IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: PBKS Vs RCB Head-to-head Record, Mullanpur Stadium T20 Stats

The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on May 29. Both teams have displayed exceptional form this season, finishing as the top two sides in the league phase, and are now just one win away from securing a coveted spot in the IPL final.

Head-to-Head: A Rivalry on a Knife’s Edge

The PBKS vs RCB rivalry is among the most closely contested in IPL history. Across 35 encounters since 2008, Punjab Kings hold a slender advantage with 18 wins, while RCB have claimed victory 17 times. Both teams have shared the spoils in their two league meetings this season, underlining the unpredictable nature of their contests.

Total matches: 35
PBKS won: 18
RCB won: 17
Ties/No Result: 0

Their latest league encounters in 2025 saw PBKS edge out RCB in a rain-affected match in Bengaluru, while RCB bounced back to win convincingly at this very venue, Mullanpur, chasing down 157 with seven wickets in hand.

Current Form: Momentum Favors Both

Both teams enter the playoffs with strong momentum. PBKS secured their top-two finish by defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final league game, while RCB displayed grit in a tough chase against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to seal their playoff berth.

Mullanpur Stadium: A New Fortress

Mullanpur Stadium, one of the IPL’s newest venues, has quickly earned a reputation for high-scoring matches and balanced contests between bat and ball. The pitch generally offers good bounce and favors batsmen, especially in the first innings, though spinners have also enjoyed success.

Total matches: 16
Matches won by batting first: 10
Matches won by batting second: 6
Average first innings score: 173/6
Highest team total: 219/6 (Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings)
Lowest team total: 97 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings)
Highest successful chase: 177/6 (Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals)
Lowest total defended: 111 (Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders)

Key Players to Watch

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Shreyas Iyer (Captain): Leading from the front, Iyer’s experience and calm demeanor have been pivotal for PBKS’s success this season.
Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer has been lethal with the new ball, especially at Mullanpur, where he has taken 9 wickets in 4 matches at an economy of 7.62.
Priyansh Arya: The young opener has been a revelation, scoring 935 runs in 31 T20 matches with a strike rate of over 150, including a blistering 103 against Chennai Super Kings.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Virat Kohli: The former captain has amassed 602 runs this season, including eight half-centuries, and remains the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup.
Jitesh Sharma: His recent 85 off 33 balls against LSG showcased his ability to change the game’s complexion in a matter of overs.
Josh Hazlewood: Returning from injury, the Australian pacer has taken 9 wickets and adds depth to RCB’s bowling attack.

Strategic Insights

Toss Factor: With dew playing a significant role in evening matches at Mullanpur, the toss-winning captain might prefer to bowl first to exploit the conditions.
Powerplay Importance: Both teams have explosive top orders; winning the initial overs could set the tone for the rest of the match.
Spin vs Pace: While the pitch offers bounce, spinners have found success in the latter half of the innings, making the role of players like Yuzvendra Chahal crucial.

As PBKS and RCB lock horns in Qualifier 1, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams have the firepower and form to clinch a spot in the IPL 2025 final. With a balanced pitch, star-studded lineups, and a history of close encounters, fans can expect a thrilling contest that epitomizes the spirit of the IPL.

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