It’s finally here, the first big showdown of the playoffs, and fans couldn’t be more hyped! The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to light up Mullanpur on May 29. With a spot in the final at stake, tensions will be sky-high, and both teams have plenty to prove. So let’s dive into our IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 prediction and see who might just edge past in this thrilling contest!

PBKS vs RCB：League Stage Recap

Both PBKS and RCB had solid league campaigns. PBKS finished at the top of the table thanks to a superior net run rate, while RCB came in right behind them in second place.

Uncapped, Unstoppable! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0N7h3gqdTw

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 10, 2025

For PBKS, the top-order duo of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya consistently gave strong starts, while Josh Inglis brought power and calmness in the middle. Skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings when needed, and Marcus Stoinis added firepower at the death. On the bowling side, Arshdeep Singh has been their go-to guy, especially in crunch overs, with support from Bartlett and Brar.

Just the start they needed 👊#RCB are 72/0 after the powerplay with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt on song🔥

2⃣ points loading for?

Updates ▶ https://t.co/sJ6dOP9ung#TATAIPL | #RCBvSRH | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/nHjlNmCfLG

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2025

RCB, meanwhile, has been on a hot streak, especially their batters. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt have been an explosive opening pair, with Mayank Agarwal and Jitesh Sharma showing their worth in the middle. Their historic chase of 228 against LSG was nothing short of heroic. Josh Hazlewood’s return boosts their bowling lineup, complemented by Krunal Pandya’s clever spin and Yash Dayal’s pace.

History Speaks – PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Here’s a look at the PBKS vs RCB head-to-head record:

While PBKS holds a slight overall edge, recent form favors RCB, who’ve won four of the last five encounters. Interestingly, each team took one game off the other during the current season, making this PBKS vs RCB head-to-head battle even more intriguing for the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match.

IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Prediction

There’s no doubt that both squads are stacked with talent, but a few details could tilt the balance. PBKS will be playing on their home ground, which gives them a familiar surface and crowd support. Their batting has depth, but they’ve been slightly inconsistent chasing targets. If their top three fire, they can post a competitive total around 170–180.

Biggest Match Day of the season, yet. 🧿

We’re ALL IN, let’s do this lads! 🫡🔥

Catch all the LIVE action on @jiohotstar from 7:30 PM onwards. 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/kWsZXh0ado

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 29, 2025

RCB, on the other hand, comes into this game with momentum and serious belief. Their chase against LSG was the kind of performance that lifts a team’s spirits sky-high. And with players like Kohli, Salt, and Jitesh Sharma peaking at the right time, RCB’s batting lineup looks more robust than ever.

𝐎𝐧𝐞. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩. 𝐀𝐭. 𝐀. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞. 🦁 pic.twitter.com/mhqztBoU9s

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 29, 2025

Bowling is where RCB might just have the edge. Hazlewood’s return stabilizes their pace attack, while Krunal Pandya’s all-round form gives them flexibility. PBKS will rely heavily on Arshdeep and Brar to deliver with the ball, but RCB has more variety in this department.

So, what’s our IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 prediction? Based on recent form, key matchups, and that X-factor spark, we’re calling this one in favor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB looks just that bit more balanced and mentally ready for the big stage. And here’s the kicker, RCB have won all seven of their away games this season. With this clash set at PBKS’s home ground in Mullanpur, maybe…just maybe, that road-warrior magic has one more chapter to write.

Final Thoughts

As far as playoff clashes go, the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match between PBKS and RCB promises to be a cracker. With the overall PBKS vs RCB head-to-head record nearly neck and neck, and both teams bringing their A-game, this is what IPL dreams are made of. But with RCB’s recent surge in form and their star players peaking, they just might punch their ticket to the final first. Get your popcorn ready, because this one’s going to be unforgettable. Let the playoffs begin!