PBKS vs RR Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report, and Playing XI of 18th Match of IPL 2025

Indian Premier League 2025, 18th Match played between PBKS vs RR at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, stay updated with ScoreWaves for Indian Premier League 2025 18th Match Fantasy Tips, Playing 11, Pitch reports, Fastest cricket score, fastest updates, sports news and more

IPL 2025 has kicked off a brand-new cycle, and with that, the script has flipped for a few teams. During the previous three-year cycle, Rajasthan Royals were among the more consistent sides — making the playoffs twice between 2022 and 2024. On the flip side, Punjab Kings struggled to find their rhythm, never managing to finish higher than sixth place. But this season? It’s a completely different story. Now, the tables have turned dramatically, with Punjab Kings emerging as early contenders for the title. Their revamped squad has hit the ground running, while Rajasthan Royals have stumbled out of the blocks. 

RR had a nightmarish start, getting blown away by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who racked up a jaw-dropping 286 runs. Despite a spirited chase, Royals fell short with 242. Their second game didn’t go much better, as they were comfortably beaten by KKR. Fortunately, they bounced back with a solid win over Chennai Super Kings in their third outing — a result they’ll be desperate to build on. But things won’t get any easier from here. 

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, look like a team transformed. Their squad is firing on all cylinders, and their performances have reflected that. They’ve registered back-to-back convincing wins — first dismantling Gujarat Titans and then outclassing Lucknow Super Giants. With very few apparent weaknesses and playing their first home game of the season, PBKS will be keen to keep the momentum rolling and make another strong statement. 

Head-to-Head: SRH vs RR - Who Holds the Advantage?

PBKS and RR have had some fierce battles over the years, with PBKS historically holding the upper hand. With the match being played at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, PBKS will have the home advantage, and their spin attack of Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar could be a major threat on a turning track. Their batting lineup, led by Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Glenn Maxwell, looks solid. On the other hand, RR boasts an explosive batting unit, featuring Yassawi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, andRiyan Parag. However, their biggest concern has always been their bowling attack, which often struggles in high-scoring encounters. While Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma add depth, they’ll need to handle PBKS’s aggressive top order. Given PBKS’s superior bowling attack and home conditions, they might start as slight favorites. But RR’s firepower makes them dangerous, and if their bowling holds up, an upset could be on the cards. Let’s break down their head-to-head record to see who holds the edge ahead of the IPL 2025 opener:

Total Matches Played: 28

PBKS Wins: 12

RR Wins: 18

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 0

Despite PBKS having the firepower of Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell, RR’s all-around strength and explosive players like Riyan Parag and Wanindu Hasaranga give them the upper hand in this head-to-head contest. However, it’s always been a close battle, with both sides frequently trading blows in IPL clashes.

Predictions: Who Will Win the Match?

As far as fantasy cricket is concerned, PBKS might have the edge with their explosive batting lineup led by Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Glenn Maxwell, but RR’s balanced squad and the presence of all-rounders like Parag and Hasaranga make them a formidable opponent. Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, with its high-scoring potential, might slightly favor the batting-heavy teams, so expect a run-fest!

Injury Update:

No Injury concerns.

PBKS vs RR Match, Date, Time, & Venue: 

Match: PBKS vs RR 18th Match of IPL 2025  

Date: 5 April 2025 

Time: 7:30 PM    

Stadium: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium   

Location: Mullanpur

PBKS vs RR Match Pitch Report:     

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur offers a balanced pitch that challenges both batsmen and bowlers. Early in the match, the surface favors the batsmen, allowing them to play aggressive strokes with good bounce and a solid foundation. A first innings score between 180-190 runs is generally considered competitive. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, providing assistance to spinners, which can make chasing more difficult. Teams chasing targets around 180-190 runs generally have a fighting chance, but anything above 190-200 can put them under pressure, especially with the slow nature of the pitch in the second innings. Overall, it’s a dynamic surface where both batting and bowling strategies need to adapt to the conditions, and a score around 180+ is often a strong target for the chasing side. 

Possible Playing 11 for PBKS:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Suryash Shedge, Azmatullah Umarzai, Marco Janson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal 

Impact Sub: Nehal Vadhera, Praveen Dubey, Vijaykumar Vaishak, Harpreet Brar

Possible playing 11 for RR:   

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Maheesh Theekshana

Impact Players: Shubham Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi

PBKS vs RR Fantasy Team:      

Wicketkeepers: Prabhsimran Singh, Sanju Samson

Batsman: Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana

All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Riyan Parag

Bowlers:  Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jofra Archer   

PBKS vs RR Team for Today Match:

PBKS vs RR Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:     

Choice 1: Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Shreyas Iyer (VC)      

Choice 2: Sanju Samson (C), Arshdeep Singh (VC)

PBKS vs RR Fantasy Prediction Backups:   

Priyansh Arya, Marcus Stoinis, Shubham Dubey, Dhruv Jurel     

Disclaimer:     

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision

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