In the 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered an impressive performance, securing a 50-run victory over the previously unbeaten Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 5, 2025.
Rajasthan Royals Innings:
Opting to bat first, RR set a formidable target, posting 205 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who played a stellar knock of 67 runs off 45 balls, marking his first half-century of the season. His innings included three boundaries and five sixes, providing RR with a solid foundation. Skipper Sanju Samson contributed a quick 38 runs, while Riyan Parag remained unbeaten with a valuable 43 runs, propelling RR to their imposing total.
Among the PBKS bowlers, Lockie Ferguson stood out, claiming 2 wickets and managing to contain the run flow to some extent. However, the rest of the bowling attack struggled, with Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen conceding over 11 runs per over, allowing RR to capitalize and set a challenging target.
Punjab Kings Innings:
In response, PBKS faced immediate setbacks. RR’s pace spearhead, Jofra Archer, made an immediate impact by dismissing Priyansh Arya on the very first delivery and then removing PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer later in the over. These early breakthroughs left PBKS reeling.
Despite a resilient 88-run partnership between Glenn Maxwell and Nehal Wadhera, PBKS couldn’t recover fully from the early jolts. Wadhera showcased determination with a well-fought 62 runs off 41 balls, but the escalating required run rate and consistent wicket losses hindered PBKS’s chase. They eventually concluded their innings at 155 for 9, falling short by 50 runs.
Bowling Highlights:
- Jofra Archer: 3 wickets for 25 runs
- Sandeep Sharma: 2 wickets for 21 runs
- Maheesh Theekshana: 2 wickets for 26 runs
Archer’s exceptional performance, especially his double strike in the opening over, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Captains’ Remarks:
RR captain Sanju Samson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of a strong start and the confidence in defending their total. He noted that the pitch conditions made 205 a competitive score.
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, particularly in executing their bowling plans, and emphasized the need to learn from this early-season defeat.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Punjab Kings: Set to host the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.
- Rajasthan Royals: Scheduled to face the Gujarat Titans on Wednesday.
This victory marks RR’s second consecutive win in the tournament, while PBKS will aim to regroup and return to their winning ways in the upcoming matches.
Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
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