RCB vs PBKS: Explosive 14-Over Showdown Confirmed as Punjab Kings Opt to Field After Rain Delay
PBKS won the toss and chose to field as RCB prepares to bat first in a shortened 14-over contest at Chinnaswamy. The rain-delayed match is now set to deliver fireworks under the Bengaluru lights.
Key Highlights:
RCB vs PBKS is officially live as the rain delay drama ends and a thrilling 14-over-per-side encounter kicks off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and chose to field first, placing pressure on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to set a strong total in this high-intensity, compressed IPL 2025 clash.
Match Snapshot: RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 – Match 34
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Overs: 14 per side
- Powerplay: 4 overs
- Max overs per bowler: 3
- Toss: Punjab Kings won and opted to field
- Match Start: 9:45 PM IST, following a 9:30 PM toss
Why PBKS Chose to Bowl First in RCB vs PBKS Thriller
Shikhar Dhawan’s decision to field comes on the back of:
- Dew influence: Easier batting second with moisture under lights
- Chinnaswamy chasing trend: 3 of 4 games here in IPL 2025 have been won by teams batting second
- Shortened format: Suits PBKS’s explosive middle-order lineup with the likes of Stoinis and Livingstone
“It’s a shortened game, and we like chasing in these conditions,” said Dhawan at the toss.
Confirmed Playing XIs for RCB vs PBKS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Suyash Sharma, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh
Conditions & Strategy Outlook: RCB vs PBKS 14-Over Special
The Chinnaswamy pitch has dried well after rain, and no further showers are expected. The outfield looks ready, and the surface should assist strokeplay with true bounce and a rapid outfield.
Expect a bat-first target of around 135–145 to be competitive.
Strategic shifts for both teams:
- RCB needs a strong powerplay from Salt and Kohli
- PBKS will rely on Arshdeep and Bartlett early, with Chahal to control the middle phase
Fantasy Focus: RCB vs PBKS Picks for a 14-Over Format
Key fantasy choices in this shortened showdown:
- Phil Salt – Powerplay destroyer
- Marcus Stoinis – Finisher + bowling option
- Yuzvendra Chahal – Knows the pitch like no other
- Tim David – One over can turn the game
💡 Cricbuzz Tip: Go heavy on top-order batters and death specialists.
RCB vs PBKS: What’s at Stake Tonight
Both RCB and PBKS are in the mid-table logjam with 8 points each. A win here boosts playoff chances and can improve NRR significantly. The shortened format adds volatility and favors teams with adaptable, aggressive game plans.
Expect sixes, tactical bowling spells, and edge-of-the-seat action as IPL 2025 delivers another explosive installment.
Disclaimer
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Cricbuzz. The content, including team updates, match analysis, and fantasy tips, is created for promotional purposes. Hindustan Herald and Cricbuzz do not guarantee any specific fantasy outcomes or match results. Please play responsibly.
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