PBKS vs RR Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings?

by · Inside Sport India

Rajasthan Royals seek to build momentum after their last win as they face a tough Punjab Kings, who are undefeated this season. Know the match prediction.

RR vs PBKS Match Prediction: In the 18th match of the IPL 2025, the unbeaten Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be taking on Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Both teams are entering with some motivation.

Rajasthan Royals are coming fresh from a win against CSK, now want to stabilise their team and make a winning momentum. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings are unbeaten so far, winning both the away games and now they are aiming to extend their unbeaten run as they play their first home game of the season. PBKS will be looking to stay at the top of the table.

Match Details

  • Teams: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
  • Match Number: 18th Match of IPL 2025
  • Date: April 5, 2025
  • Time: 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

Mullanpur Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at Mullanpur has shown a tendency for runs, offering something for both the batters and bowlers, especially spinners who can use the ground’s shorter dimensions to their advantage. With average first innings scores around 182, teams have found it challenging to defend here in the second innings.

Head-to-Head Records

  • Total Matches Played: 28
  • Rajasthan Royals Wins: 16
  • Punjab Kings Wins: 12
  • Recent Encounter: PBKS secured a last win against RR by five wickets in IPL 2024.

RR vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI

Punjab Kings

Nehal Wadhera impressed everyone in the last match against LSG, and also Lockie Ferguson had a decent spell, bowling 3 overs, taking one wicket, and keeping an economy of 8. This means the PBKS might go with the same playing XI for this clash as well.

  1. Priyansh Arya
  2. Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
  3. Shreyas Iyer (c)
  4. Shashank Singh
  5. Marcus Stoinis
  6. Glenn Maxwell
  7. Suryansh Shedge
  8. Marco Jansen
  9. Lockie Ferguson
  10. Yuzvendra Chahal
  11. Arshdeep Singh
  12. Nehal Wadhera (Impact)

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson will be captaining the side after coming in as an impact player for the first three matches. As Samson won’t come as an impact sub, the team might bring Shubham Dubey for Nitish Rana as an impact player for this match.

  1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
  2. Sanju Samson (c)
  3. Nitish Rana
  4. Riyan Parag
  5. Dhruv Jurel (wk)
  6. Shimron Hetmyer
  7. Wanindu Hasaranga
  8. Jofra Archer
  9. Maheesh Theekshana
  10. Sandeep Sharma
  11. Tushar Deshpande
  12. Shubham Dubey (Impact player)

Predicted Top Performers

Rajasthan Royals

  • Sanju Samson: Having returned from injury, Samson’s leadership and form at the top are crucial for RR’s fortunes. He might play a big innings.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga: Known for his skilful spin, Hasaranga can exploit the pitch’s characteristics effectively. Also, he is effective with both bat and ball.

Punjab Kings

  • Shreyas Iyer: The skipper’s consistent form anchors PBKS’s middle order, providing stability and aggression. He has scored 149 runs in two matches.
  • Arshdeep Singh: With exemplary control, Singh is pivotal in restricting opposition during the crucial middle overs. He is the top wicket taker of the team right now, taking 5 wickets in 2 matches.

Momentum Shifters

  • Arshdeep Singh Performance (≤7.5 economy rate): Provides a +22% win probability for PBKS.
  • Shimron Hetmyer Batting (SR >150 for 15+ runs): Adds +25% win probability for RR.
  • Middle Overs Run Rate (>9 runs per over): Can increase the batting team’s win probability by +18%.

Match Prediction

With Punjab Kings riding on great form and entering this game with back-to-back victories, they appear to have the upper hand against Rajasthan Royals. However, RR’s understanding of their squad dynamics, especially with Samson’s return, equips them to challenge PBKS.

Expect a fiercely competitive game where spin could play a defining role, particularly in the middle overs. Although PBKS’s home advantage gives them a slight edge, the ultimate winner might be dictated by which team handles their middle overs effectively, transitioning into the death overs with an impetus.