The IPL 2025 playoff situation gets an unexpected twist with Match 59 when Rajasthan Royals (RR) play against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 18, 2025, at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium, with the match commencing at 3:30 PM IST. RR, with just 6 points from 12 games, are mathematically out of the playoff contention, so the game for them is a dead rubber. At the opposite end of the spectrum, PBKS, third on the table with 15 points from 11 games, are also in playoff contention and hope to solidify their position with a victory. This match resumes the IPL after a one-week pause following India-Pakistan tensions that froze the tournament on May 9. The league has been given go-ahead to continue after a ceasefire deal, with the final now on June 3

Sawai Mansingh Stadium Stats and Records  

• Total Matches: 61
• Batting 1st Won: 22
• Batting 2nd Won: 39
• Highest Total: 217/6 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total: 59 all out by Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 217/6 in 20 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: 144/6 by Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013
• Average 1st Innings Score: 162
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 148

Also Read: IPL 2025: DC vs GT Match 60 - A Head to Head breakdown

RR vs PBKS: Weather and Pitch Report

Jaipur weather on 18th May, 2025, will be hot with a 30-35°C temperature and humidity of 40-50%. There is a 0% possibility of rain, but the match will surely proceed without any interruption. Sawai Mansingh pitch is a batsman-friendly pitch with good bounce and pace, which tends to lead to high-scoring games. Spinners may get some support later in the match, but pacers like Jofra Archer and Arshdeep Singh may establish early breakthroughs. The toss may still play a role, with teams likely to choose to bat first to put up a tough score.

RR vs PBKS: Match Preview

For RR, this game is more about pride and finishing on a high with nothing to play for, though. Their season has been a letdown, with just three victories in 12 games and a net run rate of -0.718. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal will try to salvage some pride, while the bowling attack that features Jofra Archer and Theekshana will try to make a statement. The absence of stakes could impact their level of intensity, though.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs PBKS Match 59 - A Head to Head breakdown

PBKS, however, are well placed, with only one more victory needed to virtually seal their spot in the playoffs. Having won seven out of 11 games and sitting on a net run rate of +0.375, they are currently in great shape. Shreyas Iyer's team, with its batting consisting of Prabhsimran Singh and N. Wadhere, has been unstoppable. Their bowlers, with Arshdeep Singh and Yuzi Chahal, have been no less impressive. Having already won against RR in the season before, PBKS will seek to do the same again and nail down their playoff spot, while RR hopes to exit with some grace in this lopsided encounter at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.