In the 59th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to host Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 18. Scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST, the rr vs pbks encounter is a must-win for PBKS as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs, while RR look to end their season on a positive note.
Match Context
Punjab Kings enter the rr vs pbks match placed third on the points table, with 15 points from 11 matches. A win today would significantly boost their chances of making it to the top four, and possibly even a top-two finish. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, have struggled this season and are placed ninth with just 6 points from 12 matches, already out of playoff contention.
Historically, RR have had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 16 out of 28 encounters. At their home ground in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals have been especially dominant, winning five of six games against Punjab Kings.
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Previous Encounter and Team Form
In their earlier meeting this season, RR defeated PBKS by 50 runs. Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable total of 205/4 and restricted Punjab Kings to 155/9. Since then, RR’s form has dipped, while PBKS have gained momentum with consistent performances.
Punjab Kings boast a strong squad with key players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, who have been instrumental in their successful campaign. Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson and supported by young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, are looking to find some late-season form in this rr vs pbks showdown.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Pacers can expect some early assistance, while batsmen can benefit from true bounce. Spinners may also influence the game in the middle overs. Weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry, with no rain forecast, which should allow for a full game of cricket.
Probable Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Jofra Archer
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal
What’s at Stake
The rr vs pbks match is critical for Punjab Kings as they look to strengthen their position in the playoffs race. Rajasthan Royals, despite being out of contention, will be eager to finish the season strong in front of their home crowd. This clash promises high intensity and competitive cricket as both teams seek to make the most of their remaining fixtures.
With form, history, and playoff implications all in play, the rr vs pbks match is one of the key fixtures in IPL 2025’s closing stages. Fans can expect an exciting contest packed with memorable moments.
