Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur and handed their first defeat of the IPL 2025. It was a clinical performance from the visiting side, who outplayed the home side in all facets of the game. A collective team effort helped RR to overcome a good side like PBKS. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag played a key role in RR’s win.
PBKS won the toss and elected to bowl first. RR batted well as they had the right mix of caution and aggression. Jaiswal and Samson set the tone for the inaugural champions with their 89-run opening stand. The momentum was carried by Riyan Parag, who was helped by the cameos from Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer, leading to a great total of 205/4 on the board.
Also Read: PBKS vs RR Match 18: Final over review drama over suspected fielding restriction breach
The total was way above par on a surface that wasn’t too easy to bat on. PBKS bowlers could not make the most of the surface, as they could not claim wickets consistently. Neither could they contain runs and put pressure on the batters. RR bowlers did not commit that mistake, as they realized the true nature of the surface and went after the PBKS batters.
Jodra Archer and Sandeep Sharma bowled a brilliant spell with the new and the old ball, which rocked PBKS’ innings. Barring the partnership between Nehwal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell, PBKS had nothing to celebrate in the second innibgs. In the end, RR claimed a massive win of 50 runs and wiped off a huge chunk of their negatuve net run rate.
Key Moments from PBKS vs RR, Match 18 of IPL 2025
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to form
Yashasvi Jaiswal was out of form for a long time. However, he played a good knock for his side despite not being at his fluent best. The Southpaw scored 67 runs in 45 balls, which included 3 fours and 5 sixes. Along with Samson at the other end, he framed an opening stand of 89 runs, which set the platform for RR’s innings.
Take a look at Yashasvi Jaiswal’s knock here:
2. Jofra Archer’s incredible spell
As RR posted a great total of 205/4, the bowlers breathed fire right from the word go. Jofra Archer cleaned up Priyansh Arya in the very first ball and later dismissed Shreyas Iyer to hand an early blow to the Kings. Later with the old ball, he dismissed Arshdeep Singh and finished with match figures of 4-0-25-3.
Have a look at Jofra Archer’s fiery spell here:
3. Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell’s partnership
PBKS’s only positive in the second innings was the partnership between Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell. The duo posted 88 runs for the fifth wicket after PBKS was reduced to 43/4 in 6.2 overs. Their stay in the middle was the only phase where PBKS seemed to be in the chase. Their dismissal assured RR a massive win.
Take a look at Nehal Wadhera’s fightback here:
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