NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals (RR) entertained their fans with a commanding 50-run win over the previously unbeaten Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 18th match of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur on Saturday.
The result significantly altered the points table, with RR climbing from the ninth to the seventh spot, securing their second win of the season and improving their net run rate in the process.
PBKS, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat but remain in the top two, thanks to their early-season dominance.
Batting first after losing the toss, Rajasthan Royals put on a batting clinic, racking up 205/4 in their 20 overs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a blistering 67 off 45 balls, while skipper Sanju Samson contributed a rapid 38.
But it was Riyan Parag who stole the show once again, smashing 43 not out off just 25 deliveries to finish the innings with a flourish. Contributions from Nitish Rana (12 off 7) and Shimron Hetmyer (20 off 12) added further firepower to RR’s strong total.
Punjab's bowlers had a rough outing. Lockie Ferguson picked up two wickets but conceded 37 runs, while Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with one each.
The lack of penetration in the middle overs hurt PBKS badly.
In response, Punjab never really got going. A top-order collapse saw them lose three wickets inside the powerplay.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer fell in the very first over, and despite Nehal Wadhera's fighting 62, the Kings were reduced to 155/9 in their 20 overs. Glenn Maxwell added a brisk 30, but the required run rate kept climbing.
Jofra Archer led the bowling attack with figures of 3/25, while spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana strangled the middle order.
Sandeep Sharma’s tight spells and key breakthroughs sealed the deal for Rajasthan.
IPL 2025 Points Table
Position Team Mat Won Lost Tied NR Pts NRR
With this win, RR breathed new life into their season, while Punjab will look to bounce back quickly and regain momentum in the tightly packed table.
The result significantly altered the points table, with RR climbing from the ninth to the seventh spot, securing their second win of the season and improving their net run rate in the process.
PBKS, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat but remain in the top two, thanks to their early-season dominance.
Batting first after losing the toss, Rajasthan Royals put on a batting clinic, racking up 205/4 in their 20 overs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a blistering 67 off 45 balls, while skipper Sanju Samson contributed a rapid 38.
But it was Riyan Parag who stole the show once again, smashing 43 not out off just 25 deliveries to finish the innings with a flourish. Contributions from Nitish Rana (12 off 7) and Shimron Hetmyer (20 off 12) added further firepower to RR’s strong total.
Punjab's bowlers had a rough outing. Lockie Ferguson picked up two wickets but conceded 37 runs, while Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with one each.
The lack of penetration in the middle overs hurt PBKS badly.
In response, Punjab never really got going. A top-order collapse saw them lose three wickets inside the powerplay.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer fell in the very first over, and despite Nehal Wadhera's fighting 62, the Kings were reduced to 155/9 in their 20 overs. Glenn Maxwell added a brisk 30, but the required run rate kept climbing.
Jofra Archer led the bowling attack with figures of 3/25, while spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana strangled the middle order.
Sandeep Sharma’s tight spells and key breakthroughs sealed the deal for Rajasthan.
IPL 2025 Points Table
Position Team Mat Won Lost Tied NR Pts NRR
With this win, RR breathed new life into their season, while Punjab will look to bounce back quickly and regain momentum in the tightly packed table.
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