PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 Toss Update, Playing 11, & Match Prediction

Check out the playing XI, toss result, pitch report, and match prediction for today’s PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 clash. Stay updated with key match insights and expert analysis.

The stage is all set in Mullanpur for what promises to be a thrilling clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they lock horns in the first qualifier of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Both sides have had unforgettable journeys this season. Punjab Kings are flying high after a commanding 7-wicket win over Mumbai Indians to seal their place in Qualifier 1. RCB, too, come in with confidence after a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. With 19 points each from 14 league games, it was only net run rate that separated the two — Punjab finished top, with RCB just behind.  

For PBKS, it’s a historic moment. After 11 long years, they’re back in the playoffs — the first time since 2014. But under Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, this side looks anything but burdened by the past. They’ve been consistent, fearless, and dominant right through the league stage. RCB, on the other hand, know this road all too well — and the heartbreaks that often come with it. This team has reached the knockouts multiple times before, only to fall short of the ultimate prize. With the weight of history and an elusive trophy still out of reach, this season is another shot at redemption. 

PBKS vs RCB Toss Update 

RCB won the toss and opt to bowl first. 

PBKS vs RCB Starting XI 

Both teams have a strong squad, and their Playing 11 is expected to feature some of the best names in world cricket. Here's a look at the possible lineups for PBKS and RCB: 

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal  

Impact Sub: Praveen Dubey, Vijaykumar Vaishak, Harpreet Brar 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w/c), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma   

Impact Players: Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh 

PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction 

The IPL 2025 playoffs have finally arrived, and it all kicks off with a high-stakes clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Qualifier 1. The winner of this showdown earns a direct ticket to the final, while the loser gets one more shot in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator. Naturally, both teams will be gunning for victory tonight—no one wants to take the longer route to the final. 

Both sides head into this match on a high, riding the momentum of recent wins. That said, this is unfamiliar territory for Punjab Kings, who are playing in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. For RCB, however, it’s business as usual—they’ve been here several times over the past decade, though the title has always remained out of reach. But this year feels different for RCB, and Virat Kohli’s presence will be crucial. While PBKS have shown plenty of flair, their collective inexperience on such a big stage might just tip the scales in favor of a more battle-tested RCB outfit.