Match Overview
Fixture: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025
Time: 11:00 AM IST
Venue: Jaipur
Broadcast: Live on Star Sports
Punjab Kings remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, while Rajasthan Royals are looking to salvage pride and avoid a bottom-table finish. The stage is set in Jaipur, where high-scoring matches have recently become the exception rather than the norm.
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Team News & Predicted Lineups
Rajasthan Royals
Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger are ruled out, and pacer Sandeep Sharma has also been sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Captain Sanju Samson returns after injury and has looked sharp in practice sessions. His comeback could bring stability to the middle order.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is likely to step in for Archer, while South African quick Kwena Maphaka could be handed a debut.
Predicted XI: Jaiswal, Suryavanshi, Samson, Parag, Jurel, Hetmyer, Hasaranga, Dubey (Madhwal sub), Theekshana, Yudhvir, Farooqi
Punjab Kings
Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis are unavailable for this fixture but expected back for the final league match.
Mitch Owen joins the squad as a replacement for Glenn Maxwell, while Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai bolster the all-round department. Kyle Jamieson is also available as an injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson.
Predicted XI: Arya, Prab Singh, Shreyas, Wadhera, Shashank, Owen, Omarzai, Jansen, Arshdeep, Chahal
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Pitch & Conditions
The Jaipur pitch has recently seen a couple of high-scoring matches, with totals crossing the 200-mark. However, the historical pattern shows most first-innings scores fall between 170 and 185. A flat pitch could still offer opportunity for stroke play, but teams will be wary of overcommitting early on.
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Players to Watch
Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Back from injury and reportedly in good touch at the nets, Samson could play a key role if the Royals are to mount any challenge. With a healthy strike rate and a consistent average this season, his return may help the top order find rhythm again.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Punjab Kings)
A utility player with the ability to contribute in both departments, Omarzai could be elevated in the batting order in the absence of regular starters. His early-season stint at No. 4 suggests he may be used in a more prominent role.
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Match Outlook
With Rajasthan out of contention and Punjab pushing hard for qualification, the match-up is one of contrasting motivations. That said, Royals have shown they can punch above their weight — their successful chase of 209 against Gujarat was a reminder. However, recent form shows a tendency to lose tight games.
If Rajasthan bat first and post a challenging total on a flatter track, the contest could tilt unpredictably. Punjab will need to guard against complacency, especially with their bowling unit still prone to inconsistency.
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Rajasthan royal to win
