IPL 2025 effectively resumed its normal operations on 18th May, after a temporary halt due to external factors. After the garden city - Bengaluru's heavy and incessant downpour washed out the previous evening's clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), dampening the renewed spirits of the fans, the league got its restart at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in the pink city of Jaipur. It was a day game between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), with a high-scoring affair on the cards, at one of IPL's few dimensionally long grounds. 

Rajasthan had their exit fate locked in before the pause, while Punjab was still in contention for a playoff berth. Having opted to bat after calling it right at the toss, Shreyas Iyer's men scored a mammoth 219 after losing five batters, in their full quota of 20 overs. The protagonists of setting up this gigantic total were Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh, scoring 70 and 59 runs respectively. The Kings have been excellent this term and have clicked as a unit, something rarely said about them, and then it was up to their reputed bowlers to defend those runs on the board. 

The chase was on, and it was palpable from the start. As they are known for, the Royals' openers were at their intrinsically explosive best. The Indian test opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and his partner, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, began their innings with a bang. They went bonkers and smashed the bowling attack of the Punjab Kings to all corners of the ground, on their way towards setting a record for the current season. It was Jaiswal who took the lead and was shortly joined by the 14-year-old cricket prodigy in Vaibhav. Every ball is an event in T20 cricket, but it was more than just that when those two batted sensationally.

See Also: IPL 2025, Match 59: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

There was a long phase in their innings when none of them ran for a run or two, and instead went about their business dealing in just boundaries. Little did they know that they were on course towards setting a new benchmark this season. It took both of them just 17 balls or 2.5 overs to cross 50 runs and eventually make it the fastest team fifty in IPL 2025. This was also the second fastest team fifty for RR in all IPL after their 2.4 overs vs KKR at the Eden Gardens in 2023. When the record was set, Yashasvi was on 34 off 11 and Vaibhav on 16 off 6. Both remained unbeaten on reaching that landmark.

The Royals, however, went on to lose the game by 10 runs. After their openers got out, only Dhruv Jurel kept them in the hunt with a gritty knock of 53 runs, but without any substantial support from the other middle-order batters. As has been the case this season, RR failed to capitalise on a beast of a start and missed out on closing in the game, affirming pity on their subdue position in the points table this year. 

RR SCORED THE FASTEST TEAM FIFTY OF IPL 2025 - 51/0 IN 2.5 OVERS. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/po5AleYXX1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 18, 2025

50 up in just 2.5 overs 🔥🔥

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are on the move... #RRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/70o5g6em6w

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 18, 2025

A look at the second and third fastest team half-centuries of IPL 2025: 

Punjab Kings

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) were up against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the latter's backyard on Saturday, 12th April. Opting to bat first on a belter of a pitch, the Kings' opening pair Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, in an insane display of batting, smashed 50 runs in just three overs. They made Mohammad Shami and the Hyderabad Skipper Pat Cummins look like ordinary bowlers, and hit them for several runs, on their way towards amassing a half-century for their team. PBKS set a target of 246 for SRH, which was unbelievably chased down with nine balls to spare by the home team. Abhishek Sharma made light work of the chase and lit up the Hyderabad sky, striking 141 runs and taking his team home.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) locked horns against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Thursday, 10th April in Bengaluru. Been sent to bat by DC, the RCB openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli took on Mitchell Starc and Axar Patel, and in great fashion. Salt took charge and struck boundaries, smashing the Delhi bowlers to all parts of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Englishman was well complemented by Virat, and the team reached fifty in exactly three overs. RCB, however, lost their way in the middle and could manage only 163 runs in their 20 overs. The target was comprehensively chased down by DC, courtesy of KL Rahul's gritty and unbeaten knock of 93 runs.

 In a one-sided match on May 18, 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) overhauled 205 runs without losing a wicket against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. GT openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill wrote history with a dominating unbeaten 205-run partnership.

• Sai Sudharsan stayed not out on 108 off 61 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes).
• Shubman Gill added an unbeaten 93 off 53 balls (3 fours, 7 sixes).

Delhi bowlers found it tough to hold the onslaught, and GT completed the victory in 19 overs, improving their net run rate and reaching the playoffs of the IPL 2025. GT top the points table with 18 points from 12 games after this win.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of May 18, 2025, following the match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Gujarat Titans (GT), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

Following Gujarat Titans’ dominant win over Delhi Capitals and the washout between RCB and KKR, the top of the table has taken final shape. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have officially qualified for the playoffs.

Also read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Harpreet Brar's classic thigh five celebration after dismissing Riyan Parag in RR vs PBKS match

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• B Sai Sudharsan - 617 Runs
• Shubman Gill - 601 Runs
• Yashasvi Jaiswal - 523 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Prasidh Krishna - 21 Wickets
• Noor Ahmad - 20 Wickets
• Josh Hazlewood - 18 wickets

Punjab Kings (PBKS) off-spinner Harpreet Brar is enjoying a wonderful spell with the ball during the current match between the side and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The two teams are currently playing at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Harpreet Brar, who entered as an impact player, has provided a strong impact for his team in the currently ongoing match against the Rajasthan Royals. The openers of the hosts, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, were playing like rockets and gave Punjab Kings huge pressure.

Parag had been able to consolidate the innings before being dismissed. His wicket at a pivotal moment changed the course of the game in favour of PBKS, who were eager to cement their place in the playoffs.

Watch the video here:

pic.twitter.com/L3aZngpJGg

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) May 18, 2025

Also read: Bharat Ratna for Virat Kohli' movement initiates, BCCI sought to organise star's retirement match

Harpreet Brar rescued his team back into the match with three rapid wickets in his spell

It was Harpreet Brar, though, who rescued his team back into the game. The left-arm spinner got rid of both the Rajasthan Royals openers. Even later, he did not relent as he then produced a another magic delivery to get rid of Riyan Parag, who was nicely settled with the bat.On the 2nd ball of the 14th over, Harpreet Brar bowled a faster one that was slipping in. Riyan Parag tried to hack it across the line and was out-paced. The ball slid under his bat and kissed the outer edge of the leg stump to pack the batter off.

What gained attention of most was Harpreet Brar's response after getting rid of Riyan Parag. He performed the thigh-slap celebration, and later Arshdeep Singh approached him, and the pair took things to the next level. Arshdeep Singh made Harpreet Brar put on his sunglasses, and Harpreet Brar's left-arm spinner then came up with a trendy pose.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) narrowly clinched a 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a high-quality win on the 59th match of the IPL 2025 series at Jaipur, demonstrating a good all-round performance with the bat and ball both. PBKS set a target of 220 runs for the win, showing an aggressive yet controlled batting approach which was led by Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh.

Punjab Kings Innings

Nehal Wadhera's quick 70 from 37 balls was an explosive start that not only punched hard but also was very smart in shot selection. Later on, Shashank Singh's innovation in strokeplay and consistent singles not only ensured a quick partnership but also provided them with the build-up they came with in the final overs. Shreyas Iyer's 30 at the right time kept PBKS on course well when the wickets were falling, and Shreyas took the middle of the innings as the best opportunity to be productive. The run rate with PBKS was maintained at an optimal level despite their opening bowlers trying to out-strategise them with the ball in the initial phase of their innings.

Rajasthan Royals Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal's splendid 50 off 25 balls put Rajasthan ahead, and Dhruv Jurel's composed 53 moved the game within reach despite all the pressure. Vaibhav Suryavanshi's 40 off 15 balls in his later part then moved Rajasthan close to their mark. The Punjab Kings bowlers, led by Harpreet Brar's 3/22, made decisive attacks at key moments of the game. Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai also picked up key wickets and were able to stop the flow of runs in the end, thus cementing their team's victory.

Also Read: From Auction Blunder to Captaincy: Shashank Singh’s Remarkable Rise at Punjab Kings

RR vs PBKS: Post Match Reactions

Harpreet Brar (Player of the Match): Harpreet gave his first Player of the Match award after marriage to his wife. He thanked his preparation and the day to day support from coaches Sunil Joshi and Chahal, emphasizing the clear plans he had against left-handers and the discipline to bowl well under pressure.

Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings Captain): Iyer didn't get to take the field as he was still nursing a finger injury but praised his team's body language and mindset after the break. He praised Harpreet Brar's repetition and thought the spinners had a good impact. He expressed confidence that the team can change the game from any situation.

Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings): Jansen spoke about staying in the contest after a rocky start, how they managed the middle overs of the match well, and how the short break allowed him to recharge before stepping up for the team both mentally and physically. 

Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals Captain): Samson acknowledged the game slipped away after a strong start and he believed the chase was achievable, areas of improvement were there, especially from the leadership group, and it was important to win the final game and get some new players to try for next season.

Also Read: LSG’s Digvesh Rathi reveals emotional reason behind notebook celebration

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Match Scorecard

Punjab Kings – 219/5 (20 Overs)

Rajasthan Royals – 209/7 (20 Overs)

Today, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Punjab Kings played against Rajasthan Royals of the IPL 2025. Shashank Singh, captaining in place of the regular skipper, was the biggest contributor with a thrilling 59 off 30 balls and a befitting example of a finisher. His innings Powerpacked with a remarkable reverse sweep off Akash Madhwal, that took Punjab Kings to a gigantic total of 219/5. 

After taking over the captaincy due to the injury of Shreyas Iyer, Shashank had a successful and cool-headed performance. He was a good strategic leader who made crucial field placements and bowling changes, thus preventing Rajasthan Royals from scoring successfully. This game was a significant step in his captaincy role with the team.

The Punjab Kings and Shashank Singh's meeting started last year during the 2024 season, from where he started by getting 354 runs in 164.65 strike rate. Recognizing his ability, the franchise decided to give him ₹5.5 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction and made him one of the two retained players of the team.

A Future Leader

Since the beginning of the IPL 2025, Shashank has become a player who has always led the team with fantastic performances. In 13 matches, he has been able to score a total of 273 runs at an average of 45.50 and a strike rate of 152.50, and has also driven the team to victory on three occasions by scoring 50 or more runs. His capabilities as the perfect anchor of the innings and someone who can score quickly have been vital for the Punjab Kings' dominance in the tournament.

Also Read: Why did Virat Kohli stay silent as fans came in rain to celebrate his legacy?

Shashank Singh has been the perfect illustration of resilience and a strong will; one moment he was unpredictably drafted from the auction and the next he's the one carrying the team on the field. The work he's been doing has maintained the high spirit of the other players and the fans, for they have acknowledged Shashank as the pivotal player in the quest of Punjab Kings for the IPL 2025 title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on April 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

Match Details: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings

• Date: 18th April 2025
• Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Time: 8:30

RR vs PBKS Live Streaming  TV Broadcast by Country

Also Read: Middlesex shocking revelation: Open to sign Virat Kohli for County Cricket!

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kweena Maphaka  

Impact Player: Akash Madhwal

Punjab Kings Playing XI

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Inglis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh,Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Vijaykumar Vyshak

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on April 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

Match Details: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings

• Date: 18th April 2025
• Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Time: 8:30

Players Clash to Keep an Eye Out – Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings:
Sanju Samson vs Arshdeep Singh – Samson's classy strokeplay will be tested by Arshdeep's left-arm swing and death-over accuracy.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Yuzvendra Chahal – Jaiswal's aggressive approach to the powerplay makes his duel with Chahal's spin in the middle overs a contest to watch.
Wanindu Hasaranga vs Jos Inglis – Hasaranga's variations can stump the explosive Inglis, particularly during the finishing overs.
Marcus Stoinis vs Maheesh Theekshana – A battle of power-hitting vs mystery spin as Stoinis aims to overpower Theekshana.
Shimron Hetmyer vs Azmatullah Omarzai – Hetmyer's finishing can be questioned by the pace and cutters of Omarzai at the end.

Also read: Rohit Sharma’s heartwarming moment with fan steals spotlight during Wankhede stand unveiling

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kweena Maphaka  

Impact Player: Akash Madhwal

Punjab Kings Playing XI

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Inglis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh,Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Vijaykumar Vyshak

In match 59 of the IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 18, 2025 starting at 3:30 PM IST. RR will be back in action for their afternoon match when the IPL resumes a week later after being forced to suspend the tournament amid India-Pakistan tensions. The league is now able to proceed resume after a ceasefire between the countries was reached! RR are already out of playoff contention and playing for pride. PBKS currently sit third, having accumulated 15 points over 11 games, and need at least one win from their last three games to secure their place in the playoffs!

Head-to-Head Recored

• RR Wins: 17
• PBKS Wins: 12
• No Result: 0
• Win Percentage: RR’s win percentage vs. PBKS is 58.62% (17/29), while PBKS’s is 41.38% (12/29).

This aligns with RR’s slight edge historically, particularly at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where they lead 4-2 in 6 matches against PBKS.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs PBKS Match 59 - Sawai Mansingh stadium stats and preview

Outstanding Matches: RR vs PBKS 

IPL 2025, Match 18 - 5th April, Mullanpur 

• RR: 205/4 in 20 overs 
• PBKS: 155/9 in 20 overs 
• Result: RR won by 50 runs 

RR scored a tall 205/4, led by Jaiswal's dazzling 67 and Parag's 43 not out. PBKS's chase got off on the wrong foot with Archer taking Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer out in the first over. Wadhura's batting stand at 62, was pretty much PBKS's effort as RR finished comfortably with RR's bowlers functioning perfectly along with Archer's fiery spell. Archer set the tone for the match and was named Player of the Match.

IPL 2024, Match 27 - 13th April, Mullanpur 

• RR: 147/8 in 20 overs 
• PBKS: 148/5 in 19.5 overs 
• Result: PBKS won by 5 wickets 

RR placed maximum 147/8 on a demanding pitch at Mullanpur, with Jaiswal's 39 being the highest score. PBKS chased the score well, lead by Bairstow's 56 and Shashank's 46 not out. Rabada bowled a tight spell and was named Player of the match.

Also Read: IPL 2025: DC vs GT Match 60 - Arun Jaitley stadium stats and preview

IPL 2023, Match 66 - 19th May, Dharamsala 

• PBKS: 187/5 in 20 overs 
• RR: 189/6 in 19.4 overs 
• Result: RR won by 4 wickets 

PBKS made a competitive 187/5, captain Curran's contribution of an impressive 49* lead the innings. RR chased it well with Jaiswal's 50 and Padikkal's 51. They did stutter with Clarke's golden duck but Miller helped calm them down at the end. 

PBKS continue their push for the playoffs standing on the brink with two wins separating them from  sure shot in the top four after eleven years. Rajasthan are out but they have Sanju back as they look to build for next year.

RR vs PBKS Match Details

Date: May 18th, 2025

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Jaipur

RR vs PBKS Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening are expected for the game.

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the five games: 209

Average Score Batting Second in the five games: 181

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 4

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 1

Batting first and getting a good number of runs on the board could be a better choice on a ground that travels well.

See Also: Abhishek Nayar gets back with the Knight Riders

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Head-to-Head

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kweena Maphaka  

Impact Player: Akash Madhwal

Punjab Kings Playing XI

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Inglis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh,Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Vijaykumar Vyshak

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings: Players to Watch

Prabhsimran Singh

Sing has looked solid so far this season. He was at his explosive best. Can he do the same against a bowling attack that does not have as much bite as some of the others?

Yashashvi Jaiwal

Jaiswal finally seems to be getting the job done as a batter. He fell short again but his batting has looked good with a lot of intent shown in the last two games. 

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Match Tips

Punjab may start as favourites with their recent momentum.

Match Prediction: Punjab Kings Will Win the Match

The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings (RR vs PBKS) match will be played on Sunday afternoon (May 18) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. In the rescheduled IPL 2025 fixture, it will be the 59th game of the tournament. Meanwhile, it will be their second face-off after Rajasthan Royals won their first meeting by 50 runs.

Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are in the ninth (six points in 12 matches; three wins and nine losses) and third positions (15 points in 11 games; seven wins, three losses, and one no result) in the IPL 2025 points table, respectively.  

IPL 2025, Match 59: RR vs PBKS - Detailed Match Preview

Match Type: League

Match No: 59

Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings (RR vs PBKS) 

Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Match Date (Day): May 18, 2025 (Sunday)

Official Toss Time: 15:00 local time

Official Match Start Time: 15:30 local time

See Also: IPL 2025: RR vs PBKS Match 59 - Sawai Mansingh stadium stats and preview

IPL 2025, Match 59: RR vs PBKS - Venue Stats

Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur) will host its fifth match of the IPL 2025. The first four IPL 2025 games at this venue ended with two successful defending results, including a two-run win, and two comfortable chases. 

• It will be the first IPL meeting between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings at Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur) after 2019. 
• Five out of the last seven T20 matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur) experienced successful chases.

IPL 2025, Match 59: RR vs PBKS - Head-to-Head

• Rajasthan Royals won three of their last four meetings. 
• It will be their second meeting of this season. Rajasthan Royals secured a 50-run win in their previous IPL 2025 meeting at Mullanpur. 
• After losing their first five fixtures against Rajasthan Royals at this venue, Punjab Kings won their previous meeting at this venue in 2019.