and Ten Sports in Pakistan. Match time: 7:00 PM PST, 7:30 PM IST, 2:00 PM GMT.
Team Analysis
Punjab Kings have showcased a balanced performance throughout the season, with significant contributions from both their batting and bowling units. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have provided aggressive starts, while Shashank Singh has been a reliable finisher. All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai add depth to the lineup. In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh leads with 18 wickets, supported by Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin prowess. Notably, Marco Jansen is unavailable due to national commitments, with Omarzai expected to fill the void.
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the playoffs with strong momentum, having secured seven consecutive away victories. Virat Kohli remains a pivotal figure, amassing 602 runs with eight half-centuries this season. The return of pacer Josh Hazlewood bolsters their bowling attack, which also features Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The batting lineup is further strengthened by Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, and Mayank Agarwal.
RCB’s strengths lie in their deep batting lineup and experienced bowling attack. However, they have shown vulnerabilities in middle-order collapses and inconsistent performances from their spinners. Fielding lapses have also cost them in crucial moments. On the other hand, PBKS, while having a potent top order, have occasionally struggled with finishing games, and their fielding has been inconsistent. The absence of key players like Marco Jansen could impact their bowling depth and prove to be quite costly in a high stakes match as today.
Match Insights and Conclusion
As PBKS and RCB clash in this crucial Qualifier 1, both teams aim to break their title droughts and secure a direct path to the IPL 2025 final. With evenly matched squads and recent encounters showcasing competitive spirit, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest. Key players like Virat Kohli, Arshdeep Singh, and Rajat Patidar are expected to play significant roles in determining the outcome of this high-stakes match. If you want to see which team secures their spot in the finale of Indian Premier League 2025, scroll above and click on the link provided for PBKS Vs RCB live!
