The Mullanpur Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh will host the Qualifier 1 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings on May 29. Notably, PBKS finished top of the 10-team standings in the league stage with RCB following suit. Interestingly, PBKS and RCB both finished on 19 points each, but the former edged past on the basis of NRR.
PBKS and RCB have met each other 35 times in the IPL. PBKS have won 18 matches to RCB’s 17. In the 2025 season, the two teams have met twice, with one win apiece.
PBKS are aiming to reach their 2nd IPL final in the tournament’s history, having lost to KKR in 2014. Meanwhile, RCB are looking to reach their 3rd IPL final, having lost both of their previous outings. For both the underachievers, the IPL 2025 season has come as a respite as they aim to flex their muscles and bring joy for the fans.
Ahead of a crunch Qualifier 1 battle, we look at the pitch report of the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium alongside match insights and conditions.
Where is Mullanpur Cricket Stadium Located & What is it Known For?
As mentioned, the stadium is located in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur), Mohali district in Punjab. A total of 4 matches have been played this season at the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh. Mullanpur, which is one of PBKS’ home grounds this season, has seen the side win twice and lose twice at this venue. PBKS started by losing here against the Rajasthan Royals. Shreyas Iyer’s men then won against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders before losing to RCB.
Mullanpur was awarded hosting the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator clashes following the resumption of IPL after it was suspended earlier this month due to India-Pakistan escalations. Originally, Hyderabad was supposed to host Qualifier 1 and Eliminator.
Notably, Mullanpur started hosting IPL matches from the 2024 season onward. As per reports, the 41.95-acre stadium has superb facilities like a herringbone drainage system, a sand field, international-grade dressing rooms, steam, sauna, and ice bath facilities. It also has a world-class gym apart from 49 corporate boxes.
Last season, Mullanpur hosted 5 matches, playing home to PBKS, who had a torrid time here, losing 4 out of the 5 games. In total, PBKS have managed three wins and six defeats here. So the Qualifier 1 match became very interesting for Iyer & Co.
What is the Pitch Like at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium?
It’s difficult to predict the surface here given runs have been scored and also bowlers have had their moments. Compared to last season, the scoring has been slightly better this season, given 2 games saw 200 runs being scored by sides batting 1st. However, the next two games stayed true to last season’s tale.
Generally the surface here is likely to be on the slower side so batters will need to execute their shots to perfection. Bowlers need to bowl in the right areas and count on the surface to do the rest. Once the ball gets older, the ball doesn’t skid off the surface that well.
Key Stats & Records at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium
In IPL 2024, teams batting first at the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium clocked scores worth 174, 182, 147, 192, and 142. The average score, first read here, is 167.4. In IPL 2025, teams batting first here have clocked 205, 219, 111 and 157. The average score batting 1st this season reads 173.
Out of the 4 games this season, teams batting 1st here have won three matches. Meanwhile, last season saw teams batting first here win two times out of the 5 matches. So the overall summary makes it quite even.
Pacers at the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium have enjoyed more than spinners. As per ESPNcricinfo, among the top 10 highest wicket-takers here, 8 are pacers.
Punjab Kings own the highest score here (219/6 vs CSK). Meanwhile, KKR are the only side to be bowled here for less than 100 (95/10 vs PBKS).
Among individuals, PBKS pacer Arshdeep Singh has claimed the joint-most wickets at this venue alongside former PBKS and current SRH pacer Harshal Patel. Across 9 games, Arshdeep has 11 scalps at 24.09. He owns 1 four-for (4/29).
Among batters, Shashank Singh has scored the most runs at this venue in the IPL. He has 215 runs at 43 from 9 matches with the best score of 52*.
PBKS vs RCB: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
As per the weather update, the temperature should be around 40°C during the day with the sun out and heat doing the rounds. In the evening, the temperature will dip towards 24 degrees Celsius with some chances of clouds. However, a proper game is expected to unfold with rain not expected to play spoilsport.
PBKS vs RCB: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Both sides have equal depth and pedigree. It’s nothing much to separate them. Pacers will have a say in this contest. Both sides bat deep and have quality in both batting and bowling departments. PBKS will understand the ground better having played 9 games here since 2024. However, RCB will want to believe in themselves and feed on the fact that PBKS haven’t enjoyed much success here.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has dismissed Prabhsimran Singh 4 times in 20-over cricket. Should Josh Hazlewood be fit, he will relish bowling to Shreyas Iyer, having dismissed him thrice so far.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Mullanpur Cricket Stadium
What is the pitch report for Mullanpur Cricket Stadium for today’s match?
Pitch is expected to be two-paced with batters needing to execute timing and bowlers having to bowl in the right areas.
Who has the better record at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium?
PBKS have won three games out of nine at the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium. RCB have played once here, winning the same.