RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1: Predicted Playing XI, Pitch Report & Josh Hazlewood Update | IPL 2025 Playoffs
RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1: The high-voltage IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 clash is all set to unfold on May 29 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. With a place in the IPL Final at stake, both teams will be bringing their A-game. This blog dives into predicted playing XIs, pitch report, key player updates—especially Josh Hazlewood’s fitness—and who’s likely to win tonight.
Table of Contents
RCB’s Predicted Playing XI: Will Hazlewood Return?
RCB have been in solid form and are eyeing their first IPL title. However, questions remain around Josh Hazlewood’s availability. The Australian quick has taken 18 wickets in just 10 matches, making him a vital cog in RCB’s bowling setup.
RCB Predicted XI:
- Philip Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Mayank Agarwal
- Rajat Patidar (Impact Sub/Captain)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK & Stand-in Captain)
- Liam Livingstone / Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood / Nuwan Thushara
- Suyash Sharma
- Yash Dayal
If Hazlewood plays, Thushara or Dayal may be dropped.
PBKS Predicted Playing XI: Strong Batting Core
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, topped the league table with a superior net run rate. The team boasts a balanced XI with a powerful middle order and a pace-heavy attack.
PBKS Predicted XI:
- Priyansh Arya
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Shashank Singh
- Josh Inglis (WK)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Harpreet Brar
- Kyle Jamieson
- Arshdeep Singh
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Mullanpur Pitch Report: Bat First & Boss the Game, RCB vs PBKS
The pitch at Mullanpur has favored batting first, with an average first-innings score of 183 in IPL 2025. Set batters tend to flourish while new ones struggle to accelerate.
Key Stats:
- Matches played: 9
- Wins batting first: 5
- Avg first-innings score (2025): 183
Teams winning the toss may prefer setting a total.
Players to Watch Out For
Best Batter: Virat Kohli (RCB)
- Runs: 602 in 13 matches
- Average: 60.20
- Strike Rate: 147.92
- Kohli’s aggressive powerplay approach and consistency make him RCB’s key weapon in the playoffs.
Best Bowler: Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
- Wickets: 18 from 10 matches
- Avg: 17.28
- A crucial death-overs specialist, Hazlewood’s fitness will determine RCB’s bowling effectiveness.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
PBKS Win Toss and Bowl
- RCB PP: 50–60
- RCB Total: 170–180 ✅ RCB Win
RCB Win Toss and Bowl
- PBKS PP: 55–65
- PBKS Total: 170–180 ✅ PBKS Win
Match Winner Prediction: Team Batting First to Win
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between RCB and PBKS promises fireworks. With big names like Kohli, Hazlewood, Iyer, and Stoinis in action, expect nothing short of a thriller. Keep your eyes on the toss—it could decide the winner!
Comment below with your prediction for RCB vs PBKS match!
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