The 34th match of IPL 2025 features a high-stakes clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Both teams are currently locked at eight points after six games each, making this Friday evening showdown on April 18 crucial in the race for the playoffs. Ahead of the game, even Artificial Intelligence (AI) made buzzworthy predictions about the outcome, adding extra intrigue to this already exciting encounter.

In terms of head-to-head form, the recent record slightly favors RCB. While PBKS managed two wins in their last five encounters against Bengaluru, RCB have dominated the last three meetings with consecutive victories. This gives the home side a psychological edge, though nothing can be taken for granted in a league as unpredictable as the IPL.

Both franchises kicked off their IPL 2025 campaigns with back-to-back wins, but consistency has been hard to maintain. Their recent form has followed a similar pattern: a loss, a win, another loss, and then a win. With competition heating up, neither team can afford to relax despite being in the top four. A win in this clash could prove to be a vital momentum shift in their journey toward the playoffs.

IPL 2025 (RCB vs PBKS): AI Prediction 1 - Phil Salt will impress 

While the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is a batting-friendly wicket, RCB opener and English cricketer Phil Salt can provide a strong start for his team, according to AI prediction. Salt is the second-highest run-scorer for RCB this season by scoring 208 runs in six innings, with an average of 34.66 and a strike rate of 185.71, including two half-centuries. After starting this season with 56 and 32 runs in their first two matches, Salt scored 37 and 65 in their last two fixtures. In their last game against Rajasthan Royals, Player of the Match Salt slammed the match-winning 65 runs off 33 balls in their successful chase of 174 runs. AI believes that Salt can provide a key start for his team on Friday evening.

See Also: What will happen if the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 match is abandoned due to rain?

IPL 2025 (RCB vs PBKS): AI Prediction 2 - Yuzvendra Chahal will shine at his familier venue

Meanwhile, AI has the second prediction as Yuzvendra Chahal's impact in the game. Leading IPL wicket-taker Yuzvendra Chahal was a former RCB star, so he will be a key bowler for Punjab Kings in this match, as the visitors will try to utilize his experience in the best way. In their last game against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at home, while they were all out for only 111 runs, Chahal (4/28) was the hero to restrict KKR to 95 all out and won that match by 16 runs.

IPL 2025 (RCB vs PBKS): AI Prediction 3 - Who are the favourites?

AI has also predicted that the hosts RCB are the favourites for this match. If this prediction remains correct, RCB will make their winning streak against PBKS for four games. As Bengaluru is experiencing rain interruption, it will be interesting to see if we experience the game tonight.