IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Match Preview, Predictions, and Fantasy Tips

The IPL 2025 playoffs are in full swing, and the Qualifier 1 clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings promises to be a blockbuster. With a spot in the IPL final at stake, both teams are geared up for an intense battle. This article provides a detailed match preview, including team news, pitch analysis, key player stats, match predictions, and fantasy cricket tips to help you stay ahead.

Team News and Predicted Playing XI

Both teams are entering the match with strong squads. Punjab Kings will likely see the return of George Hazlewood and Tim David, with Yuzvendra Chahal also expected to feature. However, they’ll miss Marco Jansen due to World Test Championship commitments. RCB, on the other hand, is expected to bring back Josh Hazlewood, maintaining their formidable line-up.

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI

• Prabh Simran Singh
• Priyansh Arya
• Shreyas Iyer (c) / Jos Inglis
• Nihal Wadhera
• Shashank Singh
• Marcus Stoinis
• Ajmatullah Umarzai
• Harpreet Brar
• Kyle Jamison
• Arshdeep Singh
• Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact Player)

RCB Predicted Playing XI

• Virat Kohli
• Phil Salt
• Mayank Agarwal
• Rajat Patidar (c)
• Jitesh Sharma / Tim David
• Romario Shepherd
• Kunal Pandya
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar
• Josh Hazlewood
• Yashas Dayal
• Suyash Sharma (Impact Player)

Pitch Report: Chandigarh

The match will take place in Chandigarh, Punjab’s home ground. The pitch favors batsmen, with an average first-innings score of 175. Pacers have taken around 80 wickets, while spinners have claimed 40 in recent matches here. Teams batting first have won 10 out of 11 matches when defending totals above 170, making this a defend-biased venue. Expect a high-scoring game with 180 being a competitive score.

Head-to-Head Record

Punjab Kings hold a slight advantage, winning 18 of the 35 matches against RCB, who have 17 wins. A victory for RCB would level the record.

Key Player Stats

RCB Players

• Virat Kohli: Averages 36 against Punjab, with 74 runs in two games at Chandigarh.
• Phil Salt: Scored 127 runs in five matches against Punjab but only 1 run in one game at Chandigarh.
• Mayank Agarwal: Has 150 runs in eight matches against Punjab but modest returns at Chandigarh.
• Rajat Patidar: Scored 165 runs in six matches against Punjab but just 12 runs in one game at Chandigarh.
• Liam Livingstone: Took three wickets and scored 66 runs in four matches at Chandigarh but struggles against Punjab.
• Kunal Pandya: Claimed 10 wickets and 200 runs in 17 matches against Punjab, with three wickets in two games at Chandigarh.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Took 31 wickets in 23 matches against Punjab.
• Suyash Sharma: Claimed three wickets in three matches against Punjab and three in two games at Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings Players

• Prabh Simran Singh: Scored 130 runs in six matches against RCB and 150 runs in nine games at Chandigarh.
• Priyansh Arya: Has 170 runs in five matches at Chandigarh, a standout performer.
• Shreyas Iyer: Averages 27 against RCB but struggles at Chandigarh with 25 runs in four games.
• Nihal Wadhera: Scored 111 runs in four matches against RCB and 86 runs in four games at Chandigarh.
• Shashank Singh: Has 215 runs in nine matches at Chandigarh, solid for a lower-order batsman.
• Marcus Stoinis: Scored 275 runs in 14 matches against RCB but only six runs in three games at Chandigarh.
• Harpreet Brar: Took 11 wickets in eight matches against RCB but only two in six games at Chandigarh.
• Arshdeep Singh: Claimed eight wickets in nine matches against RCB and 11 in nine games at Chandigarh.
• Yuzvendra Chahal: Took 11 wickets in 10 matches against RCB and six in five games at Chandigarh.

Key Matchups

• Phil Salt vs Arshdeep Singh: Salt has scored 25 runs off 32 balls and been dismissed four times.
• Virat Kohli vs Harpreet Brar: Kohli scored 74 runs off 67 balls but lost two wickets.
• Mayank Agarwal vs Yuzvendra Chahal: Agarwal scored 75 runs off 51 balls but been dismissed seven times.
• Shreyas Iyer vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Iyer managed 45 runs off 50 balls and been dismissed three times.
• Shreyas Iyer vs Josh Hazlewood: Iyer scored nine runs off 19 balls and been dismissed three times.

Match Predictions

1. Punjab’s Key Performers: Jos Inglis and Nihal Wadhera are expected to shine with the bat, while Marcus Stoinis could contribute significantly.
2. Shreyas Iyer’s Struggle: Iyer is likely to be dismissed for under 15 runs.
3. Punjab’s Openers: Only one opener is predicted to score over 30 runs.
4. RCB’s Openers: Neither Kohli nor Salt is expected to score over 50 runs.
5. Rajat Patidar’s Comeback: Patidar is likely to find form alongside Mayank Agarwal or Jitesh Sharma.
6. Bowling Impact:
   • Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh and Chahal are expected to take at least three wickets combined.
   • RCB’s Kunal Pandya, Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are predicted to take at least four wickets.
7. Match Winner: Punjab Kings are favored to win and advance to the IPL final.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Punjab Kings

• Safe Picks: Prabh Simran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Jos Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Ajmatullah Umarzai, Kyle Jamison, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
• Trump Card: Kyle Jamison (low ownership, high potential).

RCB

• Safe Picks: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Kunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yashas Dayal.
• Trump Cards: Rajat Patidar (big-match potential) and Mayank Agarwal (under-picked).

With Punjab Kings holding a slight edge, this match promises to be a nail-biter. Use these insights to craft your fantasy teams and make informed predictions. Good luck!