IPL 2025, Match - 71, Qualifier - 1 | PBKS vs RCB | Fantasy Tips, Prediction & Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 71th game (Qualifier - 1) of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RCB won the last league game of IPL 2025 to finish second and secure their spot in Qualifier 1 against table-toppers PBKS. 

Punjab Kings had their best IPL season since 2014, finishing top of the table in IPL 2025 with 9 wins, 4 losses, 1 no-result, and 19 points. They started strong with wins over GT and SRH, and continued their momentum with key victories against CSK (twice), LSG (twice), KKR, RCB, RR, and MI. Despite a few setbacks—including losses to GT, RR, SRH, RCB, and a washout against KKR—their consistent performances and positive net run rate secured them a playoff spot and the top position in the league standings.

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had an impressive IPL 2025 season, finishing second in the league stage with 19 points from 14 matches. They registered nine wins, including victories over CSK (twice), RR (twice), MI, DC, PBKS, LSG, and KKR. They lost four games—to GT, DC, PBKS, and SRH. One match against KKR was washed out due to rain. RCB ended the league stage with a positive net run rate, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament.

Match Timings

Match Toss Time - 07:00 PM IST (01:30 PM GMT)

Match Start Time - 07:30 PM IST (02:00 PM GMT)

Match Venue - Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mohali

Head to Head

Matches Played - 35

Punjab Kings won - 18         Royal Challengers Bengaluru won - 17

Last 5 meetings

Punjab Kings won - 1          Royal Challengers Bengaluru won - 4

Pitch Report

The surface at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali is batting-friendly with high-scoring potential. Pacers get early movement, but spinners come into play later. Dew often makes chasing easier.

Weather Report

The weather forecast is expected to be warm and clear. There are no chances of rain during the game. The temperature is likely to be around 37°C  with 46% humidity.

Probable Playing XI  

Punjab Kings (PBKS) - Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Jos Inglis(wk), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Kyle Jamieson, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Player - Vijay Kumar Vyshak

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) -  Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(wk), Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazelwood, Yash Dayal

Impact Player - Suyash Sharma

Must Picks

PBKS -  Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer

RCB - Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma

PBKS vs RCB Fantasy Team

Wicket-Keeper : Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh

Batters : Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Rajat Patidar

All-rounder : Marco Jansen, Krunal Pandya

Bowlers : Arshdeep Singh, Josh Hazlewood

Captain and Vice-Captain picks

Captain : Virat Kohli

Vice-Captain : Shreyas Iyer

Prediction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru carry strong momentum with a dominant away record and a stunning last match performance. While Punjab Kings topped the table, RCB’s recent form and big-match temperament give them a slight edge going into this crucial playoff clash.

Sportco predicts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to beat Punjab Kings in the 71th game (Qualifier - 1) of the Indian Premier League 2025.

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Cover Credits - IPL.com