Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 59 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, May 18, at 3:30 PM IST.
RR are already out of the playoff race, having won just 3 of their 12 matches this season. With nothing but pride to play for, Sanju Samson’s side will aim to spoil PBKS’s playoff hopes. They will also be without key pacer Jofra Archer, who’s been ruled out due to injury.
Meanwhile, PBKS are having one of their best IPL campaigns in recent memory. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, they sit third on the points table with 15 points from 11 matches. A win here would all but confirm their spot in the playoffs. With all three of their remaining matches set to be played in Jaipur, the Kings are well-positioned for a strong finish.
When these two sides last met earlier this season, RR came out on top with a commanding 50-run victory. Can they repeat that performance, or will Punjab seal their playoff berth today?
📊 Match Details – RR vs PBKS, Match 59, IPL 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings |
| Date | Sunday, May 18, 2025 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
| Live Broadcast | JioStar Network & JioHotstar App/Website |
🏟️ Pitch Report – Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The pitch at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly with a firm surface and a decent grass covering. The new ball will come onto the bat nicely, making it ideal for stroke play early in the innings. Spinners may come into play as the game progresses, but dew in the second innings could heavily favor the chasing side.
🧠 Expected First Innings Score: 180–195
📌 Chasing Advantage: Moderate to High – dew may influence decisions at the toss
🔁 Head-to-Head Stats – RR vs PBKS
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 29 |
| Matches Won by RR | 17 |
| Matches Won by PBKS | 12 |
| Tied Matches | 0 |
| No Results | 0 |
| First-Ever Match | April 21, 2008 |
| Most Recent Match | April 5, 2025 |
🧢 Predicted Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (C), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal
💥 Impact Player: Kumar Kartikeya
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Mitchell Owen, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Kyle Jamieson, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
💥 Impact Player: Harpreet Brar
🌟 Probable Best Performers
⭐ Best Batter: Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS)
PBKS opener Prabhsimran Singh is in red-hot form with 437 runs in 11 matches, including three consecutive half-centuries. He’s been the batting mainstay for Punjab this season and will look to continue his dominant run.
🔥 Best Bowler: Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)
The experienced leg-spinner has claimed 14 wickets this season and is coming off a match-winning hat-trick against CSK. Having played for RR in the past, Chahal knows the Jaipur conditions well, which could work to his advantage.
🔮 Today’s Match Prediction – Who Will Win RR vs PBKS?
With superior form, balance, and playoff motivation, Punjab Kings are the favorites to win today’s clash. Rajasthan Royals may offer resistance, but PBKS look well-equipped to seal their spot in the top four.
📌 Cricket Betting Tips Prediction: ✅ Punjab Kings to win
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