The table is set for an electrifying clash at Mullanpur as the undefeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) host the Rajasthan Royals (RR). While PBKS is riding a wave of historic momentum, RR remains a top-four contender desperate to snap a recent slump.
Punjab Kings are currently the invincibles of IPL 2026, sitting at the top of the table with 7 wins and 1 no-result from 8 matches. Their season has been defined by fearless batting, including a world-record chase of 265. Captain Shreyas Iyer has balanced the aggression of openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya with steady leadership.
Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, started the season with four straight wins but have stumbled lately, losing three of their last four. However, the emergence of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently struck a century, gives them a lethal opening duo alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium has developed a reputation as a batter’s paradise that still offers something for the brave bowler. A black-soil wicket providing consistent bounce and carry. This allows batters to play through the line, but pacers who can hit the deck hard (like Jofra Archer and Marco Jansen) will find lateral movement early on. Lightning-fast, rewarding timed strokes. Expect significant dew in the second innings. This usually makes the ball greasy, making it difficult for spinners to grip and allowing the ball to slide onto the bat, heavily favoring the chasing team. 175–185. However, given PBKS’s form, 200+ is very much on the cards.
Cricket fans heading to New Chandigarh can look forward to a hot yet playable evening, with weather conditions expected to remain stable throughout the match. The forecast suggests a full, uninterrupted 40-over contest under mostly clear skies, offering ideal viewing conditions despite the heat earlier in the day.
Mullanpur Weather Forecast
The day is set to begin on a scorching note, with temperatures climbing as high as 40°C. However, as the sun sets and the match progresses, conditions will gradually ease. By the second innings, the temperature is expected to settle between 28°C and 30°C, making it more comfortable for both players and spectators. Humidity levels are likely to hover in the moderate range of around 45% to 50%. While not overly oppressive, this moisture in the air could play a role later in the evening.
As temperatures drop, dew formation is expected, which may make the ball slippery and influence bowling conditions—especially for spinners trying to grip the ball. There is no threat of rain interrupting the game. The forecast indicates a 0% chance of precipitation on match day, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted contest. Although thunderstorms are predicted in the region on April 29, they are not expected to impact this fixture.
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