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.  

Team Abu Dhabi looked absolutely toothless last season almost ending their season without a single win. They were fortunate to get that win eventually in their last game and will be hoping to find some balance this time.

TAD vs UPN Match Details

Date: November 22nd, 2024

Time:  7:15 PM IST

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

TAD vs UPN Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

TAD vs UPN Pitch Report

Small boundaries, dew likely in the later stages and flat pitches mean only one thing. Batters are likely to have a lot of fun and batting second could be a better choice.

TAD vs UPN Predicted Playing XI

TAD Playing XI

Kyle Mayers, Phil Salt, Paul Stirling, Jonny Bairstow, Noor Ahmed, Mark Adair, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper, Rumman Raees, Adam Milne, AM Ghazanfar

UPN Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Dawid Malan, Andre Fletcher, Najibullah Zadran, Akhilesh Reddy, Curtis Campher, Khalid Shah, Curtis Campher, Odean Smith, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid

TAD vs UPN Key Players

AM Ghazanfar

AM Ghazanfar made a strong start to his career. His mystery with the ball could be tough to pick in a tournament where batters often look to play their shots with a lot of freedom.

Adil Rashid

One of the more experienced leg-spinners and possibly the finest white-ball leg-spinner of his era gears up for the shortest format. Adil Rashid is someone who loves it when batters take him on and that is where he will be looking to use his guile and experience to get the better of them.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

TAD vs UPN Match Tips

UP Nawabs look pretty solid with some fresh players in their line-up.

Match Prediction: UP Nawabs Will Win the Match