Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals Blaze Past Punjab Kings to Register 50-Run Victory in IPL 2025

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In a thrilling encounter at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) produced a near-perfect performance to hand the Punjab Kings (PBKS) their first defeat of the season. The 50-run win in Match 18 of the TATA IPL 2025 was spearheaded by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s elegant 67, a quick finish from Riyan Parag, and a fiery spell by Jofra Archer, who claimed 3 crucial wickets to dismantle Punjab’s chase.

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A Promising Start from the Rajasthan Royals

Punjab Kings, playing their first home game of the season, won the toss and opted to field first on a slightly fresh surface. Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS skipper, hoped to use early morning conditions to his bowlers’ advantage. However, RR’s opening pair had other plans.

Sanju Samson, returning as the full-time captain after being used as an Impact Player in the previous three games, walked out with Yashasvi Jaiswal to set the tone. The duo stitched together a clinical 89-run opening stand, which not only frustrated Punjab’s bowling unit but also laid a rock-solid platform for the innings.

While Samson was fluent from the start, playing attractive strokes through cover and mid-wicket, Jaiswal initially focused on strike rotation. Together, they kept the scoreboard ticking and capitalized on every loose delivery that came their way.

Middle Overs Momentum Shift

Punjab found their breakthrough in the 11th over when Lockie Ferguson dismissed Samson for a well-made 38 off 26 deliveries. The New Zealander, known for his pace and variety, then returned in the 14th over to clean up Jaiswal with a smart slower ball, ending his impressive knock of 67 from 45 balls, studded with 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Despite the twin blows, RR didn’t lose steam. Riyan Parag, in fine form this season, anchored the innings beautifully in the latter half. His aggressive intent was on full display as he took on the spinners and pacers alike. Although Nitish Ranaand Shimron Hetmyer fell cheaply, Parag stayed calm and finished the innings strongly.

He remained unbeaten on 43 off 25 balls, while Dhruv Jurel provided a late flourish with a rapid 13 from just 5 deliveries*. Rajasthan ended their innings at a towering 205/4, becoming the first team to breach the 200-run mark at the newly built PCA Stadium.

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Jofra Archer Sets the Tone for Rajasthan’s Defence

If Rajasthan’s batting was dominant, their bowling was nothing short of destructive. Jofra Archer, who has returned to peak form this season, gave RR the perfect start. On the very first delivery of the Punjab innings, he castled Priyansh Arya with a delivery that kissed the top of the off stump. He then rounded off the opening over by removing the in-form skipper Shreyas Iyer with a peach that jagged away late.

PBKS were reeling at 2/2 before Sandeep Sharma compounded their misery by dismissing Marcus Stoinis cheaply, reducing them to 26/3 inside 4 overs.

Rajasthan Royals

A Brief Fightback

With wickets tumbling, Punjab needed a partnership—and they found some resistance in Prabhsimran Singh and Nehal Wadhera. The pair tried to stabilize the innings with smart singles and the occasional boundary. But just after the powerplay, Kumar Kartikeya struck to remove Prabhsimran, further tilting the match in RR’s favor.

However, Punjab was not done yet. Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell stitched together an 88-run partnership, briefly reviving hopes of an unlikely chase. Wadhera, in particular, looked confident, reaching his half-century in style and punishing anything short or overpitched. Maxwell provided solid support at the other end, keeping the required rate within sight.

But the turning point came in the 15th over. Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Maxwell on the final ball of the over. Then in a dramatic double blow, Wanindu Hasaranga removed Wadhera on the very first ball of the next over—courtesy of a spectacular diving catch by Dhruv Jurel at deep mid-wicket.

Collapse and Conclusion

From needing 75 runs in 29 balls with four wickets in hand, the match unraveled quickly for Punjab. Sandeep Sharma, Theekshana, and Archer combined to clean up the tail. Archer came back in the final over to dismiss Arshdeep Singh, finishing with superb figures of 3/25, earning the Player of the Match award.

Punjab could only muster 155/9, falling 50 runs short and suffering their first loss of the tournament.

Key Takeaways from the Match:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to form with a timely 67.
  • Sanju Samson led from the front and rotated the strike well.
  • Riyan Parag’s finishing role continues to grow this season.
  • Jofra Archer’s fiery opening spell sealed the deal early.
  • Nehal Wadhera’s valiant 62 was the lone bright spot for PBKS.

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