IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB: Match Preview with Probable XI, Weather Update, Pitch Conditions, Head-to-Head & Live Broadcast Info

IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: PBKS vs RCB – Clash of Titans for a Spot in the Final

Mullanpur, May 29, 2025 – The stage is set for a blockbuster encounter as Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh. With a direct berth in the final at stake, expect a high-voltage contest when the action begins at 7:30 PM IST.

Battle for Supremacy
Both teams enter this knockout fixture in red-hot form. PBKS, powered by consistent top-order performances and lethal pace bowling, will bank on home conditions to assert dominance. Meanwhile, RCB, riding on their experienced middle order and a rejuvenated bowling attack, aim to finally break their title drought.

Stakes This high-stakes encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will determine the first finalist of IPL 2025. The winner secures a direct spot in the final, while the loser gets another opportunity in Qualifier 2.
 

Punjab Kings Probable XI: 
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru  Probable XI: 
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara/Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

Weather Update
The weather in Mullanpur is expected to be hot and dry, with temperatures around 32°C at match time. There is no forecast for rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.

Pitch Conditions
The pitch at Mullanpur has shown varied behavior this season. While early matches saw high scores exceeding 200, recent games have been low-scoring, with totals as low as 95. The average first-innings score is around 173. Teams batting first have won three out of four matches here, suggesting a slight advantage for setting a target.

Head-to-Head
In their IPL history, PBKS and RCB have faced each other 35 times, with PBKS leading narrowly with 18 wins to RCB's 17. This season, both teams won one match each against each other.

TV Broadcast:
Star Sports Network.