Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased their dominance in Match 18 of IPL 2025, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a convincing 50-run margin at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mohali.
Opting to bat first, RR got off to a flying start thanks to a solid opening partnership between Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal stole the show with a powerful 67 off 45 balls, smashing 5 sixes and anchoring the innings. Skipper Samson supported well before departing, and Riyan Parag ensured a strong finish with an unbeaten 43 off just 18 balls. RR ended with a challenging total of 205/4.
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Punjab’s bowlers failed to contain the flow of runs, with their frontline attack leaking boundaries, especially in the death overs. While Lockie Ferguson picked two wickets, he lacked support at the other end.
Chasing 206, PBKS stumbled early as Jofra Archer delivered a fiery first over, removing Priyansh Arya on the very first ball and then castling Shreyas Iyer. Archer’s lethal spell derailed PBKS’s chase from the start.
Though Glenn Maxwell (52) and Nehal Wadhera (41) stitched a fighting 88-run stand, the target proved too steep. PBKS lost wickets at regular intervals and finished at 155/9.
Jofra Archer was named Player of the Match for his match-defining opening burst that broke the back of PBKS's batting lineup.
RR’s all-round performance sends a strong message as they climb the points table, while PBKS will look to regroup quickly before their next clash.
Final Score:
- RR: 205/4 (20 overs)
- PBKS: 155/9 (20 overs)
- RR won by 50 runs
