IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips and Pitch Report | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

After all the drama, thrill and excitement, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs are here. In Qualifier 1, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a high-octane clash in Chandigarh. The winner of this match will register a place in the finals.

PBKS have emerged as one of the most improved sides of IPL 2025, delivering consistently across all three departments. Under the leadership of their new skipper Shreyas Iyer, the team finished the league stage at the top of the table with 9 wins in 14 matches. Their batting has been in sublime form, with young sensation Priyansh Arya proving to be a standout discovery this season. The middle and lower order have been bolstered by the explosive firepower of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, adding crucial runs in the death overs. On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh has led the attack brilliantly, keeping opposition batters in check with his sharp lines and clever variations.

RCB, on the other hand, have been equally impressive. They finished second on the points table following a thrilling win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday. Their batting has been anchored by the ever-reliable Virat Kohli, who continues to score consistently and lead from the front. The team has shown great balance and intent in all aspects of the game, with solid contributions from both experienced players and emerging talents. The return of Josh Hazlewood to the bowling lineup will add much-needed experience and sharpness, boosting RCB’s chances in the crucial knockout stages.

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head record

Matches Played: 35 | PBKS won: 17 | RCB won: 18  | No result: 00

Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB: Match Details

• Date & Time: May 29, 7:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh is known for its challenging conditions that often result in low-scoring T20 matches. The pitch has recently demonstrated a tendency to favor slower bowlers, particularly wrist spinners and off-spinners, making spin bowling a decisive factor in games played here. Batters will need to employ a calculated approach, emphasizing solid technique and strategic shot selection to effectively counter the spin-friendly surface.

PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Picks

• Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis
• Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Priyansh Arya
• All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Romario Shepherd
• Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Harpreet Brar

PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Captain and Vice Captain

• Choice 1: Phil Salt (c), Priyansh Arya (vc)
• Choice 2: Virat Kohli (c), Marcus Stoinis (vc)

Also READ: Fans erupt in jubilation as Rishabh Pant breaks IPL 2025 jinx with a 54-ball century for LSG vs RCB

PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Backups

Jitesh Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai

PBKS vs RCB Dream11 team for today’s match (May 29, 2:00 pm GMT):

Squads:

Punjab Kings: Aaron Hardie, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, Harnoor Singh Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Josh Inglis, Kuldeep Sen, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Vishnu Vinod, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee, Josh Hazlewood

Also READ: Fans go wild as Jitesh Sharma’s fireworks guide RCB to Qualifier 1 in historic run chase against LSG