PBKS and RCB will start their IPL 2022 campaign on 26 March 2022 with a face-off. PBKS vs RCB, the second match of Sunday's double-header, is going be the third match of the season. The teams are all geared up to lock the horns for the first time this season.

Make your dream11 team prediction and IPL 2022 Fantasy League prediction with our fantasy cricket tips and suggestions. Get early updates, game previews, news, suggestion, prediction for your fantasy team in our exclusive section Fantasy Sports.

Read also: DC Vs MI IPL 2022 Match 2: Full Preview, Probable XIs, Pitch Report, And Dream11 Team Prediction

PBKS vs RCB: 3rd Match Preview

Match Details:

Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Match 3
Venue: DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Date & Time: 27th March 2022 at 7:30 pm (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar, and JIO TV

Read also: When and how to follow IPL 2022 in India?

Pitch Report: PBKS vs RCB: Match 3

Pitch Report:  The pitch of DY Patil Sports Academy is a useful one for both the pacers and spinners. Both the teams have capable batters and hitters and they can use the powerplay overs to add some good runs to the scoreboard. There are chances that the pitch might slow down as the match moves ahead. The captains will look forward to winning the toss as the dew has a huge role to play in the second part of the match.

Head to Head Stats:

Matches Played: 28
Won by PBKS: 15
Won by RCB: 13
No Result: 0

Read also: Most IPL runs in Succesful run Chases

Team News: PBKS vs RCB

Punjab Kings:

Punjab Kings might have lost cricketers like KL Rahul and Ravi Bishnoi, but also signed Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone in IPL mega auction 2022. Mayank Agarwal will be leading the team this year

Read also: Unbreakable IPL records

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

RCB will also play under a new captain this year, Faf du Plessis. The captain is surely one of RCB's best purchase in the auction. Some pivotal batters for RCB in the league are Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Dinesh Karthik. Though Maxwell will miss out this match due to his wedding.

PBKS vs RCB: Match 3: Possible Playing XI

Read also: CSK Vs KKR IPL 2022 Match 1: Full Preview, Probable XIs, Pitch Report, And Dream11 Team Prediction

Punjab Kings:

Shikhar Dhawan
Mayank Agarwal (C)
Liam Livingstone
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Shahrukh Khan
Jitesh Sharma (WK)
Odean Smith
Harpreet Brar
Kagiso Rabada
Rahul Chahar
Arshdeep Singh

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Faf du Plessis (C)
Anuj Rawat
Virat Kohli
Mahipal Lomror
Sherfane Rutherford
Dinesh Karthik (WK)
Wanindu Hasaranga
David Willey
Harshal Patel
Shahbaz Ahmed
Mohammed Siraj

IPL Fantasy Cricket Dream11 Team Prediction: PBKS vs RCB: Match 3:

The cricketing world is buzzing with discussions surrounding the upcoming IND vs ENG series, and a voice has highlighted a significant void: the absence of Virat Kohli. England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, has openly expressed his belief that India will feel the lack of Kohli's renowned "fighting spirit" and other things on the field.

Stokes also revealed how he texted Kohli after his decision to retire and term it as a shame he won't be there to play in the field.

This statement from an opponent shows the immense impact Kohli has left and the challenge India faces in a crucial series without one of its finest test players.

Check the full story of Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's absence in England series:

Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's absence in England series

Ben Stokes has analysed how Virat Kohli's absence can affect India, 2 days prior the test series against England. When asked about what India will miss in Kohli after he decided to step down from tests, here's how the English skipper replied:

"I think what India will miss, will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, desire to win." He further goes on to add "It will be weird to not see number 18 at the back of any Indian shirt. I did text him saying it's going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat."

Stokes also shared how he feels both Kohli and him have the same mindset when out in the field, and addressed the fact that he has done really well against England in his test career.

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Read Also: England vs India Test Series: Here is India's overall test record against England in England

India vs England squads for the upcoming test series

India: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

England: Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes

Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.

This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible. 

Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."

1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days

For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.

South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.

This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.

They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.

Read Also: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

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2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days

For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.

The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sporting moments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.

The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

AAAAARRRRR CEEEEEEE BEEEEEE ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/lp3AwgCVQl

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days

Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.

Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!

4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days

Bologna's victory in the Italian Cup after 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.

Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.

5.  Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days

Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup. 

The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days

For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.

The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.

7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days

For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.

But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.

This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

This one’s coming home with me! 🏆

Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 17, 2025

8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days

2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.

The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.

After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.

A moment Tottenham fans will never forget 🏆#UELfinal | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROFK5pRtDD

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2025

In the high-stakes match of WTC final, every run saved and every wicket taken matters. This article will provide you with some extraordinary spells of bowlers around the world that made a big impact for their respective teams.

These figures define the epitome of world-class bowling performances in WTC finals. Get ready to dive into the best figures in ICC WTC Final.

1. Pat Cummins (6/28) vs SA, Lord's, 2025

The Australian Captain, Pat Cummins dismantled South Africa's batting line-up in their first innings of WTC 2025 Final, taking 6 wickets for just 28 runs. After getting bowled out for 212 while batting first, his spell restricted SA to only 138, providing them a 74-run lead.

His exceptional spell included dismissals of batters like Temba Bavuma, David Bendingham, and others. He also became the Australian captain with most 5-wicket hauls in Tests, and holds the 2nd place overall.

This performance bounds us to ask: Is Pat Cummins the greatest test bowling captain of this generation?

Read Also: Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

2. Kyle Jamieson (5/31) vs IND, Southampton, 2021

The tall New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson was phenomenal in their inaugural WTC win against India in 2021. He exploited the English conditions perfectly and took 5 wickets for 31 runs, which included the dismissal of India's test legend, Virat Kohli.

Jamieson was also awarded Player of the Match in the final, which explains how crucial his performance was for their victory.

3. Kagiso Rabada (5/51) vs AUS, Lord's, 2025

The WTC 2025 Final saw another bowling brilliance from South African pacer Kagiso Rabada this time, who stands at the 3rd place with his 5 wickets for 51 runs against Australia.

Rabada marked his comeback for SA with vital dismissals of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in quick succession with his fiery deliveries.

4. Nathan Lyon (4/41) vs IND, The Oval, 2023

Australia's veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon played a crucial role in the second innings of the WTC 2023 Final. He used the assistance of the pitch and cleaned up India's lower order, including the decisive final wicket that sealed the victory.

He took 4 wickets for 41 runs with an economy of 2.64.

Read Also: Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa

5. Tim Southee (4/48) vs IND, Southampton, 2021

New Zealand's swing maestro Tim Southee provided crucial breakthroughs in India's second innings of the 2021 final. He took 4 wickets for 48 runs, bowling for 19 overs, and delivered what Jamieson did in the first innings for them.

Southee dismissed Shami and Bumrah to wrap up the match quickly with his effective bowling.

South Africa has long been renowned for some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in Test cricket history. ln this lineage of greats, Kagiso Rabada has now made his mark by surpassing Allan Donald in terms of most test wickets for South Africa during the intense WTC 2025 Final.

Get ready to uncover the legendary names and legacies of world-class pacers of Proteas.

5. Allan Donald (330 wickets)

Allan Donald was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era, known for his blinding speed and approach. He holds the 5th place with 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 for South Africa.

Donald earned the nickname "The White Lightning" because of his rapid speed and intense stare downs. His fiery spells often hit batsmen on the helmet and shook their confidence.

Donald stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

4. Kagiso Rabada (334 wickets)

South Africa's modern-day pacer, Kagiso Rabada, recently surpassed Donald with his five-wicket haul in the Day 1 of WTC 2025 final against Australia. He leaped to the fourth place with a total of 334 wickets in tests so far, and there's more to come.

Rabada is a key bowler who carries the bowling unit with his abilities of restricting strong batting lineups and imposing threat to the opponent. He holds the potential to climb more up in the coming years.

Rabada stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

3. Makhaya Ntini (390 wickets)

Makhaya Ntini was a genuine speedster who bowled with attacking energy and an unique action. His on-field enthusiasm at all times was something that made him a crowd favourite.

Makhaya took 390 wickets in tests for South Africa, holding his place tight in the 3rd place for over a decade. He also made history by becoming the first black South African to take 10 wickets in a test match at Lord's in 2003.

Ntini stats in tests for SA:

2. Shaun Pollock (421 wickets)

Shaun Pollock was an excellent all-rounder who had an amazing bowling record in tests for the Proteas. While not as quick as Donald or Steyn, his consistent length and accuracy always did the job brilliantly.

Pollock served as a wicket-taking source and helped to keep the pressure on. He took 421 wickets with an economy less than 3 and has the second-most test wickets for South Africa.

He also has the most maidens among every bowler in the list.

Pollock stats in tests for SA:

1. Dale Steyn (439 wickets)

One of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, Dale Steyn, has the most test wickets for South Africa. He was known to be a fearsome outswinger, who could swing the ball late at high speed.

He was famously known as "Steyn Gun" for his destructive bowling that made him nearly unplayable at times. He took 439 wickets in just 93 matches, which is believed to remain unmatched for many years to come.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Steyn stats in tests for SA:

The cricket world, known for its constant evolution, has seen a drastic shift in a month. Over the past month, six notable players have chosen to conclude their careers on the global stage.

From legendary batsmen to powerful all-rounders, these departures mark a significant moment in the history of cricket. These aren't just names; they are players who have shaped matches and won the hearts of millions.

Explore the list of 6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month.

1. Rohit Sharma (Test retirement) | May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of his remarkable journey as a batsman, as well as India's captain in tests. His test career lasted for 12 years since his debut in 2013.

Sharma transformed himself into a brilliant test opener in the latter half of his career. One of his defining moments in Test cricket arrived in 2019 against South Africa, where he hammered a majestic 212 runs as an opener, showcasing his ability to wear down opposition attacks.

He is the fifth-most successful Test captain for India, leading to 12 Test victories.

Rohit Sharma's stats in tests:

2. Virat Kohli (Test retirement) | May 12, 2025

Following Rohit's retirement, India lost the era's most dominant force in test cricket. The announcement of Virat Kohli's test retirement on May 12, 2025, resonated globally, leaving everyone shocked and upset. 

Kohli approached the test format with a fierce competitive spirit and hunger for runs. His dedication and skill set in this format saw him notch 7 double centuries in his test career. He also became the most successful test captain of India during the 8 years (Dec 2014-Jan 2022) of his captaincy tenure, leading to 40 wins.

This decision of Kohli to step away from tests also brought the interests of Indian fans in tests in question. This retirement indeed marked the end of an era.

Virat Kohli's stats in tests:

3. Angelo Mathews (Test retirement) | May 23, 2025

Sri Lanka's enduring test pillar, Angelo Mathews, concluded his test career on May 23, 2025. He left behind a legacy of resilience and crucial performances as an all-rounder. 

Mathews possessed the ability to adapt his game and accelerate when required. His unbeaten 200 runs against Zimbabwe in 2020 stand out as one of his vital contributions. He also took a total of 33 wickets in tests.

He led Sri Lanka in 34 matches as a captain and won 13 among them.

Angelo Mathews' stats in tests:

4. Glenn Maxwell (ODIs Retirement) | June 2, 2025

Australia's one of the most captivating hitters and match-winners, Glenn Maxwell, announced retirement from ODIs on June 2, 2025. Known for his explosive strokeplay and ability to turn the game around, he had an amazing ODI career.

Maxwell's career has many moments to highlight, but nothing can match his astonishing 201* runs against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Coming back with a back injury, this innings was a masterclass in aggressive and controlled batting.

He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, which goes down in the history of ODI cricket.

Glenn Maxwell's stats in ODIs:

5. Heinrich Klaasen (International retirement) | June 2, 2025

On June 2, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen announced his international retirement, which marked the end of a relatively short yet impactful career as a destructive batsman in white-ball cricket. 

Since his international debut for South Africa in 2018, he has been a hard-hitter of the ball and has become one of the most feared finishers in limited-overs formats. His phenomenal 174 runs off just 83 balls against Australia in an ODI in 2023 stands as a testament to his raw hitting power and ability.

Heinrich Klaasen's international stats (2018-2025)

6. Nicholas Pooran (International retirement) | June 10, 2025

The West Indies batter, Nicholas Pooran, announced his international retirement on June 10, 2025, at the age of just 29. This marked one of the earliest retirements for a high-profile West Indies player.

As a left-hander wicket-keeper batsman, Pooran quickly established himself as an electrifying hitter in white-ball cricket. He brought an aggressive approach to the crease, with the potential to turn the game in his favour.

He has done exceptionally well in his short-lived international career. His 98 runs off 53 balls against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup perfectly tell the story of his talent.

Nicholas Pooran's international stats (2016-2025):