RCB vs PBKS 34th Match Prediction of Indian Premier League 2025
RCB vs PBKS Preview
As IPL 2025 reaches a crucial midway point, Match 34 presents a tantalizing encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings on Friday, April 18. So Let’s take a look at RCB vs PBKS 34th Match Prediction of IPL 2025.
Both teams have mirrored each other’s campaigns so far—six matches played, four wins and two losses each, with 8 points apiece. But while RCB has a superior Net Run Rate (+0.672) compared to PBKS (+0.172), the Kings have shown sparks of brilliance in recent games, including an impressive win over KKR just three days ago.
RCB comes into this match riding the momentum of a dominant 9-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals. Their campaign started strong with wins against big names like CSK and MI, and despite losses to DC and GT, the team looks balanced and confident.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, have bounced back from a loss to Sunrisers with a solid win over Kolkata, thanks largely to their in-form top order and disciplined bowling at the death.
The match will take place on a batting-friendly surface, where chasing has been a key strategy. Given both teams’ firepower and depth, we can expect another high-scoring thriller.
IPL 2025 Match 34 Details
Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Date & Time: April 18, 2025, 7:30 PM IST (14:00 GMT)
Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Players to watch out for in Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings clash at Chinnaswamy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
All eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who sits at number five on the Orange Cap list with 248 runs at an average of 62.00 and a strike rate of 143.35. Kohli’s return to peak form has galvanized RCB’s top order. Alongside him, the likes of Philip Salt and Rajat Patidar bring added firepower, while Josh Hazlewood leads the bowling attack with 9 wickets at a strike rate of just 14.56. His variations in the death overs make him a game-changer.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings’ top performer has been Shreyas Iyer, who is also in the Orange Cap race with 250 runs at an average of 62.50 and a blistering strike rate of 204.92. His calm yet aggressive presence at the crease has anchored many innings. On the bowling side, Arshdeep Singh continues to impress with 8 wickets and his ability to bowl under pressure. The left-armer will be critical, especially during the powerplay and at the death.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Playing 12s
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing 11 and impact player
Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal
Impact Player options: Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh
Who will play as an impact player for RCB against PBKS? – For RCB, an ideal impact player option could be Devdutt Padikkal, who can be slotted in as a batting boost if chasing a big target, as he adds flexibility without disturbing the core.
Punjab Kings playing 11 and impact player
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis (wk), Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryansh Shedge
Impact Player options: Yash Thakur, Praveen Dubey, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak
Who will play as an impact player for PBKS against RCB? – PBKS might consider Vijaykumar Vyshak as their impact sub, depending on whether they bat or bowl first.
RCB vs PBKS Team update: What to expect?
Both teams are likely to field unchanged line-ups, given recent victories. However, they may tweak bowling combinations based on pitch behavior. RCB’s strategy has revolved around early breakthroughs and squeezing runs in the middle overs, and with Hazlewood in rhythm, they’ll look to continue that. Punjab Kings will rely heavily on their aggressive batting core and a mix of pace and spin to counter RCB’s star-studded top order.
Expect high scoring in the powerplay, especially with both teams possessing explosive openers. Death bowling will likely decide the match, with RCB holding a slight edge in that department.
RCB vs PBKS: Who will win match 34 of IPL 2025?
While both teams are evenly matched on paper and in form, RCB holds a slight edge thanks to their more reliable bowling unit and the consistent form of Kohli. Punjab Kings, despite their power-packed line-up, have shown occasional lapses in execution, particularly in the bowling department. If RCB bats second, their composed chase strategy led by Kohli and Maxwell could seal the deal.
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Disclaimer: The cricket match predictions are based on our analysis and all the information is published in good faith and for general information purposes only **
