IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Mullanpur Stadium Pitch and Weather Insights

Match Overview

On May 29, Thursday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first qualifier of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur Stadium. Both teams are eager to clinch their maiden IPL title and secure a spot in the final scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad.

Pitch Analysis

The Mullanpur Stadium offers a balanced pitch for both batting and bowling. Initially, the true surface aids stroke play, while the quick outfield rewards powerful shots. As the game progresses, spinners are likely to gain an upper hand in the latter part of the innings. Notably, this venue has seen the lowest successful run defense in this IPL season, with only 111 runs being defended successfully. Overall, it tends to favor batters more than bowlers.

Weather Conditions

Currently, Chandigarh is experiencing hot and dry weather, and forecasts indicate similar conditions on match day. Temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, ensuring a warm evening with no anticipated rainfall.

Expected Playing XI

RCB: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh.

PBKS: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara/Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.