PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
After nearly two months of riveting cricket, IPL 2025 enters its most critical phase – the playoffs. And what better way to kick it off than with Qualifier 1, featuring two of the most consistent teams of the season: Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This high-stakes clash takes place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29.
The winner of this Qualifier secures a direct entry into the final, while the loser gets a second chance in Qualifier 2. With both PBKS and RCB eager to break their title drought, expect nothing short of a blockbuster.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before making your prediction for today’s IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on platforms like HaaNaa, where cricket knowledge meets real-time rewards.
Match Overview – PBKS vs RCB Today Match Prediction
Punjab Kings have been the surprise package of IPL 2025. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, they’ve stormed into the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Finishing top of the league with 19 points (9 wins, 4 losses, and one washout), PBKS arrive in Qualifier 1 with momentum on their side after a dominant seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Jaipur.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, have finally clicked as a unit. Finishing second with the same win-loss record as PBKS but a slightly inferior net run rate, Jitesh Sharma’s side booked their spot in Qualifier 1 with a record run chase against Lucknow Super Giants, chasing down a mammoth 228.
In the league stage, both teams won one game each against the other. PBKS won in Bengaluru, while RCB returned the favour in Mullanpur. Now they face off at the same venue for the biggest prize yet: a direct path to the IPL 2025 Final.
Match Details:
Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Qualifier 1, IPL 2025
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
Date & Time: Thursday, May 29, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
Live Broadcast: JioStar Network Channels
Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
Pitch Report – Mullanpur Stadium
The newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium has hosted nine IPL games so far. The average first-innings score across all games is 174; however, in IPL 2025 specifically, it has increased to 183.
The pitch generally helps batters once they get set, but new batters can struggle to get going immediately. Out of the four IPL 2025 games played at this venue, three have been won by the team batting first. This trend, along with playoff pressure, could see captains leaning towards batting first after winning the toss.
Average 1st Innings Score (IPL 2025): 183
Games Won by Team Batting First (2025): 3 out of 4
Expected Strategy: Bat First, Build Pressure
Head-to-Head Record – PBKS vs RCB
This rivalry has been closely contested over the years, and the numbers prove it:
Total Matches: 35
PBKS Wins: 18
RCB Wins: 17
Tied/No Result: 0
First Fixture: May 5, 2008
Last Fixture: April 20, 2025 (RCB won)
The balance makes today’s prediction even more exciting – both sides know each other well and have recent wins to draw confidence from.
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Predicted Playing XIs of PBKS vs RCB
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
1. Priyansh Arya
2. Nehal Wadhera
3. Shreyas Iyer (C)
4. Shashank Singh
5. Josh Inglis (WK)
6. Marcus Stoinis
7. Marco Jansen
8. Harpreet Brar
9. Kyle Jamieson
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Vijaykumar Vyshak
Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
1. Philip Salt
2. Virat Kohli
3. Mayank Agarwal
4. Jitesh Sharma (WK & C)
5. Tim David/Tim Seifert
6. Romario Shepherd
7. Krunal Pandya
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
9. Josh Hazlewood/Nuwan Thushara
10. Suyash Sharma
11. Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Rajat Patidar
Key Players to Watch – PBKS vs RCB
Best Batter Pick: Virat Kohli (RCB)
There’s something about the playoffs that brings out the best in Virat Kohli. And in IPL 2025, he’s looked like a man on a mission. With 602 runs from 13 innings, including eight half-centuries, Kohli has not only anchored but also attacked from ball one.
IPL 2025 Stats:
Runs: 602
Average: 60.20
Strike Rate: 147.92
Fifties: 8
Role: Opener & Anchor
Against a PBKS bowling attack that relies heavily on early wickets, Kohli’s powerplay game could dictate the pace of the match.
Best Bowler Pick: Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
RCB have desperately missed Josh Hazlewood in recent games, conceding 211, 231, and 227 in his absence. But now the Aussie speedster is back for the playoffs and could be the X-factor in Qualifier 1.
Despite missing a few games, Hazlewood has picked up 18 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 17.28, making him one of the most impactful bowlers of the tournament.
IPL 2025 Stats:
Matches: 10
Wickets: 18
Bowling Average: 17.28
Economy: 7.92
Role: Powerplay & Death Overs
If Hazlewood finds rhythm early, PBKS’ top order will be under real threat.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match?
Playoff pressure, a quality venue, and two well-matched teams – this one could go down to the wire. But history shows us that the team batting first often has the edge in playoff games, especially at Mullanpur.
Let’s evaluate both match scenarios:
Scenario 1: PBKS Win the Toss and Bowl
Powerplay Score (RCB): 50–60
Total Score (RCB): 170–180
Prediction: RCB to Win
RCB have been fantastic at setting up competitive totals this season and defending them with varied bowling. If PBKS bowl first and don’t strike early, RCB could build enough scoreboard pressure to make it count.
Scenario 2: RCB Win the Toss and Bowl
Powerplay Score (PBKS): 55–65
Total Score (PBKS): 170–180
Prediction: PBKS to Win
Shreyas Iyer’s side has a solid record chasing, especially with players like Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh showing great finishing ability. If PBKS set 175+, they’ll back their bowlers like Arshdeep and Jamieson to do the job under lights.
Final PBKS vs RCB Prediction: Team Batting First to Win Qualifier 1
Given the pitch stats and pressure of the playoffs, the team that bats first has a distinct edge in this fixture. Both sides are capable of chasing, but scoreboard pressure in a knockout often leads to unforced errors.
In terms of balance, RCB slightly edge ahead with a stronger bowling lineup, especially if Hazlewood plays. However, PBKS’ consistency and home advantage at Mullanpur can’t be ignored.
Toss Will Be Key. But based on current form, experience, and matchups, our prediction is:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win Qualifier 1 if they bat first
Punjab Kings to win Qualifier 1 if they bat first
Yes, it’s that close!
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