The 59th fixture of IPL Season 18 turned out to be a high-voltage clash between two long-time rivals — Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) — on May 18, 2025, at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. In a gripping finish, PBKS defeated RR by 10 runs, boosting their playoff chances and adding another fiery chapter to their ongoing IPL rivalry.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about this game, including head-to-head stats, recent form, team standings, and a full timeline of PBKS vs RR history through the years.
Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals 2025: Match Overview
The Punjab Kings have been one of the most consistent sides this season. With 17 points after this crucial win, they currently sit third on the IPL 2025 points table, putting themselves in a strong position for playoff qualification.
On the flip side, things are looking grim for Rajasthan Royals, who are now 9th after suffering yet another defeat. Despite having a star-studded lineup, RR has failed to win any of their last five games, and their playoff dreams are hanging by a thread.
Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Standings (2025)
| Teams | Matches | Wins | Losses | NRR | Points | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 12 | 3 | 9 | -0.701 | 13 | L-L-W-L-L |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 11 | 7 | 3 | +0.389 | 17 | L-N-W-W-W |
Punjab’s recent run shows momentum building at just the right time, while Rajasthan’s poor streak highlights their struggle to close out matches.
PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Record
Over the years, Rajasthan Royals have had the upper hand in their head-to-head record against Punjab Kings. Out of 30 IPL matches, RR has won 17, while PBKS has claimed 13 victories.
But in recent seasons, things have been more balanced, with both sides trading wins in close encounters.
| Metric | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 30 | 30 |
| Wins | 13 | 17 |
| Losses | 17 | 13 |
| Win Percentage | 41.38% | 58.62% |
| Highest Team Score | 223 | 226 |
| Biggest Win | 48 runs | 78 runs |
| IPL Titles | 0 | 1 |
Both teams have been part of the IPL since its debut in 2008, though Rajasthan Royals missed the 2016 and 2017 seasons due to a suspension.
Record Highlights: PBKS vs RR Stats Over the Years
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RR highest team score: 226/6 (IPL 2020)
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PBKS highest team score: 223/2 (IPL 2020)
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RR highest individual score: 119 – Sanju Samson (IPL 2021)
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PBKS highest individual score: 115 – Shaun Marsh (IPL 2008)
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RR best bowling figures: 4/26 – Kevon Cooper (IPL 2012)
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PBKS best bowling figures: 5/32 – Arshdeep Singh (IPL 2021)*
PBKS vs RR 2024 Recap
The 2024 IPL season saw both teams meeting twice, and the results were evenly split.
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April 13, 2024 – Mullanpur:
Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wickets, chasing down 148 with some composed batting at the end. -
May 15, 2024 – Guwahati:
Punjab Kings bounced back strongly, chasing 145 to win by 5 wickets.
2024 Scorecard Summary
| Metrics | Match 1 | Match 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Date | April 13, 2024 | May 15, 2024 |
| Venue | Ekana Cricket Stadium | Wankhede Stadium |
| Punjab Score | 147/8 | 145/5 |
| Rajasthan Score | 152/7 | 144/9 |
| Result | RR won by 3 wickets | PBKS won by 5 wickets |
The 2024 season reflected how evenly matched these teams have become — both winning one game each and showing moments of brilliance.
All-Time PBKS vs RR Match Timeline
Here’s a detailed look at every PBKS vs RR encounter from 2008 to 2025:
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Jaipur | RR won by 6 wickets |
| 2008 | Mohali | PBKS won by 41 runs |
| 2009 | Cape Town | PBKS won by 27 runs |
| 2009 | Durban | RR won by 78 runs |
| 2010 | Mohali | RR won by 31 runs |
| 2010 | Jaipur | RR won by 9 wickets |
| 2011 | Mohali | PBKS won by 48 runs |
| 2012 | Jaipur | RR won by 31 runs |
| 2012 | Mohali | RR won by 43 runs |
| 2013 | Jaipur | RR won by 6 wickets |
| 2013 | Mohali | RR won by 8 wickets |
| 2014 | Sharjah | PBKS won by 7 wickets |
| 2014 | Mohali | PBKS won by 16 runs |
| 2015 | Pune | RR won by 26 runs |
| 2015 | Ahmedabad | PBKS won in a One-Over Eliminator |
| 2018 | Indore | PBKS won by 6 wickets |
| 2018 | Jaipur | RR won by 15 runs |
| 2019 | Jaipur | PBKS won by 14 runs |
| 2019 | Mohali | PBKS won by 12 runs |
| 2020 | Sharjah | RR won by 4 wickets |
| 2020 | Abu Dhabi | RR won by 7 wickets |
| 2021 | Mumbai | PBKS won by 4 runs |
| 2021 | Dubai | RR won by 2 runs |
| 2022 | Mumbai | RR won by 6 wickets |
| 2023 | Guwahati | PBKS won by 5 runs |
| 2023 | Dharamsala | RR won by 4 wickets |
| 2024 | Mullanpur | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2024 | Guwahati | PBKS won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | Mullanpur | RR won by 50 runs |
| 2025 | Jaipur | PBKS won by 10 runs |
The 2025 Match: PBKS Clinch a Crucial 10-Run Win
In their 2025 rematch, Punjab Kings delivered a composed and disciplined performance to outplay Rajasthan Royals at their home ground.
The 10-run victory was more than just another win — it was a turning point for Punjab’s season. Their bowlers held their nerve during the final overs, defending a modest total against a strong RR batting lineup.
With this win, PBKS reached 17 points, significantly strengthening their chances of making the playoffs. It was also a huge confidence boost, especially given how competitive the season has been.
RR’s Struggles Continue
For the Rajasthan Royals, this loss was another blow in what has been a difficult season. The team, filled with star players like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, has struggled with consistency.
Losing five matches in a row has put them in danger of finishing near the bottom of the table. Their inability to close games out and capitalize on strong starts has been a recurring theme this season.
Also Read : Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline
Why This Rivalry Always Excites Fans
PBKS vs RR has quietly become one of the most underrated rivalries in IPL history. Here’s why fans always look forward to their clashes:
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Close Finishes: Many of their matches go down to the wire, often decided in the last over.
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Explosive Batting: With hitters like Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler, boundaries come thick and fast.
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Historic High Scores: Their 2020 double — where both teams crossed 220+ runs — remains one of the most thrilling duels in IPL history.
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Momentum Battles: Both franchises have had fluctuating fortunes, making each contest unpredictable.
What’s Next for PBKS and RR?
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For Punjab Kings: With momentum on their side, PBKS now aims to secure a top-two finish. Their balanced lineup, featuring strong Indian talent and reliable overseas players, gives them the edge heading into the final stretch.
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For Rajasthan Royals: The road ahead is tough. To stay in contention, they’ll need to regroup quickly, fix their middle-order issues, and find consistency in bowling.
Conclusion: PBKS Turn Up the Heat in IPL 2025
The Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals 2025 clash wasn’t just another game — it was a statement. PBKS’s 10-run victory in Jaipur showcased their resilience, teamwork, and hunger to reach the playoffs.
While Rajasthan Royals continue to search for form, Punjab Kings are peaking at the right time, making them serious contenders for the IPL 2025 title.
As the league moves toward its closing stages, one thing is certain — this rivalry is far from over. Expect more drama, more sixes, and more unforgettable finishes whenever PBKS and RR lock horns again.
