The Indian Premier League has seen many intense rivalries, and the clashes between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have always stood out. Despite their star-studded squads and huge fan bases, neither team has lifted the IPL trophy—until now.
The stage is set for the IPL 2025 Final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where RCB and PBKS will battle for their maiden title. This article covers the final’s date, venue, team line-ups, match preview, and streaming details.
RCB vs PBKS Head To Head Record (2008-2026)
The rivalry between RCB and PBKS has been neck and neck over the years, with both teams winning 18 matches each. Their contests have featured thrilling chases, power-packed performances, and plenty of last-over drama. As they now gear up for the IPL 2025 Final, this long-standing rivalry promises yet another exciting chapter in IPL history.
| Stats | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 36 |
| RCB Won | 18 |
| PBKS Won | 18 |
| Tied/No Result | 0 |
Match Results (2008-2026)
The history between these teams spans all IPL seasons, with matches played across various venues in India and abroad. Here’s a comprehensive list of all their encounters from the most recent to their first meeting:
| Date | Winner | Margin of Victory | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03-June-2025 | To be played (Final) | To be played (Final) | Ahmedabad |
| 29-May-2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 8 wickets | Chandigarh |
| 20-Apr-2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 7 wickets | Chandigarh |
| 18-Apr-2025 | Punjab Kings | 5 wickets (14 overs, rain) | Bengaluru |
| 09-May-2024 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 60 runs | Dharamsala |
| 25-Mar-2024 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 4 wickets | Bengaluru |
| 20-Apr-2023 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 24 runs | Mohali |
| 13-May-2022 | Punjab Kings | 54 runs | Mumbai |
| 27-Mar-2022 | Punjab Kings | 5 wickets | Mumbai |
| 03-Oct-2021 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 6 runs | Sharjah |
| 30-Apr-2021 | Punjab Kings | 34 runs | Ahmedabad |
| 15-Oct-2020 | Punjab Kings | 8 Wickets | Sharjah |
| 24-Sep-2020 | Punjab Kings | 97 Runs | Dubai |
| 24-Apr-2019 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 17 runs | Bengaluru |
| 13-Apr-2019 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 8 Wickets | Mohali |
| 14-May-2018 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 10 Wickets | Indore |
| 13-Apr-2018 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 4 Wickets | Bengaluru |
| 5-May-2017 | Punjab Kings | 16 Runs | Bengaluru |
| 10-Apr-2017 | Punjab Kings | 8 Wickets | Indore |
| 18-May-2016 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 82 Runs | Bengaluru |
| 9-May-2016 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 1 Run | Mohali |
| 13-May-2015 | Punjab Kings | 22 Runs | Mohali |
| 6-May-2015 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 138 Runs | Bengaluru |
| 9-May-2014 | Punjab Kings | 32 Runs | Bengaluru |
| 28-Apr-2014 | Punjab Kings | 5 Wickets | Dubai |
| 14-May-2013 | Punjab Kings | 7 Wickets | Bengaluru |
| 6-May-2013 | Punjab Kings | 6 Wickets | Mohali |
| 2-May-2012 | Punjab Kings | 4 Wickets | Bengaluru |
| 20-Apr-2012 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 5 Wickets | Mohali |
| 17-May-2011 | Punjab Kings | 111 Runs | Dharamsala |
| 6-May-2011 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 85 Runs | Bengaluru |
| 2-Apr-2010 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 6 Wickets | Mohali |
| 16-Mar-2010 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 8 Wickets | Bengaluru |
| 1-May-2009 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 8 Runs | Durban |
| 24-Apr-2009 | Punjab Kings | 7 Wickets | Durban |
| 12-May-2008 | Punjab Kings | 9 Wickets | Mohali |
| 5-May-2008 | Punjab Kings | 6 Wickets | Bengaluru |
RCB vs PBKS: Overall Records
The battles between these teams have produced several remarkable performances and records. Let’s look at the key statistics that define this rivalry.
Highest Total
- RCB: 241/4 (Dharamsala, 2024)
- PBKS: 232/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
Lowest Total
- RCB: 84 all out (Dubai, 2020)
- PBKS: 88 all out (Bengaluru, 2015)
Highest Individual Score
- RCB: Chris Gayle – 117 (2015)
- PBKS: KL Rahul – 132* (2020)
Most Runs
RCB:
- Virat Kohli – 1030 runs
- Chris Gayle – 873 runs
- AB de Villiers – 718 runs
PBKS:
- KL Rahul – 522 runs
- Shaun Marsh – 492 runs
- David Miller – 456 runs
Most Wickets
RCB:
- Yuzvendra Chahal – 25 wickets
- Mohammed Siraj – 15 wickets
- Harshal Patel – 14 wickets
PBKS:
- Sandeep Sharma – 16 wickets
- Piyush Chawla – 14 wickets
- Axar Patel – 13 wickets
RCB vs PBKS Over The Years (2008-2026)
Key highlights from this riveting rivalry:
2024:
- RCB completed their first season double over PBKS
- Virat Kohli’s masterful 92 in Dharamsala
- Cameron Green’s match-winning cameos in both victories
2023:
- RCB’s dominant performance with both bat and ball
- Faf du Plessis’s leadership proves crucial
2020:
- KL Rahul’s memorable 132* against his former team
- PBKS’s comprehensive 97-run victory in Dubai
2016:
- RCB’s nail-biting one-run victory in Mohali
- AB de Villiers’s match-winning 82* off 42 balls
2015:
- RCB’s record-breaking 138-run victory
- Chris Gayle’s explosive century
2014:
- PBKS’s double over RCB in their runners-up season
- Glenn Maxwell’s aggressive batting displays
2011:
- Adam Gilchrist’s match-winning century for PBKS
- Paul Valthaty’s breakthrough season
2008:
- PBKS’s dominance in the inaugural season meetings
- Shaun Marsh’s consistent performances
The 2024 season marked a shift in momentum, with RCB securing both their encounters against PBKS. The Bengaluru-based team showed improved tactical awareness and execution under Faf du Plessis’s leadership. Their victory in Dharamsala was particularly impressive, posting their highest total against PBKS and backing it up with a complete bowling performance.
Throughout the years, this rivalry has showcased some extraordinary individual performances. Virat Kohli’s consistency against PBKS stands out, making him the highest run-scorer in these encounters. The bowling battles have been equally enthralling, with Yuzvendra Chahal leading the wicket-takers list.
Both teams have had their phases of dominance. PBKS enjoyed success in the early years and during the middle phase of the IPL, while RCB has shown improved results in recent seasons. The matches have been played across various venues, from the bounce of Bengaluru to the spin-friendly tracks of Punjab, adding different dimensions to their contests.
Conclusion: RCB and PBKS Are Evenly Matched Ahead of IPL 2025 Final
The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) remains one of the most exciting in the IPL, with both teams having won 18 matches each against one another. As they prepare to face off in the IPL 2025 final, fans can expect a closely contested and thrilling battle. With both sides eager to win their maiden IPL trophy, this final promises to add a memorable chapter to their competitive history.
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