RR won against PBKS by 50 Runs
- RR 205/4 (20)
- PBKS 155/9 (20)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Jofra Archer
In a commanding display at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on April 5, 2025, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) handed the Punjab Kings (PBKS) their first defeat of the IPL 2025 season, securing a comprehensive 50-run victory.
Rajasthan Royals Innings:
Opting to bat first, RR’s innings was anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who delivered a stellar 67 off 45 balls, featuring three fours and five sixes. Captain Sanju Samson contributed a solid 38 runs, while Riyan Parag provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 43 off 29 balls, propelling RR to an imposing total of 205/4.
Punjab Kings Innings:
Chasing a daunting target, PBKS faced immediate setbacks due to Jofra Archer’s fiery opening spell. Archer dismissed Priyansh Arya on the first ball and later removed captain Shreyas Iyer, leaving PBKS reeling early in their innings. Despite a resilient 62 off 41 balls from Nehal Wadhera and a supportive 30 from Glenn Maxwell, PBKS couldn’t recover, finishing at 155/9.
Key Performances:
- Jofra Archer (RR): 3 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs
- Sandeep Sharma (RR): 2 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs
- Maheesh Theekshana (RR): 2 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs
- Nehal Wadhera (PBKS): 62 runs off 41 balls
Turning Points:
- Archer’s Double Blow: His dismissals of Arya and Iyer in quick succession set PBKS on the back foot early.
- Jaiswal’s Anchoring Knock: Provided stability and momentum to RR’s innings.
- Effective Death Bowling: RR’s bowlers maintained pressure, preventing any significant partnerships from PBKS.
Conclusion:
This victory underscores RR’s balanced team performance, combining robust batting with incisive bowling. For PBKS, the match highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in handling early bowling assaults and building partnerships. As the tournament progresses, both teams will aim to refine their strategies for upcoming challenges.