(Mullanpur, May 29, 2025) PBKS vs RCB LIVE – The high-voltage Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 season is underway at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, and it’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who have seized the early advantage! Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, RCB’s bowlers have ripped through the Punjab Kings (PBKS) top order, leaving them reeling at 60/6 after just 8.2 overs.
Both franchises, desperate to lift their maiden IPL trophy, knew the immense stakes: a win here guarantees a direct passage to the Grand Finale in Ahmedabad on June 3rd. However, PBKS’s hopes of posting a commanding total have suffered a massive blow thanks to a sensational bowling display from the visitors.
Toss & Teams: RCB Opt to Bowl
RCB’s stand-in skipper, Rajat Patidar, called correctly at the toss and had no hesitation in asking PBKS to bat first. Patidar pointed to the hard pitch with a good grass cover, believing it offered early assistance for his pace attack. He praised his team’s recent form, specifically mentioning Jitesh Sharma, Phil Salt, and Virat Kohli. RCB made one change, bringing in Josh Hazlewood for Nuwan Thushara.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer admitted he too would have bowled first but expressed confidence in his team’s ability, citing the venue’s history favouring sides setting a target. He lauded the energetic home crowd and his fearless opening pair. PBKS brought in Azmatullah Omarzai for Marco Jansen.
PBKS Playing XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson.
Impact Subs: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Xavier Bartlett.
RCB Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.
Impact Subs: Mayank Agarwal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh.
PBKS vs RCB LIVE SCORE: Early Carnage as RCB Strike Repeatedly
The RCB new-ball attack, led by the evergreen Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the left-arm pace of Yash Dayal, came out firing on all cylinders.
- Over 1 (B Kumar): A cautious start from PBKS openers Priyansh Arya (7) and Prabhsimran Singh (1). Arya found a couple of boundaries but the over yielded 8 runs. *(PBKS: 8/0)*
- Over 2 (Y Dayal): CRITICAL WICKET! Dayal struck gold immediately, dismissing the dangerous in-form opener Priyansh Arya (7). Josh Inglis joined Prabhsimran. Singh managed a six off the final ball, but the damage was done. *(PBKS: 18/1)*
- Over 3 (B Kumar): ANOTHER BLOW! Bhuvneshwar Kumar, swinging the ball masterfully, trapped Prabhsimran Singh (10) LBW. PBKS in early trouble. Shreyas Iyer walked in. *(PBKS: 27/2)*
- Over 4 (J Hazlewood): DISASTER STRIKES! Hazlewood, introduced into the attack, removed the big fish – Shreyas Iyer (2), the PBKS captain, caught cheaply. Nehal Wadhera joined Inglis at the crease. The scorecard looked grim. *(PBKS: 31/3)*
- Over 5 (Y Dayal): Survived a no-ball scare, but PBKS managed only 7 runs. The pressure was immense. *(PBKS: 38/3)*
- Over 6 (J Hazlewood): WICKET! Hazlewood struck again, clean bowling Josh Inglis (4). Powerplay ended with PBKS four down and reeling. Marcus Stoinis arrived at the crease. *(PBKS: 48/4)*. Stoinis smashed a six off the last ball.
- Over 7 (Y Dayal): FIFTH WICKET FALLS! Yash Dayal claimed his second scalp as Nehal Wadhera (6) chopped on onto his stumps. Shashank Singh joined Stoinis. *(PBKS: 52/5)*
- Over 8 (J Hazlewood): Stoinis (16*) tried to counter-attack, hitting a boundary, but only 7 came from the over. *(PBKS: 59/5)*
- Over 8.2 (Y Dayal): SIXTH WICKET! Tragedy struck immediately after the strategic timeout as Shashank Singh (3) fell, leaving PBKS in tatters at 60/6.
Read More :Virat Kohli Set to Make History: 24 Runs Away from Unprecedented T20 Milestone with RCB
PBKS vs RCB LIVE SCORE Today: RCB Firmly in Command
As it stands, Marcus Stoinis (16*) is the lone recognized batter left at the crease, alongside the lower order. RCB’s bowlers have been relentless, exploiting the conditions perfectly. Hazlewood (2 wickets), Dayal (2 wickets), Kumar (1 wicket) have been exceptional. The pressure is entirely on PBKS to salvage something defendable.
PBKS vs RCB LIVE SCORE Live: Where to Watch
- Live Telecast: The match is being broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1 HD/SD for English commentary).
- Live Streaming: Fans can stream the action live via the JioCinema app and website.
PBKS vs RCB LIVE SCORE 2025: The Stakes Remain Sky-High
Despite the disastrous start for PBKS, the prize for the winner remains unchanged: a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 Final in Ahmedabad on June 3rd. The loser will get a second chance, facing the winner of the Eliminator (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians) in Qualifier 2. RCB will be desperate to finish the job and restrict PBKS to a minimal total, while Punjab needs a miraculous recovery from Stoinis and the tail.
Stay tuned for continuous live updates as this crucial Qualifier 1 unfolds! Can PBKS recover, or will RCB cruise to the final?
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