IPL 2026: PBKS vs RCB Match Prediction, Match 61 – Who will win today’s IPL match between Punjab and Bengaluru?
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Punjab Kings (Source: IPLT20.com)
Published - 16 May 2026, 06:33 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways as they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 61 of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) on Sunday, May 17, at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
After remaining unbeaten in the first seven games, PBKS have lost their last five fixtures on the trot and now have their backs against the wall. They can’t afford any more defeats, as another loss will hurt their playoffs chances massively.
On the other hand, RCB are comfortably sitting on top of the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points from 12 matches. The Rajat Patidar-led side needs just one more victory to seal their spot in the playoffs.
Hence, there’s a lot at stake for both teams in the upcoming encounter, and it promises to be a riveting match for the fans.
PBKS vs RCB Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Sunday, May 17 | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 61 | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | 3:30 PM |
HPCA Stadium Stats in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 16 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 09 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 07 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 190 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 166 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 241/7 (20) by RCB vs PBKS, 2024 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 116/10 (19) by PBKS vs DCH, 2011 |
| Highest Score Chased | 211 [216/7 in 19 overs] by DC vs PBKS, 2026 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 167 by CSK vs PBKS, 2024 |
HPCA Stadium Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Good | Good | Decent |
| Bounce | Good | Good | Decent |
| Movement | Good | Minimal after powerplay | Good |
| Best Phase | Powerplay | With new ball | Middle Overs |
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head record in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 37 |
| Punjab Kings | 18 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 19 |
PBKS vs RCB Predicted Playing 11 with Impact sub
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Harpreet Brar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood
Players to watch out for in PBKS vs RCB
Shreyas Iyer:
The PBKS skipper has been relatively quiet with his bat in the last few fixtures after a prolific beginning to the season. Iyer is the third-highest run-scorer for Punjab with 396 runs from 11 innings at an average of 49.50 and a strike rate of 164.31 with five fifties to his name. With Punjab in desperate search of a win, they will need their captain to step up and show them the way to get out of their losing rut.
Josh Hazlewood:
Hazlewood has blown hot and cold in the ongoing season, having 11 scalps to his name from nine innings at an average of 29.72 and an economy of 9.21. The speedster will enjoy bowling in the helpful conditions at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala and pose a challenge to Punjab’s famed batting lineup.
Today's Match Prediction: Punjab Kings to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.
