Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are gearing up for an exciting face-off in the 18th match of IPL 2025. The showdown is set for Saturday, April 5, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Punjab Kings are off to a flying start this season, having clinched victories in their opening two games. With their confidence soaring, they’ll be eager to secure a third consecutive win when they take on the Royals.
Their performance so far has been commendable. In their first match, they outscored Gujarat Titans by 11 runs, putting up an impressive score of 243/2, followed by a solid victory over Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets, successfully chasing a 172-run target.
On the flip side, Rajasthan Royals have had a mixed bag of a season, managing just one win in three outings. They stumbled initially against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders but finally found their footing with a win over Chennai Super Kings.
PBKS vs RR Match Preview: IPL 2025, Match 18
Date and Venue:
Mark your calendars for the PBKS vs RR clash on Saturday, April 5, at the picturesque Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
Squads:
Punjab Kings:
The PBKS lineup boasts talents like Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), captain Shreyas Iyer, and power-packed players such as Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Marco Jansen. The team is strengthened by bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, with veterans like Lockie Ferguson and Josh Inglis adding depth.
Rajasthan Royals:
RR has a formidable squad with promising players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Sanju Samson. Alongside them, names like Shimron Hetmyer and the ferocious Jofra Archer, paired with bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana, present a well-rounded challenge.
Key Battles:
Shreyas Iyer vs Wanindu Hasaranga:
Shreyas Iyer, showcasing red-hot form, is likely to be a significant threat to the Royals. His unbeaten 97 against Gujarat Titans and another strong fifty against the Super Giants prove his prowess. RR’s Wanindu Hasaranga will be tasked with the challenge of curtailing Iyer’s dynamic presence, having picked up four wickets in his last game.
Sanju Samson vs Arshdeep Singh:
Set to reclaim his role as captain, Sanju Samson is itching to lead RR with determination. After a promising start, Samson will be looking to rediscover his rhythm against PBKS. Arshdeep Singh’s role will be crucial for PBKS, as they aim to dismiss Samson early and unsettle RR’s batting lineup.
Prabhsimran Singh vs Jofra Archer:
Prabhsimran Singh, fresh from a blistering fifty against LSG, is in a mood to score big again. Jofra Archer will be pivotal for RR, as his task will be to upset Prabhsimran’s timing and get the crucial early breakthrough.
Key Players:
For PBKS, watch out for Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Arshdeep Singh. RR will be relying on Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Jofra Archer to deliver.
Weather Report:
On match day, expect clear skies with no rain forecast in Mullanpur, ensuring a smooth contest. The temperature should remain comfortably in the mid-20s.
Conclusion:
With Punjab Kings riding high on their solid performances and Rajasthan Royals eager to notch their second win, this upcoming clash promises to deliver thrilling cricket action.
