May 29, PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction: The Qualifier-1 match of IPL 2025 will be played between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday. Punjab and RCB have qualified for the playoffs by finishing in the top two in the points table. The teams in the top two get two chances to reach the final and Punjab and RCB would like to take advantage of it.
Punjab has reached the playoffs after 11 years
Punjab Kings have made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The credit for this goes to the duo of Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting who changed the culture of the team and gave it a new look. On the other hand, RCB has faced defeat many times in the knockout stage and this time it is hoping to end the title drought. In their own words, the work is only half done for both the title contenders.
Bowling a matter of concern for Punjab
The bowling department is a matter of concern for Punjab, especially after the departure of South African fast bowler Marco Jansen, who has returned home to play for the national team. Jansen bowled important overs in the powerplay and death overs and the team will definitely miss him. Kyle Jamieson has raised some hopes in his first match, but he will have to bowl better to make an impact. All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai can also replace Jansen.
BCCI has extended the match time
RCB also had concerns about the injury of some players in the final stages of the tournament but that has been largely overcome. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is expected to be fully fit and Tim David will also be available for selection, which will bring more balance to the team. This match between the two teams will be played in Mullanpur which is also the home ground of Punjab. Rain has affected some matches this season, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now kept an extra hour for the match so that there is hope of the match in case of rain.
Reserve day not kept for Punjab-RCB match
No reserve day has been kept for the match between Punjab and RCB and if the match is washed out due to rain, then Punjab Kings can benefit from it. Actually, Punjab team was in first place in the group stage and if rain disrupts this match and the match is canceled, then it will qualify for the final due to being on top and RCB will have to win the Qualifier-2 match to reach the title match.
The weather is expected to be clear on the day of the match in Mullanpur. According to the Meteorological Department, there is one percent chance of rain during this time, while there is a 50 percent chance of cloudy sky. However, along with Punjab and RCB, cricket fans would like the match to be held without any interruption.
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