Rajasthan Royals (RR) executed a brilliant all-round display to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 50 runs in Match 18 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

Rajasthan Royals Innings

With the option to bowl first, PBKS confronted a strong RR batting lineup, and they posted a mammoth 205/4, the highest IPL score at Mullanpur. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the anchor for RR, scoring a painstakingly slow 67 that marked his slowest fifty in IPL. Jaiswal did a great job to keep RR afloat on a pitch that offered movement early on—before keeper Sanju Samson provided a late cover for Jaiswal but fell victim to Lockie Ferguson, who was the pick of the PBKS bowling attack with figures of 2/37.

RR batted their way through the middle overs before eventually exploding towards the end. Riyan Parag, batting in the latter part of the innings in a precarious position, contributed an explosive 43* from 27, while Dhruv Jurel provided a truly explosive cameo—highlighted by a six over Marcus Stoinis's head and a four off Stoinis to finish off the innings. RR posted a daunting target of 205 by scoring 19 runs in the last over. PBKS was in trouble in the depth of their bowling. 

A spot on bowling performance by RR in Mullanpur 🎯

Scorecard: https://t.co/IvwL3fSg7F #PBKSvRR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/zpuGWW71eb

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 5, 2025

Also Read: Watch: Rajasthan Royals share emotional video tributing Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings Innings

In response, PBKS cracked early. Jofra Archer removed Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer in the first over lbw, leaving PBKS seemingly out of the game at 8/2. PBKS continued to stumble when Marcus Stoinis and Prabhsimran Singh fell cheaply. Nehal Wadhera toiled away for PBKS with a fighting knock of 62 off 41 but was eventually dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga before Glenn Maxwell followed suit for a golden duck to Maheesh, ending hopes of a comeback.

RR’s spin duo and Archer’s pace sealed the deal as PBKS were restricted to 155/9, falling well short of the target.

Shuru se ant tak, ek hi bol - Halla Bol! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bxnEo1OT3X

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 5, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals Match Highlights

Post-Match Reactions - PBKS vs RR

• Sanju Samson (Captain of RR): "Thanks a lot. I feel the way we began in the power play with the bat, we were short by some runs, but the way everyone displayed batsmanship was outstanding. I knew that they would also have some problems in the 2nd innings. 205 was a nice score."
  Well, I said that too earlier. We have a very strong batting lineup; they are young in years but are full of potential. They have played so many matches for their nation. I feel we controlled the game quite well.
  

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• Riyan Parag (RR): "That was the plan. Scoring runs in power play was crucial for us. Jaiswal did that job well." The conversation during the strategic break was for me to continue. Sanju Samson is an excellent leader. I noticed Lockie walking in to bat. His strike rate was 147, as I noticed on the big screen. So I felt Jofra could be needed with a long on. Then, I returned, but Jofra realized at a moment's notice that there were only 3 within the 30-yard circle and requested me to rush towards the circle.
  
• Jofra Archer (Player of the Match): "At the start of the tournament I wasn't very pleased but above all happy to contribute to the team victory."
  When you get days like these, you must cash in because you can have bad days too.
  [On expectations] You have to realize that you can be lucky in some situations and at times the batter can outplay you. Nobody is working any harder. Every day is not going to be a good day. But on the good days you must make the most of it because the bad day is coming up next."

W Clasicoooooo! 💗 pic.twitter.com/RqPzQwWKWt

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 5, 2025

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard

Rajasthan Royals Innings – 205/4 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Yashasvi Jaiswal	67 (45)	Lockie Ferguson	2/37 (4)
Riyan Parag	43* (25)	Arshdeep Singh	1/35 (4)
Sanju Samson	38 (26)	Marco Jansen	1/45 (4)

Punjab Kings Innings – 155/9 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Nehal Wadhera	62 (41)	Jofra Archer	3/25 (4)
Glenn Maxwell	30 (21)	Sandeep Sharma	2/21 (4)
Prabhsimran Singh	17 (16)	Maheesh Theekshana	2/26 (4)