Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a highly anticipated IPL 2025 encounter on Saturday, April 5, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur. This clash marks PBKS’s first home game of the season, and excitement is sky-high.
Match Preview: PBKS vs RR – IPL 2025, Match 18
- Fixture: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur
- Live Telecast: Sports18 / Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
Pitch Report: Mullanpur Stadium Insights
The Mullanpur pitch is known for high-scoring thrillers. While batters can enjoy the shorter boundaries, spinners may also get some grip as the match progresses.
Key pitch factors:
- Good bounce and carry
- Favorable for batters early on
- Spinners might come into play in the middle overs
Head-to-Head Record – PBKS vs RR
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 28 |
| PBKS Wins | 12 |
| RR Wins | 16 |
| No Result | 0 |
Last Encounter: May 15, 2024
First Encounter: April 21, 2008
Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (w)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Suryansh Shedge
- Marco Jansen
- Lockie Ferguson
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Arshdeep Singh
- Impact Player: Harpreet Brar / Nehhal Wadhera
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sanju Samson
- Nitish Rana
- Riyan Parag (c)
- Dhruv Jurel (w)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sandeep Sharma
- Tushar Deshpande
- Impact Player: Shubham Dubey / Fazalhaq Farooqi
Players to Watch
Best Batter: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)
- 149 runs in 2 matches
- Back-to-back unbeaten half-centuries
- In explosive form, anchoring the top order
Best Bowler: Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
- 5 wickets at an average of 15.80
- 3/43 against LSG in last game
- Consistent wicket-taker in powerplay & death overs
Match Prediction Scenarios
Scenario 1: PBKS Win the Toss and Bowl First
- RR PP Score: 50–60
- RR Total: 180–190
- Winner: Punjab Kings
Scenario 2: RR Win the Toss and Bowl First
- PBKS PP Score: 60–70
- PBKS Total: 210–220
- Winner: Rajasthan Royals
Note: These predictions are based on pitch trends, form, and analysis. Always consider your own instincts and data when making fantasy or match decisions.
Don’t Miss the Action!
Whether you’re backing Shreyas Iyer’s firepower or Sanju Samson’s comeback leadership, Match 18 of IPL 2025 is all set to deliver a blockbuster evening.
Who do you think will win today – PBKS or RR?
Drop your predictions in the comments below and join the conversation!
Also Read:
IPL 2025 Match 16: LSG vs MI Dream11 Prediction – Top Captaincy Picks, Differential Selections & Players to Avoid
FAQs – PBKS vs RR IPL 2025 Match 18
Answer: The match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals will be played on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
Answer: The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
Answer: You can watch the live broadcast on Sports18 or Star Sports Network, and stream it online via the JioHotstar app and website.
Answer: Shreyas Iyer is in excellent form and is the probable best batter for the match, with 149 runs in two games and two unbeaten half-centuries.
Answer: Arshdeep Singh is the likely top bowler for PBKS. He has already taken 5 wickets in this IPL season at an average of 15.80.
Answer: The Mullanpur pitch is batting-friendly with some assistance for spinners. Expect a high-scoring match with good stroke play.
Answer:
Total Matches: 28
PBKS Wins: 12
RR Wins: 16
Answer:
PBKS: Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis
RR: Sanju Samson, Jofra Archer, Riyan Parag
Answer:
Scenario 1: PBKS bowl first → RR scores 180–190 → PBKS chase and win
Scenario 2: RR bowl first → PBKS scores 210–220 → RR chase and win
