The highly-anticipated PBKS vs RR (IPL 2025) Match 18 is all set to unfold at the brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. With Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) eyeing a crucial win, this encounter promises edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
Whether you’re gearing up your Dream11 squad or simply want to enjoy the match with expert insights, we’ve got you covered—right from pitch analysis to fantasy team suggestions, match timings, and live streaming info.
Match Details
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Teams: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)
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Match Number: 18
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Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
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Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Pitch Report – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur
The surface at Mullanpur has quickly gained a reputation for producing well-balanced games. During IPL 2024, this venue hosted five matches, three of which were won by the chasing side—a stat that slightly favoUrs bowling first. Here’s what you need to know:
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Nature of the Pitch: Initially supportive of batting with a new ball. Stroke makers can flourish during the powerplay.
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Spin Factor: As the game wears on, the pitch wears too—slow bowlers and wrist spinners come into play, especially in the middle overs.
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Death Overs Drama: The surface has just enough uneven bounce to challenge big hitters at the back end, making death-over specialists valuable assets.
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Expected Score: First innings totals of 160–180 are par, but given the 2025 season’s high-scoring nature, anything above 185 could prove match-winning.
Captains winning the toss are likely to bowl first, hoping to extract early movement under lights and capitalize on the chasing advantage.
Dream11 Tips – Best Picks for PBKS vs RR
Choosing the right mix of form players, pitch-specific performers, and differentials is key for fantasy success. Let’s break down the top picks:
Wicketkeepers
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Sanju Samson (RR): The RR skipper has been Mr. Reliable this season. Whether it’s a rescue job or power-hitting in the death, he’s always involved.
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Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS): His aggressive style up top makes him a great high-ceiling option, especially if PBKS bats first.
Batters
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Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Leading from the front, Iyer is in red-hot form with two half-centuries in two matches. He’s a dream captaincy candidate.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR): Though he’s had a slow start, he’s a ticking time bomb. A good pick if you’re looking for a differential.
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Priyansh Arya (PBKS): A breakout candidate. If he gets going, he could dominate the RR attack and give your Dream11 team an edge.
All-Rounders
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Marcus Stoinis (PBKS): Offers versatility—power with the bat and crucial overs with the ball. Ideal for balanced fantasy teams.
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Riyan Parag (RR): Arguably one of RR’s standout performers this season. Batting with freedom and bowling a few tidy overs.
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Nitish Rana (RR): Sneaky value pick. Adds balance with his off-spin and aggressive middle-order batting.
Bowlers
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Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Home ground hero. Great with the new ball and can nail those yorkers at the death.
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Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): Always in the game—whether he’s attacking or breaking partnerships. Can change the match in the middle overs.
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Jofra Archer (RR): His pace and bounce make him lethal at the start and in the death. Fit and firing, he’s a must-watch.
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Sandeep Sharma (RR): Old-school swing, new-school efficiency. Very reliable, especially if PBKS has aggressive openers.
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team
| Player Type | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Sanju Samson (C) |
| Batters | Shreyas Iyer (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyansh Arya |
| All-Rounders | Marcus Stoinis, Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana |
| Bowlers | Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma |
📝 Adjust based on final team announcements and toss. If RR bats first, load up on their top order. If PBKS bowls first, consider Arshdeep as a captaincy punt.
Captaincy & Vice-Captaincy Picks
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Sanju Samson: Always a top scorer when in form—safe captain pick.
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Shreyas Iyer: In dream form. Leading PBKS with authority.
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Riyan Parag or Yashasvi Jaiswal: Bold differentials if you’re chasing in a Grand League format.
Strategy Tips for Dream11
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Top-Order Heavy: Early runs are up for grabs. Stack batters who play in the top 3.
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Spin in the Middle: Chahal and Rana can exploit the slowing pitch.
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Death Overs Value: Bowlers like Archer and Arshdeep can grab points with wickets at the back end.
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Differentials Can Win You Leagues: Don’t ignore lesser-owned picks like Priyansh Arya or Nitish Rana.
Match Time
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Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
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Start Time: 7:30 PM IST
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Toss: Expected around 7:00 PM IST
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
India
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TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, regional Star Sports channels
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Online: JioHotstar (4K streaming + multi-language commentary)
Global
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USA/Canada: Willow TV
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UK: Sky Sports Cricket
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Australia: Fox Sports
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Pakistan: Tapmad, Geo Super
Check your country’s broadcaster for more local options.
Weather Report – Mullanpur Conditions
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Temperature: Around 24°C during match hours
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Forecast: Clear skies, no rain expected
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Impact: Ideal playing conditions with possible dew late in the second innings—advantage for chasing side
Head-to-Head Stats
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Total Matches (up to 2023): 25
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Wins: RR – 14, PBKS – 11
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Last Meeting (IPL 2024): PBKS won comfortably
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Current Form: Both teams are in solid rhythm with new players making big impacts.
Final Remarks
With PBKS’s strong batting led by Iyer and RR’s more balanced unit spearheaded by Samson and Archer, the PBKS vs RR (IPL 2025) Match 18 is perfectly poised to be a close one. Toss will be crucial, but so will be game awareness and strategic execution. Whether you’re watching for the thrill or competing in fantasy leagues, expect a night full of drama and big moments.
🎯 Dream11 tip of the day: Don’t chase trends—trust current form and conditions!