PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier match delivered exactly what fans hoped for—thrill, drama, and edge-of-the-seat excitement. The clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where cricket enthusiasts witnessed one of the most explosive encounters of the season.
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: As the IPL 2025 reached its penultimate stages, both teams looked hungry for their maiden title, making this qualifier even more crucial. Let’s delve deep into the match’s critical moments, turning points, top performers, and stats that made it unforgettable.
Match Overview: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier
- Date: 1st June 2025
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Format: IPL 2025 Qualifier
- Result: PBKS won by 6 wickets (with 3 balls to spare)
The match was a rollercoaster from the toss to the final over. RCB opted to bat first, setting a formidable total on the board. However, PBKS showed nerves of steel in the chase, riding on key partnerships and a fiery finish.
Toss Update and Playing XI
RCB won the toss and chose to bat first—a decision backed by the form of their top-order batsmen. Both teams went in with unchanged lineups, keeping faith in their core players.
RCB Playing XI:
Virat Kohli (c), Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Reece Topley.
PBKS Playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel.
RCB Innings: A Solid Start with Fireworks in the Middle
Powerplay Dominance
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis provided a brisk start. The duo added 57 runs in the powerplay, showing positive intent. Kohli’s timing and Du Plessis’ aggression were on full display.
Middle Overs Acceleration
Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell took charge after Du Plessis fell for 39. Maxwell’s quickfire 41 off 22 balls turned up the heat. Patidar rotated the strike smartly, ensuring no dip in momentum.
Final Flourish
RCB posted a strong 194/6 in 20 overs. Cameron Green’s cameo—18 runs off 8 balls—pushed the total closer to the 200-mark. Rabada and Arshdeep picked up 2 wickets each for PBKS but couldn’t stop the leakage of runs at the death.
PBKS Run Chase: Calm Before the Storm
Cautious Start
PBKS began the chase conservatively, scoring only 43 runs in the powerplay. Dhawan fell early, caught at slip off Siraj’s outswinger. Bairstow and Prabhsimran rebuilt patiently.
Middle Overs Magic
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: Livingstone entered like a storm, smashing Topley for three sixes in a row. His 62 off 32 balls shifted the momentum entirely. Jitesh Sharma provided steady support with 28 off 20.
Curran the Finisher
With 28 needed off 15 balls, Sam Curran played the perfect finisher’s role. His 34 off just 13 balls, including two sixes and three fours, ensured PBKS crossed the line with three balls remaining.
PBKS vs RCB Highlights: Key Performers
Liam Livingstone (PBKS)
- Runs: 62 (32 balls)
- Strike Rate: 193.75
- Boundaries: 4 fours, 5 sixes
- Match-defining innings that destroyed RCB’s spin attack.
Glenn Maxwell (RCB)
- Runs: 41 (22 balls)
- Wickets: 1
- Contributed with bat and ball, but couldn’t stop PBKS in the end.
Sam Curran (PBKS)
- Runs: 34* (13 balls)
- 1 wicket
- Calm, composed, and clinical finish.
Turning Points of the Match
- Dismissal of Kohli
Virat Kohli’s dismissal at 42 (off 30) came at a critical juncture. PBKS gained control as RCB slowed down in overs 11-14.
- Livingstone’s Attack on Spinners
PBKS were struggling at 76/2 in 10 overs. Livingstone’s fearless assault on Karn Sharma and Maxwell changed the momentum completely.
- Curran’s Final Blow
RCB’s bowlers, especially Topley and Siraj, failed to nail their yorkers. Curran exploited the loose deliveries and sealed the match in the 19.3rd over.
Head-to-Head Record: PBKS vs RCB
Before the IPL 2025 Qualifier, PBKS and RCB had faced each other 32 times in IPL history.
- PBKS Wins: 17
- RCB Wins: 15
This match tilted the head-to-head slightly in PBKS’s favor. It also marked their third consecutive win over RCB in the last two IPL seasons, underlining a psychological edge.
Reactions from the Captains
Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS Captain)
“It was a complete team effort. Livingstone and Curran were outstanding. We’ve waited a long time for this moment, and now we’re one match away from the trophy!”
Virat Kohli (RCB Captain)
“We were 15-20 runs short. The bowlers tried their best, but PBKS executed their chase better. Proud of the boys for the fight.”
What This Win Means for PBKS
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: This victory sends PBKS straight into the IPL 2025 Final, a stage they last reached in 2014 but lost. The team has shown maturity, depth, and strategic brilliance throughout the season. With Livingstone and Curran peaking at the right time, their chances look bright.
Social Media Buzz: Fans Go Wild!
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: Twitter and Instagram erupted with fan reactions after the PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier went viral.
- PBKSvsRCB trended worldwide within 10 minutes.
- Livingstone memes and Curran’s “ice in veins” moment became top GIFs.
- RCB memes returned, referencing their long wait for an IPL title.
Scorecard Summary
RCB – 194/6 (20 Overs)
- Kohli – 42 (30)
- Maxwell – 41 (22)
- Rabada – 2/33
- Arshdeep – 2/29
PBKS – 197/4 (19.3 Overs)
- Livingstone – 62 (32)
- Curran – 34* (13)
- Siraj – 2/39
- Maxwell – 1/22
PBKS won by 6 wickets.
Expert Analysis
Former cricketers weighed in on the PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier:
Gautam Gambhir:
“PBKS finally seems to have cracked the balance puzzle. Their bowling depth and batting power make them a genuine title contender.”
Harsha Bhogle:
“This was a match of fine margins. RCB had their moments, but PBKS showed why pressure handling is everything in playoffs.”
Final Thoughts: IPL 2025 Just Got Hotter
The PBKS vs RCB highlights IPL 2025 Qualifier proved why the IPL is the world’s most loved T20 league. With the stadium packed and millions watching worldwide, PBKS’s stunning win over RCB was a masterclass in chasing under pressure.
For RCB, the dream of lifting their first trophy continues to remain elusive. But for PBKS, the dream is very much alive—and they’re just one step away from history.
Upcoming: IPL 2025 Final Awaits
PBKS vs RCB Highlights IPL 2025: Stay tuned as PBKS gear up to face the winner of Qualifier 2 in the IPL 2025 Final. Can they clinch their maiden title? One thing’s certain—the team looks fearless, focused, and fired up.
