Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to face off in the high-stakes Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 on May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. A direct spot in the final is up for grabs, while the losing side will still have a second chance in Qualifier 2. Both teams finished the league stage with 19 points, but PBKS claimed the top spot thanks to a superior Net Run Rate (+0.372), with RCB following closely behind (+0.300).
PBKS have enjoyed a strong season, powered by a solid Indian core, consistent performances, and strategic wins. RCB, on the other hand, peaked at the right time, securing their playoff berth with a statement win over Lucknow Super Giants. Interestingly, the head-to-head between these two sides has been neck-and-neck across IPL history—out of 35 meetings, PBKS have won 18 matches, while RCB have 17 wins to their name.
In IPL 2025, PBKS edged past RCB in a rain-hit game earlier this season, winning by five wickets. But RCB bounced back strongly, registering a seven-wicket win in the return fixture. The venue at Mullanpur is known to offer assistance to batters, though new-ball seamers have found some help as well, making it a fair contest for both departments.
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As both teams gear up for this crucial knockout, the clash promises several thrilling individual battles that could tilt the balance either way. Expect fireworks as two of the most balanced sides of the season lock horns for a place in the final.
#1 Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh
RCB batter Virat Kohli has been in sublime touch this season, amassing 602 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 60.20 and a strike rate of 147.91. Punjab will look to counter him with Arshdeep Singh, who has taken 18 wickets this season. While Kohli has dominated with a strike rate of 182.35 against Arshdeep in T20s, the left-arm pacer has dismissed him twice in nine outings—making this a duel to watch.
#2 Jitesh Sharma vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Jitesh Sharma vs Yuzvendra Chahal could also be crucial. Fresh off a match-winning 85* against LSG, Jitesh is riding high on confidence. However, Chahal has proven to be a nemesis, dismissing him three times in seven T20s. This contest could play a pivotal role in the middle overs.
#3 Shreyas Iyer vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Although RCB’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been expensive of late, he could be their best bet against PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer. Iyer, leading PBKS from the front, has hammered 514 runs at a striking rate of 171.90. Though Bhuvneshwar has been expensive recently, his record against Iyer is noteworthy, dismissing him thrice in 11 T20 meetings and keeping his strike rate down to 90.
