🧠 Match Preview: PBKS vs RR – A High-Octane Saturday Clash
The 18th match of IPL 2025 will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Scheduled for Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 PM IST, this fixture promises fireworks, strategy, and edge-of-the-seat action.
While Punjab Kings are riding high with two wins in two games, Rajasthan Royals are regrouping with renewed confidence after a close win against CSK.
📊 PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | PBKS Wins | RR Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 12 | 16 |
RR holds the edge in overall head-to-head, but PBKS is looking like a rejuvenated unit this season.
📈 Current Team Standings – IPL 2025 Points Table
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Punjab Kings (PBKS): 1st place
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🏆 2 Wins | 🔢 NRR: +1.485
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Rajasthan Royals (RR): 9th place
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🏆 1 Win | ❌ 2 Losses | 🔢 NRR: -1.112
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🔥 Recent Form – Last 5 Matches
Punjab Kings
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✅ vs LSG – Won by 8 wickets
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✅ vs GT – Won by 11 runs
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❌ vs SRH – Lost by 4 wickets (2024)
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✅ vs RR – Won by 5 wickets (2024)
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❌ vs RCB – Lost by 60 runs (2024)
Rajasthan Royals
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✅ vs CSK – Won by 6 runs
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❌ vs KKR – Lost by 8 wickets
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❌ vs SRH – Lost by 44 runs
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❌ vs SRH – Lost by 36 runs (2024)
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✅ vs RCB – Won by 4 wickets (2024)
🌦️ Pitch & Weather Report – Chandigarh Stadium
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Pitch Type: Balanced – assists both batters and bowlers.
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Win Rate Batting First: 40%
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Avg 1st Innings Score: 170
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Winning 1st Innings Score: ~180
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Weather: Clear skies, no rain expected.
🧩 PBKS vs RR Probable Playing XI
🔴 Punjab Kings (PBKS):
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Priyansh Arya
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Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
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Shreyas Iyer (c)
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Nehal Wadhera
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Glenn Maxwell
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Marcus Stoinis
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Shashank Singh
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Marco Jansen
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Arshdeep Singh
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Lockie Ferguson
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Suryansh Shedge
Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal
🔵 Rajasthan Royals (RR):
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Sanju Samson (c/wk)
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Nitish Rana
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Riyan Parag
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Dhruv Jurel
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Shimron Hetmyer
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Wanindu Hasaranga
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Jofra Archer
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Maheesh Theekshana
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Tushar Deshpande
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Sandeep Sharma
Impact Sub: Kumar Kartikeya / Shubham Dubey
🏏 Dream11 Fantasy Team Tips: PBKS vs RR
🔥 Top Captain Picks:
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Sanju Samson – Back in form, leadership boost
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Shreyas Iyer – Consistent with the bat
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Nitish Rana – Big impact vs CSK
💥 Vice-Captain Choices:
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Wanindu Hasaranga – Key spinner, wicket-taker
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Marcus Stoinis – All-rounder with potential to turn games
🧱 Must-Picks for Dream11:
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Dhruv Jurel – In-form batter
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Prabhsimran Singh – Explosive opener
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Arshdeep Singh – Swing king in the powerplay
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Lockie Ferguson – Death overs specialist
🧮 Stats to Watch
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Jofra Archer: Needs 3 wickets to reach 50 IPL wickets for RR
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Sanju Samson: 5 sixes away from 100 as captain in IPL
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Dhruv Jurel: Needs 47 runs to complete 500 IPL runs
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Shimron Hetmyer: 27 runs away from 5000 T20 runs
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Kumar Kartikeya: 1 wicket away from 50 in T20s
🔮 PBKS vs RR Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Punjab Kings are in form and playing at home. Rajasthan Royals, however, come into the match with renewed momentum and Sanju Samson back at the helm.
Prediction:
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Punjab Kings win probability: 52%
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Rajasthan Royals win probability: 48%
If the RR top order fires and Hasaranga delivers with the ball, they could pull off a close win. But PBKS have the depth to defend strong totals.
❓ PBKS vs RR FAQs – IPL 2025
📍 When is the PBKS vs RR IPL 2025 match?
Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
🏟️ Where is the match being played?
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.
📺 Where can I watch PBKS vs RR live?
Live streaming on JioHotstar; TV broadcast on Star Sports Network.
🧮 Who has a better record – PBKS or RR?
Rajasthan Royals lead the head-to-head battle 16-12.
🌟 Who are top fantasy picks?
Sanju Samson, Wanindu Hasaranga, Marcus Stoinis, Nitish Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
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