The IPL 2025 playoffs kick off with a blockbuster face-off—Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1. Scheduled for May 29, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, this match is more than just a playoff—it’s a direct ticket to the IPL final.
Fans are eagerly looking forward to how the pitch plays out today, especially with both teams having explosive power at the top and strong bowling units. Let’s break down the PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 pitch report, weather conditions, and what to expect from this high-stakes encounter.
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Qualifier 1 Details
The IPL 2025 has reached its thrilling playoff stage, and fans are eagerly waiting for the high-stakes battle between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1. This is not just any match—it’s a golden opportunity for both teams to book their place in the IPL 2025 Final. The clash will take place at the newly built Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, known for its top-class facilities and lively atmosphere. As the excitement builds, cricket lovers across the country are gearing up to watch this evening showdown scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on May 29, 2025.
This Qualifier promises intense action, big moments, and a do-or-die spirit as both teams aim to take one step closer to lifting the IPL trophy. Here’s a quick overview of the much-anticipated match:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Stage | Qualifier 1 – IPL 2025 Playoffs |
| Date | 29th May 2025 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Match Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Stadium | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur |
| City | Mullanpur |
| Match Importance | Winner advances directly to the IPL 2025 Final |
This match carries immense importance in the IPL 2025 playoffs as the winner will secure a straight ticket to the Grand Finale. With both teams performing well throughout the season, this battle is expected to be a nail-biter that fans won’t want to miss.
PBKS vs RCB Pitch Report – What to Expect at Mullanpur
The pitch at the Mullanpur stadium has offered plenty of action this IPL season. Here’s a detailed look at how the surface behaves and what it could mean for both teams tonight.
Is the Pitch Batting-Friendly or Bowling-Friendly?
The pitch is slightly favorable to batting first. Out of the matches played here this season, teams setting a target have won 3 out of 4 games, showing a trend toward first-innings dominance. The average first innings score is around 173 runs, which points to a surface that rewards smart batting over reckless hitting.
Pace or Spin – Who Holds the Edge?
- Early Overs: The new ball moves around a bit, offering seam and swing, which makes the PowerPlay crucial. Expect RCB’s disciplined bowling attack to challenge PBKS’s aggressive top order.
- Middle Overs Onward: As the pitch slows down, spinners start coming into play. The surface grips a bit, making it tougher for batters to time their shots. Expect bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal or Rahul Chahar to play a key role.
Average 1st Innings Score at Mullanpur
| Matches Played | Bat First Wins | Bat Second Wins | Average 1st Innings Score | Notable Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 1 | 173 runs | Surface slows down after PowerPlay |
Before heading into the match, teams will keep a close eye on this stat. Anything around 170-180 could be a winning total if bowlers execute well.
Weather Forecast for PBKS vs RCB – May 29, 2025
- Conditions: Clear skies with a hot evening ahead
- Temperature: Around 35°C
- Dew Factor: Minimal, unlikely to impact the game
- Impact on Match: The intense heat could dry out the pitch as the match progresses, making conditions more favorable for spin bowlers in the second innings. Teams will need to prioritize hydration and fitness, especially while fielding under these tough conditions.
🎯 Toss Strategy – Bat or Bowl First?
What should the team winning the toss do?
✅ Opt to bat first – and here’s why:
- The pitch at Mullanpur tends to slow down in the second innings
- Batting becomes more difficult under lights on a drying surface
- Chasing teams have struggled here – 3 out of 4 matches this season were won by teams setting a target
A score between 170-180 runs could prove to be a match-winning total on this surface.
PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Top Player Picks
Make your Dream11 team for today’s IPL 2025 playoff clash with these form-based fantasy picks tailored to the pitch and weather conditions:
🔝 Top Batters
- Virat Kohli – A chase specialist with 342 runs in 6 innings at a staggering average of 114
- Shreyas Iyer – In terrific form, reliable across all phases
- Phil Salt – Known for aggressive starts in PowerPlay
- Priyansh Arya – Young talent with explosive hitting ability
🎯 Must-Have Bowlers
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Brilliant with the new ball, key in the PowerPlay
- Arshdeep Singh – Reliable in death overs
- Josh Hazlewood – If available, can exploit early bounce and seam
- Yuzvendra Chahal – Will thrive if the pitch assists spin in the second innings
🧤 Wicketkeeper Picks
- Jitesh Sharma – In red-hot form; his recent 85* makes him a top pick
- Josh Inglis – Consistent and tidy behind the stumps
💪 All-Rounders to Consider
- Marcus Stoinis – Dangerous with the bat and offers medium-pace support
- Romario Shepherd – Match-winner potential with both bat and ball
- Krunal Pandya – His left-arm spin can be a major threat on a slowing pitch
Key Battles to Watch – PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
⚡ PowerPlay Clash: PBKS Batting vs RCB Bowling
One of the most crucial phases in today’s PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Qualifier will be the PowerPlay battle. Here’s why:
- PBKS have the second-highest PowerPlay scoring rate this season – a blazing 10.02 runs per over
- RCB counters with the best PowerPlay economy rate (8.79) and the highest dot-ball percentage (43.5%)
💥 This early clash between PBKS’s explosive openers and RCB’s disciplined new-ball bowlers could shape the outcome of the match. Expect intense pressure from ball one.
🎯 Middle-Overs Showdown: Spinners Could Rule
As the Mullanpur pitch is likely to slow down under lights, the middle overs will become a battlefield for spin bowlers. Watch out for:
- Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB) – Experienced campaigner who thrives on dry tracks
- Harpreet Brar (PBKS) – Smart left-arm spinner with local familiarity
- Glenn Maxwell (RCB) – Handy with the ball, especially against left-handers
✅ If either team manages to choke runs and pick key wickets between overs 7-15, it could tilt the momentum heavily in their favor.
🧠 Final Prediction – Who Has the Edge in PBKS vs RCB?
This IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 is set to be a tactical showdown between PBKS’s firepower with the bat and RCB’s disciplined bowling attack.
💡 Key Scenarios:
- If PBKS bats first and scores 175+: They’ll likely dominate the game with spin in the second innings
- If RCB restricts PBKS under 160: RCB becomes the clear favorite to chase on a slow pitch
Both teams must adapt quickly to pitch conditions and maintain sharp fielding standards under the heat.
📊 Final Thoughts – IPL Today Match Pitch Report (PBKS vs RCB)
The Mullanpur stadium pitch for today’s clash is expected to offer:
- A balanced start with decent pace and bounce early on
- A slow and dry surface later in the game, bringing spinners into play
- Minimal dew, which supports the decision to bat first after winning the toss
📌 Toss Strategy:
The team winning the toss should opt to bat first, aim for a total above 170, and let spin bowlers take control in the second half.
🏆 What’s at Stake? – PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025 Playoffs
This is more than just another IPL match—both teams are chasing their first-ever IPL title. With Virat Kohli’s calm leadership on one side and PBKS’s aggressive approach on the other, fans are guaranteed a high-octane contest.
Whether it’s a thrilling chase or a defending masterclass, today’s PBKS vs RCB Qualifier promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the season.