PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction — Who Will Win IPL 2026 Match 61? PBKS vs RCB

Punjab Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 61 of the IPL 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on 17 May. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won eight matches and currently top the points table with 16 points. In their last match, they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets, successfully chasing a target of 193 runs and almost securing their place in the playoffs. Virat Kohli was the standout performer for RCB, scoring a match-winning 105 runs at a strike rate of 175.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, after winning their first six matches, lost the next five games and currently stand in fourth in the points table with 13 points. They lost their previous game by six wickets against Mumbai Indians, failing to defend the target of 201 runs. Based on recent form—PBKS vs RCB who will win today IPL 2026—Royal Challengers Bengaluru appear to be the stronger side here.

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PBKS vs RCB Match Details – IPL 2026, Match 61

• Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Match 61)

• Date: 17th May 2026

• Match Time: 3:30 PM IST

• Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala 

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

PBKS vs RCB Pitch Report – Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Dharamsala 

The pitch at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, is batting-friendly, offering excellent pace, bounce, and carry, which often results in high-scoring T20 matches.

• Win Batting First: 35%

• Win Bowling First: 65%

Average Score

• Average 1st Innings: 186

• Average 2nd Innings: 166

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli reflects on ‘folding hands’ reaction after winning IPL 2025 for RCB

PBKS vs RCB Weather Report – Dharamsala Conditions 

PBKS vs RCB Recent Form

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 matches)

PBKS vs RCB Injury News & Team Updates – Match 61

PBKS: All players are fully fit and available for this match 

RCB: All players are available

PBKS vs RCB Win Probability – IPL 2026 Match 61

PBKS vs RCB Key Player Battles to Watch 

PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If PBKS bats first

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 185–200

• Match Result: RCB to win

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Scenario 2: If RCB bats first

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 195–210

• Match Result: RCB to win

PBKS vs RCB Toss Prediction – Match 61 IPL 2026

The team winning the toss would bowl first. In both games played here, the chasing team comfortably won the match.

Prediction: RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first 

PBKS vs RCB Probable Playing 11

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Phil Salt/Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood.

PBKS vs RCB Match 61 Player of the Match Prediction 2026

• Virat Kohli

• Krunal Pandya

• Azmatullah Omarzai 

Who Will Win PBKS vs RCB Today? — Expert Prediction Match 61

According to our PBKS vs RCB who will win today IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the favourites to win this IPL 2026 expert prediction. Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are expected to be the key performers.

PBKS vs RCB who will win today IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win

PBKS vs RCB Match Result  – IPL 2026 Match 61 Result

(To be updated after the match - May 17, 2026)