pbks vs rr today match prediction – Who Will Win?

As we approach Match 18, which features the Punjab Kings (PBKS) against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday, April 5 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur, the anticipation for IPL 2025 keeps growing. The matchup promises to be exciting under the lights because both teams are coming into it with different momentum.

For Punjab Kings, this is a very important game because it is their first home game of the season in Mullanpur, a moment that local supporters are looking forward to. After two decisive wins, PBKS is comfortably atop the table and will be hoping to make a big impression at home.

However, the Rajasthan Royals enter the game fresh off a crucial victory over the Chennai Super Kings, ending a losing run and restoring some of their lost self-confidence. After recovering from a finger injury, Sanju Samson will return to captain the team, and RR will try to start afresh and move up from ninth place in the standings. Here’s all you need to know for PBKS vs RR Today Match Prediction!

Match Overview for PBKS vs RR Today Match Prediction

Match: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR), Match 18, IPL 2025

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 7:30 PM (IST)

Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: Sports18/Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (app & website)

Team Overview

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS's IPL 2025 campaign has gotten off to a strong start. Their back-to-back victories have demonstrated their depth in both batting and bowling, making them appear to be one of the tournament's most evenly matched teams. Their team has been more stable thanks to the calm leadership of their new captain, Shreyas Iyer, who has been leading from the front with the bat.

The bowling group, led by Arshdeep Singh, has proven capable of both containing and striking, and the Kings have a solid foundation with hard-hitting options like Prabhsimran Singh, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. Their supremacy was highlighted by their victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the previous game, particularly Arshdeep's game-winning 3-wicket haul.

PBKS will be eager to keep their top-of-the-table position as they play at home for the first time this season, which adds to their drive to perform in front of their supporters.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The Royals have had an unpredictable start. Shimron Hetmyer and Sandeep Sharma's outstanding performances helped them bounce back from a few early disappointments with a victory over the Chennai Super Kings that lifted their spirits. To qualify for the playoffs, RR has to go on a victory streak as they are currently lingering near the bottom of the standings.

In terms of leadership and batting consistency, Sanju Samson's return as captain is a huge plus. Although they have had moments of genius, young people like Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal need to be more reliable. Wanindu Hasaranga and Jofra Archer, their overseas firepower, have not yet reached their full potential, and this match might be the one where they do.

Pitch Report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

Despite being a relatively new surface in the IPL, the Mullanpur field has already shown encouraging signs of developing into a venue with a strong scoring capacity. Top-order batters have found it easier to play through the line and exploit the powerplay overs in past games played here because the ball has come onto the bat nicely.

The team that wins the toss is anticipated to bowl first to chase in more hospitable conditions, since the weather is predicted to be dry and the dew factor is likely to become significant in the second innings.

At this location, a par score could be anywhere from 185 to 200, depending on the pitch's initial behavior. The pitch report is essential in making the PBKS vs RR Today Match Prediction!

Head-to-Head Record: PBKS vs RR

Matches: 28

Won by Punjab Kings: 12

Won by Rajasthan Royals: 16

No Result: 00

First Faceoff: 21 April 2008

Previous Faceoff: 15 May 2024

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Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

1. Priyansh Arya

2. Prabhsimran Singh (w)

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.

Impact Player: Harpreet Brar/Nehhal Wadhera

Rajasthan Royals (RR):

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

2. Sanju Samson

3. Nitish Rana

4. Riyan Parag (c)

5. Dhruv Jurel (w)

6. Shimron Hetmyer

7. Wanindu Hasaranga

8. Jofra Archer

9. Maheesh Theekshana

10. Sandeep Sharma

11. Tushar Deshpande.

Impact Player: Shubham Dubey/Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key Players to Watch

Shreyas Iyer – Probable Best Batter

So far in IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer has been PBKS's most impressive player. He has demonstrated composure, maturity, and aggression with 149 runs in just two innings, including two undefeated fifties. Iyer is a key player against RR's diversified bowling attack because of his exceptional strength against both spin and pace. PBKS will be headed for a huge total if he gets going.

Arshdeep Singh – Probable Best Bowler

As a dependable left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh keeps becoming better. He is been delivering in the powerplay and at the end of the game, taking five wickets so far this season and maintaining a controlled economy. He is a vital weapon for PBKS because of his ability to swing the new ball and hit yorkers under pressure, particularly when facing a Royals lineup that is prone to disintegrating under constant strain.

PBKS vs RR Today Match Prediction & Scenarios

Scenario 1: Punjab Kings Win the Toss and Bowl First

To take advantage of the home field advantage and early movement under the lights, PBKS' bowlers will try to limit RR to a total of 180–190 if they decide to pursue. This objective should be attainable given their batting depth, particularly if Iyer, Stoinis, or Maxwell perform up to par.

Prediction: Punjab Kings to win the match.

Scenario 2: Rajasthan Royals Win the Toss and Bowl First

RR will try to control PBKS during the powerplay if they bowl first. It might be a difficult pursuit, though, if PBKS gets out to a flying start and reaches 210–220. The success of Rajasthan will mostly rest on how well their top order performs and whether Samson or Hetmyer can turn early starts into significant runs.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win the match.

Final Verdict: Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match Between PBKS vs RR?

Going into this match, Punjab Kings seem to have the advantage because of their momentum, form, and home crowd. The Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are not to be taken lightly, particularly if their top order settles in quickly.

Final Prediction:

If PBKS bowl first – PBKS to win

If RR bowls first, RR to win

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