PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Key Stats and Records Ahead of the Playoff
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on May 29 at the New PCA Stadium, Chandigarh. Both teams are chasing their first IPL title and a direct final spot. This preview covers key stats, head-to-head records, and players to watch in this high-stakes playoff encounter.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off on May 29 at the New PCA Stadium in Chandigarh in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 playoff. Both teams are aiming for their maiden IPL title and a direct spot in the final, setting up a high-stakes clash. Here’s a look at their head-to-head record and key tournament stats ahead of the playoff showdown. (Image: PTI)
2/11
A Rivalry Fueled by History and Hunger Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, return to the playoffs after a decade-long drought — their last appearance was a heartbreaker in 2014, when they topped the league but fell just short in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders. On the other side, RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, have been consistent playoff contenders but haven’t finished in the top two since 2016 — the year they lost the final to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams are desperate to end their title drought and claim IPL glory. (Image: PTI)
3/11
Star Men in the Spotlight: Iyer vs Kohli Two of the tournament’s most in-form and dependable batters will lead the charge. Virat Kohli, in sublime touch, has smashed 602 runs this season at a strike rate close to 148, recently becoming the first player to score 9,000 IPL runs for a single franchise. Shreyas Iyer has been no less destructive, accumulating 514 runs at an electrifying strike rate of 171.90. When these two sides last met in Chandigarh, Kohli’s unbeaten 73 earned him Player of the Match honors — and with stakes even higher now, expect Kohli’s experience to loom large. (Image: PTI)
4/11
Punjab’s Explosive Top-Order: Powerplay Fireworks PBKS’ top three—including power hitters Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya—have blazed a trail with a collective average of 36.35 and a blazing strike rate of 177.02, the best powerplay numbers in IPL 2025. If this trio fires early, PBKS could put immense scoreboard pressure on RCB right from the start. (Image: PTI)
RCB’s Road Warriors: Perfect Away Record RCB have been unstoppable on the road, winning all seven of their away games this season, including a crucial victory over PBKS in Mullanpur. Their composure and ability to adapt away from home make them a formidable opponent in this high-stakes clash. (Image: PTI)
6/11
Key Matchup: Harpreet Brar’s Spin vs RCB’s Middle Order Harpreet Brar is PBKS’ secret weapon against RCB, having taken a whopping 11 wickets against them — the most by any Punjab bowler versus Bengaluru. His left-arm spin has repeatedly rattled their middle order, and expect him to play a crucial role in controlling the middle overs. (Image: PTI)
7/11
RCB’s Strike Bowler: Krunal Pandya’s Impact Krunal Pandya has been a key bowler for RCB this season, picking up 15 wickets in IPL 2025 at an average of 23.47. His all-round abilities and knack for breaking crucial partnerships add significant value to RCB’s bowling attack. (Image: PTI)
8/11
The X-Factor: Prabhsimran Singh’s Explosive Power Prabhsimran’s ability to light up the powerplay is a game-changer. In their last encounter, he smashed 33 off just 17 balls, setting the tone for Punjab’s innings. In knockout cricket, quick runs at the start can make all the difference. (Image: PTI)
Records on the Verge: Kohli on the Cusp of 200 Sixes as T20 Opener Virat Kohli is just five sixes away from hitting the landmark of 200 sixes as a T20 opener — a milestone that will only add to his legend as one of the most explosive and consistent batsmen in the game. (Image: PTI)
10/11
Records on the Verge: Phil Salt Closing in on 1,000 IPL Runs England’s dynamic batsman Phil Salt is rapidly approaching a major milestone, needing just 16 runs to cross the 1,000-run mark in the IPL — highlighting his growing stature in the tournament. (Image: PTI)
11/11
Records on the Verge: Marcus Stoinis Nears 2,000 IPL Runs Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis sits only eight runs shy of reaching 2,000 IPL runs, showcasing his invaluable batting contributions season after season. (Image: PTI)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
