The stage is set at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as RCB vs PBKS (IPL 2025) Match 34 promises fireworks on April 18, 2025. With both teams boasting four wins from six matches, this clash becomes a pivotal encounter in the race to the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sit slightly ahead in the standings with a superior net run rate, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) are riding high on momentum and resilience.
Whether you’re playing Dream11 or just tuning in to catch some edge-of-the-seat action, here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated match!
Match Details
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Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
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Match Number: 34
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Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
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Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
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Toss Time: 7:00 PM IST
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Start Time: 7:30 PM IST
Pitch Report – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Traditionally known for high scores and six-hitting sprees, the Chinnaswamy surface has slowed a bit this season, bringing bowlers into play more than usual.
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First Innings Average Score: ~168
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Recent Behavior: Slower and lower than usual
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Best Strategy: Bat first if possible and adapt to pitch behavior
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Powerplay RR: 9.04 | Death overs RR: 10.12
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Spinners: Limited grip; pace variations more effective
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Impact Players: Batters who thrive in powerplay and bowlers who dominate the death
Weather Forecast
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Conditions: Clear skies, no chance of rain
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Temperature: 25–27°C
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Humidity: Moderate
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Dew Impact: Minimal – toss may not be a game-changer
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches: 33
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PBKS Wins: 17
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RCB Wins: 16
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At Chinnaswamy: RCB leads with 7 wins in 11 games
Team Standings & Form
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 3rd Place
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Wins: 4
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Losses: 2
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Last Match: Won comfortably, Kohli in form
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Strengths: Kohli’s form, top-order aggression, and Hazlewood’s consistency
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Concern: Inconsistency at home – 2 losses at Chinnaswamy this season
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 4th Place
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Wins: 4
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Losses: 2
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Last Match: Defended a mere 111 vs KKR – showed serious grit
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Strengths: Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Arya’s explosive batting, bowling depth
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Concern: Dependence on top order and lack of consistent finishers
Dream11 Tips & Fantasy Picks
Top Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
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Virat Kohli (RCB) – Captain Pick
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248 runs in 6 matches | Avg: 62 | SR: 143.35
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Solid record vs PBKS – 228 runs | SR: 150
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Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – Vice-Captain Pick
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250 runs in 6 matches | SR: 204.91
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Anchor and aggressor rolled into one
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Phil Salt (RCB): Explosive starts | 208 runs at SR 185.71
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Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): 8 wickets | Threat in powerplay and death
Suggested Dream11 Team
Wicketkeepers:
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Phil Salt (RCB)
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Jitesh Sharma (PBKS)
Batters:
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Virat Kohli (C)
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Shreyas Iyer (VC)
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Rajat Patidar (RCB)
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Priyansh Arya (PBKS)
All-Rounders:
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Krunal Pandya (RCB)
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Marco Jansen (PBKS)
Bowlers:
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Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
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Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
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Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)
Backup Picks:
Yash Dayal, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Prabhsimran Singh
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the toss – adjust your team for chasing or defending combinations.
Probable Playing XIs
RCB:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
PBKS:
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis (wk) / Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
India:
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TV Channels: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Tamil & more
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Streaming: JioHotstar (4K, Free & Premium)
Global Streaming:
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USA/Canada: Willow TV
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UK: Sky Sports Cricket
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Australia: Fox Sports
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South Africa: SuperSport
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Middle East: beIN Sports
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Pakistan: Tapmad, Geo Super
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Radio: Cricket Radio 89.1 FM (select regions)
Key Match Insights
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X-Factor Battle: RCB’s top three vs PBKS’s powerplay bowling
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Game-Breaker: Maxwell’s performance – if he gets going, PBKS could edge ahead
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Toss Tactics: Batting first may be smarter on the slower pitch
Match Prediction
It’s tight on paper, but RCB’s stronger core, Virat Kohli’s sizzling form, and home ground advantage give them a slight upper hand. PBKS will rely on Arya and Iyer to deliver with the bat, while Arshdeep and Chahal must contain in the middle overs.
Predicted Winner: RCB
Win Probability: RCB 55% | PBKS 45%
Player of the Match Prediction: Virat Kohli or Josh Hazlewood
FAQs – RCB vs PBKS (IPL 2025) Match 34
Q1: When is RCB vs PBKS Match 34 in IPL 2025?
A: April 18, 2025. The toss is at 7:00 PM IST, and the match begins at 7:30 PM IST.
Q2: Where is the match being played?
A: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – known for its batting-friendly surface.
Q3: Who is the best Dream11 captain pick for this match?
A: Virat Kohli is the top captaincy option, with Shreyas Iyer as a strong vice-captain.
Q4: How can I watch RCB vs PBKS live?
A: In India, it’s on Star Sports and JioHotstar. Check local broadcasters globally for coverage.
Q5: What is the current head-to-head record between RCB and PBKS?
A: PBKS leads slightly with 17 wins to RCB’s 16 out of 33 matches played.