Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by Rajat Patidar, meet Punjab Kings (PBKS), captained by Shreyas Iyer, in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Both teams are looking to win their first-ever IPL title. RCB dominated Qualifier 1 by easily chasing 102 in 10 overs, while PBKS recovered from their loss to RCB by chasing down MI's total in thrilling fashion in Qualifier 2. The team that wins this final will receive the IPL 2025 trophy and end a 17-year wait for the achievement.

Narendra Modi Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 43
• Batting 1st Won: 21
• Batting 2nd Won: 22
• Highest Total: 266/7 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest Total: 66/10 by Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians in 2017
• Highest Run-chase: 217/6 in 20 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: Not specified, but recent trends favor high-scoring games
• Average 1st Innings Score: 176

Weather and Pitch Report

The IPL 2025 Final in Ahmedabad has an 80% chance of rain the evening of the match, with thunderstorms possibly stopping or delaying the match. The temperature is expected to be around 34.1°C, with humidity around 47%. it will be important to remember that dew will be an obstacle in the second innings. The toss is going to be very important, as we expect teams to dislike batting first. The pitch looks good for batting, as the ball goes straight and carries well with good bounce, with a par above 200 being the general expectation. Pacers will get some sideways ball movement when humid, as is expected, while spinners should rely on their normal variations. The short boundaries and wet conditions will lead to difficulty defending total scores.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS Final - A Head to Head breakdown

RCB vs PBKS: Match Preview

RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, are on a mission to erase a 17-year drought towards the elusive IPL title and have established themselves as serious contenders with their dominant form in 2025. RCB thrashed PBKS in Qualifier 1 to reach the final with a comfortable eight-wicket victory and have ample confidence after a dominant season. Virat Kohli leads the RCB top order; his output is complemented by Phil Salt and Mayank Agarwal, allowing for the ability to kick off quickly. RCB can also build pressure with swing bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Suyash Sharma adds some air to the ball and controls the length of the innings. With Tim David available and nine different match-winners, RCB are starting to put together a fully functioning unit, which is advantageous heading into the final. 

PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, have a very reasonable chance towards their first IPL trophy after finishing first in the league and defeating MI in Qualifier 2. Iyer is the linchpin of their batting, with contributions from Josh Inglis and emerging talent Priyansh Arya. Late-game damage can come with the power of Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera. With Arshdeep Singh, Chahal, Marco Jansen, and Harpreet Brar, PBKS has a versatile bowling attack. PBKS will rely on explosive starts with batters controlling the middle to quiet their opposing rhythm.

On June 1, 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, enter the contest following a disastrous eight-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, having been bowled out for 101. The Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, will be full of confidence, having beaten Gujarat Titans (GT) by 20 runs in the Eliminator, defending a massive 228. The winner of this match will face RCB in the IPL 2025 final on June 3, with the loser eliminated from the tournament entirely.

Narendra Modi Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 42
• Batting 1st Won: 21
• Batting 2nd Won: 21
• Highest Total: 266/7 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest Total: 66/10 by Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians in 2017
• Highest Run-chase: 217/6 in 20 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: Not specified, but recent trends favor high-scoring games
• Average 1st Innings Score: 176

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs MI Qualifier 2 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

On June 1, Ahmedabad will have warm weather (30–34°C, 50–60% humidity) with no rain likely, although there was a bit of drizzle during PBKS' training. The red-soil pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is generally high scoring—six of the seven games in IPL 2025 played here were won by teams who batted first, many times scoring well over 200. The surface is initially flat, perfect for batting, and eventually slows down, allowing spinners like Chahal and Santner to shine. While dew is a factor for chasing teams, batting first still has a 60% winning advantage.

PBKS vs MI: Match Preview

PBKS enters Qualifier 2 under pressure after their batting crumbled to 101 in Qualifier 1 against RCB. Despite topping the league stage, the loss exposed chinks in their armor, with Iyer scoring just 27 runs in 5 innings at Mullanpur. While Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis anchor the batting, not having Marco Jansen means they are weaker in their bowling and lower order. Chahal has rejoined the squad, enhancing their spin attack, as he was successful against MI's Jonny Bairstow and Suryakumar Yadav gap. Arshdeep Singh remains their bowling spearhead, and they need their Indian core of Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh, and Nehal Wadhera to step up on a flatter Ahmedabad pitch. 
 
 MI is in good form, winning 3 of their last 5 matches, including a 20-run victory over GT in the Eliminator, where they scored 228/5.  Rohit Sharma scored a vintage 81, and Jonny Bairstow blasted 47 off 22, which got the score set, with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hradik Pandya providing depth. MI's bowling, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, has power, but if Deepak Chahar and Richard Gleeson have hamstring issues, it seems likely Reece Topley will make an appearance in the match.  MI's experience of playoff matches provides them with a 59% win probability. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) play  Mumbai Indians  (MI) in the Eliminator of the IPL 2025 playoffs on May 30, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. GT, finishing third, aims to use their well-rounded squad to move on to Qualifier 2, and MI, finishing fourth, seeks to overcome their poor historical record against GT to reach the final. The winner will move on to Qualifier 2, and the loser will be eliminated.

Mullanpur Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 10
• Batting 1st Won: 5
• Batting 2nd Won: 5
• Highest Total: 219/6 by Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2025
• Lowest Total: 95 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings)
• Highest Run-chase: 177/6 in 19.2 overs by Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest total defended: 182/9 by SRH vs PBKS in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 180
• Average 2nd Innings: 170

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Eliminator - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

 The expected weather in Chandigarh on May 30, 2025, will be hot (28-32°C and 40-50% humidity), and no rain is expected. Dew may play a factor for the chasing side in the second innings because the ball may skid onto the batsman, and the bowlers may struggle for grip. The Mullanpur pitch will provide a balanced surface. It will be fair to the batters at the beginning and will assist the spinners later on, because it will probably be dry. Teams have preferred to chase, as three of four have been won by the team setting a target so far this season.

GT vs MI: Match Preview

GT approaches Eliminator 1 as a confident team. Having won three of their last five matches, including a 36-run victory over MI in Match 9, GT appears to have their batting lineup in a rhythm led by Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. They have gone above 180 in six of their matches this season, and they have a 66.67% win rate in those specific scenarios. There have at times been question marks surrounding GT's middle order. The loss of Jos Buttler for international duties may affect their top order. GT's bowling unit of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are still in good shape, although they will miss the all-round prowess of Gerald Coetzee, with Arshad Khan stepping in.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

MI also enters the encounter with three wins from their last five matches. MI has relied on their explosive batting lineup, which features Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, and they will be without Will Jacks for international duties, who scored a quickfire 50 in Match 56. MI's middle order has stepped up with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, but MI's batting faltered in some low-scoring games, which included their 155/8 against GT. MI's bowling has done a great job, led by Jasprit Bumrah and D. Chahar, who have been relatively economical at an 8.1-run average in powerplay overs. Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner have been Control bowlers.

The IPL 2025 playoffs begin with Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. PBKS will be looking to make the most of their home-ground advantage and get through to their first IPL final since 2014. If one of the two teams loses today, the defeated team will head to Qualifier 2 and have another chance to reach the final.

Mullanpur Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 9
• Batting 1st Won: 5
• Batting 2nd Won: 4
• Highest Total: 219/6 by Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2025
• Lowest Total: 95 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings)
• Highest Run-chase: 177/6 in 19.2 overs by Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest total defended: 182/9 by SRH vs PBKS in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 180
• Average 2nd Innings: 170

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

On May 29, 2025, the weather in Chandigarh is hot (28 to 32 degrees C, 40-50% humidity), with no rain predicted. Dew may help out the chasing side in the second innings, allowing the ball to skid and making gripping the ball difficult for bowlers. The Mullanpur pitch has a balanced surface and lends to batting in the first innings, but it will aid spinners as the match progresses because of its dry nature. Teams have, therefore, opted to bat first in order to set a competitive total, as is evident by the fact that of four matches played this season, three of them were won by the team batting first.

Match Preview

PBKS has entered Qualifier 1 with momentum, having won four of their last five matches, and after a dominating victory over Mumbai Indians in Match 69, they secured the top position in the standings. PBKS has been whacking away with their batters, led by explosive action from Shreyas Iyer and some uncapped talent in Priyansh Arya and Nehal Wadhera, and scored above 200 in five matches this season, winning at a 71.43% rate in matches where they scored above 200. However, PBKS seemed to falter a little at times in the middle order, and Shreyas Iyer's 25 runs in four innings at Mullanpur could be a worry. Thankfully, either Arshdeep Singh or Yuzvendra Chahal leads a powerful bowling unit. although Marco Jansen has left for the World Test Championship Final, this may affect their pace unit, but probably expect Azmatullah Omarzai to step in. 

Also Read: RCB creates another record in IPL 2025 with unprecedented batting feat

RCB has four wins in the last five matches, coming in firing on all cylinders, bolstered by two explosive innings by Virat Kohli and Jitesh Sharma, as they smashed an explosive 85 off 33 against LSG. RCB's batting is very good, as Rajat Patidar, series captain, has multiple successful middle-order partnerships. Phil Salt has a new approach with the bat to give RCB aggressive starts. RCB's bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar more recently in terms of death-over control, has been economical, conceding 7.85 runs per over in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma’s spin duo has complemented their pace attack, with Nuwan Thushara as a possible replacement. RCB’s perfect 7-0 away record this season adds confidence, but PBKS’s home strength poses a stern test.

The conclusion of the IPL 2025 league stage is the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 70 at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. RCB are on 17 points from 13 games and have booked their spot in the playoffs. The challenge for RCB is to finish in the top two so that they can advance to Qualifier 1. LSG have already been knocked out of the playoffs and will be looking to finish with a victory to ruin RCB's run-in to the playoffs. 

Ekana Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 21
• Batting 1st Won: 9
• Batting 2nd Won: 11
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 199/3 in 19 overs by Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023
• Average 1st Innings Score: 167

Also Read: IPL 2025: LSG vs RCB Match 70 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

Lucknow's weather on May 27, 2025, is likely to be nice (25-30°C, 50-60% humidity) with no rain forecast. Dew will help the chasing side in the second innings, as the ball skids off the surface, and the bowler will not be able to get a decent grip on the ball. The mixed soil surface of the Ekana pitch helps seamers very early but will turn into a spin-friendly track later, so batters need to be careful with their shot selection. The conditions and the pitch could sway teams into chasing rather than batting first.

LSG vs RCB: Match preview 

LSG goes into their last match of the campaign with nothing to lose and only pride on the line, as their playoff hopes have already ended. However, they are in a position to play spoiler, especially with their home game advantage at the Ekana Stadium. LSG have struggled with consistency all season, as they have won just one of their last five matches, with their batting heavily reliant on Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant in the middle order. Although Pooran has continued to be destructive in the available middle overs, LSG has juggled with their opening and top order, with little settled momentum. Their spin department, despite the conditions, hasn’t posed consistent threats, and their pace attack, led by Avesh Khan, has lacked control at the death.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Mumbai Indians Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 69

RCB, on the other hand, are hitting the right stride at the right time, having won three out of four of their last matches, as they line up to try to secure a top-two finish. Virat Kohli continues to be in fantastic form, and Rajat Patidar has taken to the captaincy change with tactical awareness and consistent runs in the middle. If Phil Salt is called upon, this should elevate their already good top order further. The RCB bowlers—anchored by Yash Dayal's discipline and Josh Hazlewood's experience—have managed to be really economical through the middle overs of the matches they have played, where they have allowed 7.85 runs an over. Krunal Pandya's tight spin has also fit comfortably into an economy-driven approach to their bowling across matches.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 69 of the IPL 2025 league stage on 26th May 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams have qualified for the playoffs. PBKS are second in the table with 17 points, while MI are fourth with 16 points. This is an important match for both teams regarding their playoff fortunes and could have implications for finishing in the top 2 to have a chance to qualify directly to qualifier 1, with the loser qualifying for the Eliminator knockout match only.

Sawai Mansingh Stadium Stats and Records  

• Total Matches: 63
• Batting 1st Won: 23
• Batting 2nd Won: 40
• Highest Total: 217/6 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total: 59 all out by Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 217/6 in 20 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: 144/6 by Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013
• Average 1st Innings Score: 162
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 148

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs MI Match 69 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

On May 26, 2025, weather conditions in Jaipur are predicted to be warm, from 28°C to 32°C, and humidity between 25% and 35%. The chance of rain is also low (~10%), with drier weather in the forecast. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium pitch is known to be batting friendly, with good pace and bounce in the early stages of play, and short boundaries should produce some big scores. The surface tends to slow down in the second half of the innings, though, which will aid spin bowlers in the middle overs. There should be dew later in the evening, so chasing should be the option, as 64% (40/63) of the second batting teams have won in this venue. For tactical reasons, Captains winning the toss should expect to bowl first as well.

PBKS vs MI: Match Preview

Despite a six-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals, PBKS come into this game with bowling concerns (Yuzvendra Chahal is likely not play, because of a wrist injury), but the batting is still in good shape Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya are providing explosive starts at the top, Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis can anchor the middle order, and they provide firepower at the death with their key bowler Arshdeep Singh sitting on 16 wickets. 

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 68: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders Full Match Highlights

MI is in great shape coming off a dominant display against Delhi, and Suryakumar Yadav's 73* saw him finish the campaign with 583 runs. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya provide the right level of experience and depth at the top before MI can unleash Bumrah and Boult at the death. While MI has a superior run rate and experience, Rohit's battle with left-arm seamers like Arshdeep and left-arm spinners like Ravi Bishnoi could become a critical match-up in this game.

In Match 68 of the IPL 2025 league stage, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 25, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, starting at 7:30 PM IST. Neither team can qualify for the playoffs, with SRH sitting 8th with 11 points from 13 matches and KKR sitting 6th with 12 points from 13 matches SRH and KKR have both had inconsistent campaigns and will both be playing for pride as they end their campaigns in this final game of the league stage.

Arun Jaitley Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 95
• Batting 1st Won: 45
• Batting 2nd Won: 49
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 266/7 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest Total: 83 all out by Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013
• Highest Run-chase: 224/4 by Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 128/6 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals in 2013
• Average 1st Innings Score: 166
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 151

Also Read: IPL 2025: SRH vs KKR Match 68 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather for Delhi during the match is forecast for hot and humid conditions, hovering around the 33°C max to 31°C max temperature-wise at the game's end. Humidity-wise, the max range will be 54% to 59%, with no rain forecast and a clear sky predicted. Arun Jaitley Stadium's pitch is suited for batsmen with short boundaries, favors high scoring, and the dry surface assists spinners during the middle overs. Dew later in the evening is likely to favor chasing teams more, and a strategic advantage will be obtained from winning the toss.

SRH vs KKR: Match Preview

SRH has found form late in the season, having won three of their last four completed matches, including a 42-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru and a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants with 10 balls to spare. SRH are still hitting the ball aggressively thanks to Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, who have been incredible; however, SRH's bowling, particularly spin, has been average at best.

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs CSK Match 67 - Narendra Modi stadium stats and preview

KKR's campaign has been hit-and-miss, with just two victories in their last three completed matches; KKR's match with RCB was washed out and may leave KKR rusty for this match-up. KKR's middle-order batting has blown hot and cold with Venkatesh Iyer and Ramandeep Singh, but a late charge for valuable runs has been made on the shoulders of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh; at least KKR's spin led by Varun Chakravarthy is the best and most economical in the IPL.

The IPL 2025 league stage is reaching its final stages, with Match 67 featuring Gujarat Titans (GT) taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 25, 2025, beginning at 3:30 PM IST. GT has already qualified for the playoffs and is currently first in the points table with 18 points from 13 matches, and in order to secure a top two finish and qualify directly for Qualifier 1. A victory is needed to prevent them from finding themselves in the Eliminator. For CSK, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table after only three wins in 13 matches and have already suffered their poorest IPL season. CSK has already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Narendra Modi Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 41
• Batting 1st Won: 20
• Batting 2nd Won: 21
• Highest Total: 266/7 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest Total: 66/10 by Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians in 2017
• Highest Run-chase: 217/6 in 20 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: Not specified, but recent trends favor high-scoring games
• Average 1st Innings Score: 176

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs CSK Match 67 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

Ahmedabad's weather for May 25, 2025, is expected to be warm, with temperatures ranging from 32-38°C and humidity levels between 40-50%. While there is no forecast for rain, dew that may settle will affect the second innings, making it harder to bowl as the ball will skid on the dew. The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch has shown that it is a batting-friendly pitch, and five of the six matches so far this season have been won by the team batting first. Fast bowlers will find variable bounce on the pitch early, and spinners will find turn in the middle overs. Scores in the range of 180-220 are expected, with 200+ being a par score by teams batting first. If captains choose to bat first, they will want to set a big total that will make it a harder chase before the dew makes chasing easier.

GT vs CSK: Match Preview

Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, has had a consistent season. Sai Sudharsan has made a mark by scoring 638 runs at a marginally impressive average of 55.91 —to be recognized as a centurion against Delhi Capitals. Their bowlers, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami, have supported the side in staying clear of a run-scoring intuition from their opponents.

Chennai Super Kings: After a horrible season (form: LWLLL), the CSK has only three victories and recently lost to Rajasthan Royals by six wickets. The team's inexperienced batting order has found some younger stars like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis in a horrible batting order, with Ravi Jadeja and Shivam Dube providing experience. On the bowling side, spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Noor Ahmad, and Matheesha Pathirana, will finish out on the team.

The IPL 2025 league stage of matches is almost done, with Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 66 on May 24, 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur starting at 7:30 PM IST. PBKS have already qualified for the playoffs with 17 points from 12 matches, so they will be looking to repeat their earlier win against DC and finish in the top two spaces to have the advantage when selecting their semi-final opponents; DC finished in 8th place and has a lost season and is eliminated from playoff contention but will still try to finish on a high note and mess up PBKS's momentum. 

Sawai Mansingh Stadium Stats and Records  

• Total Matches: 62
• Batting 1st Won: 23
• Batting 2nd Won: 39
• Highest Total: 217/6 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total: 59 all out by Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 217/6 in 20 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: 144/6 by Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013
• Average 1st Innings Score: 162
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 148

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC Match 66 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Jaipur on May 24, 2025, will be hot and hazy; the temperatures will be between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius with a humidity level of 40-50%. Rain is highly improbable, but dew is likely to play a significant part in the second innings, and the ball will skid in the second innings; thus, fielding first is more advantageous. That said, it will be notably challenging for bowlers in the second innings, as they will lose grip on the wicket. The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium has a reasonable refreshment of moisture that supports batters as they can score runs freely but is also even for bowlers. Generally, 62% of wickets have been taken by pieces, but spinners have been effective in the middle overs of the innings due to the dry conditions. The expected scores on this pitch range between 170 and 210, and well over 64% of chasing teams have won at least this season.

PBKS vs DC: Match Preview

Bouncing back from a tough start, the PBKS come into this match on a loud three-series streak under their animated captain Shreyas Iyer. Once again, the explosive opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh will be at the forefront of their attack, with Prabhsimran leading the way with 458 runs at an impressive strike rate of 171.53. This is complemented by dangerous bowler Arshdeep Singh, who, while being consistent in his wicket-taking ability (16 wickets in 12 matches), will be looking to reclaim his form after an ugly return against the Rajasthan Royals. Arshdeep has been supported well with the spin bowling of Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar, who have contributed to the PBKS being effective in the middle overs in spin playing conditions.

Also Read: PSL 2025 Finals: QUE vs LAH - A Head to Head breakdown

Meanwhile, the DC's strong beginning has resulted in them winning just two of their last seven games to leave them sitting with just six wins from eleven matches. The shakiness of the top order reflects a heavy reliance on KL Rahul and, to a lesser extent, Abishek Porel. Now that Mitchell Starc has unfortunately been ruled out for DC, their already unconvincing bowling attack is at a further disadvantage now that they have to play away from home. With the PBKS in good form but facing a bit of fatigue and the dew factor expected to play a hand with developing night conditions, this series's potential needs to end for the DC quickly as PBKS looks like a strong favorite.

As the league phase of IPL 2025 is about to come to an end, on May 23, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 65 at 7:30 PM IST. It will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, moved from Bengaluru due to storms/floods in South India. With 17 points already, RCB has qualified for the playoffs but is now pushing to finish in the top two in order to get an advantage in the playoffs. SRH, meanwhile, has been eliminated and will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note and take RCB's momentum. 

Ekana Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 19
• Batting 1st Won: 8
• Batting 2nd Won: 10
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 199/3 in 19 overs by Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023
• Average 1st Innings Score: 167

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Lucknow on May 23, 2025, will be pleasant (25-30 degrees with 50-60% humidity) with no rain expected. There will be dew in the second innings, and low humidity will favor teams chasing running hits as the ball slides and bowlers struggle for grip. Although early movement seamers would start well, it will progress into a spinning pitch and will need careful shot selection. 

Match preview 

RCB will enter this match with Rajat Patidar at the helm in full form. With top run-scorer Virat Kohli (505 runs in 11 matches) taking pride at the top, despite the injured Devdutt Padikkal, their will about Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi's replacement to support disciplined bowling from their seamers Yash Dayal and spin Krunal Pandya has been regulated. Phil Salt’s return may add depth to their top order; however, it may push Jacob Bethell out. RCB’s middle overs (7-16) have been restrictive, giving up just 7.85 runs per over.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match 65 - A Head to Head breakdown

SRH has struggled with artifacts in bowling and has by far the worst away bowling in IPL 2025. The core of their batting, Heinrich Klausen and Ishan Kishan opening in place of Travis Head, will drive the batting, but to lose 23 wickets in the powerplay is indicative of how fragile this top order is. Lack of playoff stakes makes them underdogs, but their aggressive powerplay approach could challenge RCB’s bowlers early. RCB's team and being familiar with the not-quite home-like slower pitch, I will assume that RCB goes into the match as the favorite.