RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings?

by · Inside Sport India

In a high-stakes IPL encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Punjab Kings at the batting-friendly M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction: The 33rd match of the IPL 2025 will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Both teams are closely matched in terms of form, as both of them have won 4 matches out of 6 so far. Historically, this match is always been nail-biting. RCB is keen to notch their first home victory, while PBKS aims to extend their confidence post a record-defending win against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Match Details

  • Teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
  • Match Number: 34th Match of IPL 2025
  • Date: April 18, 2025
  • Time: 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

M Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is well-known for its short boundaries and a pitch that often delivers plenty of runs, making it a favourite for batsmen. Historical data reveals that the venue favours chasing due to the quick outfield and consistent bounce, which allows batsmen to play through the line. The chase success rate touches 100% this season, making the toss winner likely to opt for bowling first.

Head-to-Head Records

  • Total Matches Played: 33
  • Punjab Kings Wins: 17
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru Wins: 16

RCB vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal.

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

Predicted Top Performers

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

  • Virat Kohli: RCB’s stalwart will be crucial at the top. His ability to pace an innings on batting paradises like Chinnaswamy is unmatched. He will be looking for a big score.
  • Josh Hazlewood: His disciplined bowling, particularly with the new ball, can dent PBKS’s explosive intent early on. He’ll be crucial for giving breakthroughs in powerplay.

Punjab Kings

  • Shreyas Iyer: Capable of both consolidating and going aggressive, Iyer’s role could be pivotal for anchoring the innings. He has scored 250 runs so far and he’s the highest run scorer of the team.
  • Arshdeep Singh: A critical player in the death overs, Arshdeep can restrict RCB’s power hitters with sharp and varied deliveries. He has taken 8 wickets so far.

Momentum Shifters

  • Virat Kohli’s Performance (50+ runs at 145+ SR): Boosts RCB’s win probability by +30%.
  • Phil Salt in Powerplay (40+ runs at 180+ SR): Adds +28% win probability for RCB.
  • Shreyas Iyer’s Six-hitting (5+ sixes in the innings): Enhances PBKS’s chances by +25%.
  • Josh Hazlewood’s Bowling (2+ wickets with economy under 8.0): Provides a +27% win probability for RCB.

Match Prediction

In this thrilling face-off, Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold a slight edge due to their profound batting lineup, led by Kohli and Salt, combined with the potential of Josh Hazlewood with the ball. PBKS, armed with destructive batsmen like Shreyas Iyer and Priyansh Arya, could upset RCB if they exploit the powerplay effectively.

While RCB seems to have the upper hand, PBKS’s ability to adapt quickly to the high-scoring environment could see them challenge the hosts effectively, turning this contest into a nail-biter that might be decided in the final overs.