RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report, and Playing XI of 34th Match of IPL 2025

Indian Premier League 2025, 34th Match played between RCB vs PBKS at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, stay updated with ScoreWaves for Indian Premier League 2025 34th Match Fantasy Tips, Playing 11, Pitch reports, Fastest cricket score, fastest updates, sports news and more

IPL 2025 is fast approaching its halfway mark, and two of the standout teams so far — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings — are set to go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Both sides have notched up four wins from their first six games, and with just two losses each, this matchup could be a litmus test for who’s truly in the title hunt. 

Both teams hit the ground running with dominant wins — RCB brushing aside KKR and PBKS putting Gujarat Titans to the sword. But the early momentum didn’t last uninterrupted. RCB were tripped up by Gujarat and Delhi, while Punjab stumbled against Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

That said, Punjab Kings seem to have rediscovered their groove. After a rough patch, they bounced back strongly with a solid win over CSK followed by a historic defensive masterclass against KKR. In a nail-biter of a match, PBKS defended a modest 111 — the lowest total ever successfully defended in IPL history. Yuzvendra Chahal was the architect of the win, snaring four crucial wickets and flipping the game in Punjab’s favor. 

RCB, on the other hand, are riding high after a near-flawless chase against Rajasthan Royals. The trio of Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal made light work of the target, cruising to a nine-wicket victory in emphatic fashion. With their top order firing and confidence sky-high, Bengaluru will now be aiming to tighten their grip on a top-four spot with a statement win over an equally in-form Punjab side. 

Head-to-Head: RCB vs PBKS - Who Holds the Advantage?

If we talk about head to head record, then both the teams have faced each other 33 times in which RCB has won 16 matches whereas PBKS have won 17 matches. In such a situation, RCB will have an advantage in this match because they will be playing on their home ground for the first time in IPL 2025.

The matches between the two teams are always tough. PBKS's team is looking in good form but PBKS's main batsmen need to take responsibility as they are getting out after getting set. For RCB, both openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli have no concern looking in good touch but need to perform well at home ground as perform away matches.

Total Matches Played: 33

RCB Wins: 16

PBKS Wins: 17

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 0

Despite RCB having the firepower of Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Tim David, RCB's all-around strength and explosive players Kurnal Pandya and Liam Livinston give them the upper hand in this head-to-head contest. However, it’s always been a close battle, with both sides frequently trading blows in IPL clashes.

Predictions: Who Will Win the Match?

As far as fantasy cricket is concerned, RCB might have the edge with their explosive batting lineup led by Rohit Sharma, SuryaKumar Yadav and Tilak Verma, and Ryan Reckelton but DC's balanced squad and the presence of all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir make them a formidable opponent. Wankhede Stadium, with its high-scoring potential, might slightly favor the batting-heavy teams, so expect a run-fest! 

Injury Update:

No injury concern in this match.

RCB vs PBKS Match, Date, Time, & Venue: 

Match: RCB vs PBKS 34th Match of IPL 2025     

Date: 18 April 2025

Time: 7:30 PM 

Stadium: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium   

Location: Bengaluru

RCB vs PBKS Match Pitch Report:     

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Lucknow offers a batsman-friendly pitch for T20 matches, characterized by consistent bounce and a true surface that favors aggressive stroke play. The pitch provides good carry, allowing fast bowlers to generate pace, while spinners can find some grip, especially in the middle overs. The short boundaries and humid conditions make it ideal for high-scoring games, with teams often posting big totals. However, the pitch can slow down slightly in the latter stages, making smart batting and tactical bowling crucial. 

Possible Playing 11 for RCB:   

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazelwood, Yash Dayal  

Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd

Possible playing 11 for PBKS:   

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal  

Impact Sub: Praveen Dubey, Vijaykumar Vaishak, Harpreet Brar

RCB vs PBKS Fantasy Team:      

Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh

Batsman: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya

All-rounders: Liam Livindston, Glenn Maxwell

Bowlers: Josh Hazelwood, Yash Dayal, Xavier Bartlett

RCB vs PBKS Team for Today Match:

RCB vs PBKS Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

Choice 1: Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer (VC)

Choice 2: Liam Livindston (C), Yash Dayal (VC)

RCB vs PBKS Fantasy Prediction Backups:   

Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen

Disclaimer:

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision

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