Daijiworld Media Network – Mohali

Mohali, Apr 6: A clinical all-round performance led Rajasthan Royals to a dominant 50-run victory over Punjab Kings in Match 18 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Asked to bat first, Yashasvi Jaiswal (67) and Riyan Parag (43 not out) powered the Royals to a commanding 205/4, marking the first 200+ total at the newly inaugurated venue. Skipper Sanju Samson (38) played a vital supporting role, stitching an 89-run stand with Jaiswal before Lockie Ferguson broke the partnership.

Jaiswal entertained with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, bringing up his 10th IPL fifty in style, while Parag turned on the heat in the latter half, particularly in the final overs. Dhruv Jurel, Rajasthan’s top scorer this season, added the finishing touches with 19 runs in the last over.

In reply, Punjab Kings had a disastrous start. Jofra Archer struck twice in the very first over, dismissing Priyansh Arya (0) and Shreyas Iyer (10). Sandeep Sharma then removed Marcus Stoinis (1), reducing Punjab to 19/3.

However, Nehal Wadhera (62) and Glenn Maxwell (30) steadied the innings with a fighting 88-run partnership. Just as Punjab seemed to be getting back in the game, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga turned the tide. Maxwell was caught at long-on, and Wadhera followed on the next ball.

The Royals' bowlers wrapped up the lower order with Archer returning to finish with 3/25, supported by Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Theekshana (2/26).

This emphatic win handed Punjab Kings their first defeat of the season, while Rajasthan Royals continued to strengthen their position on the points table.

Brief Scores:

Rajasthan Royals 205/4 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 67, Riyan Parag 43*, Sanju Samson 38; Lockie Ferguson 2-37)

Punjab Kings 155/9 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 62, Glenn Maxwell 30; Jofra Archer 3-25, Sandeep Sharma 2-21, Maheesh Theekshana 2-26)

Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 50 runs.