IPL 2025, PBKS vs RR, Highlights: A clinical all-round performance by Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers and batters helps them defeat Punjab Kings on their home turf. Top hits & flops from the game.
Brief scores: RR 205/4 (Y Jaiswal 67, R Parag 43*, L Ferguson 2/37) beat PBKS 155/9 (N Wadhera 62, G Maxwell 30, J Archer 3/25) by 50 runs.
The outstanding top-order batting performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Sanju Samson, alongside a collective effort from their bowling unit led by Jofra Archer, led the team in pink to register a comprehensive win over Punjab Kings in the 18th match of the Indian Premier League 2025. Despite a brilliant 62-run knock from Nihal Wadhera, PBKS couldn’t sustain their momentum. Their three-match winning streak came to a halt as they faced their first defeat of the season. Rajasthan’s all-round display ensured their first win in the tournament, outclassing Punjab in all departments.
Hits from RR bs PBKS
Rajasthan Royals top order gains momentum
The Rajasthan Royals top order finally found its rhythm, playing a crucial role in their victory over Punjab Kings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had struggled in IPL 2025 with modest scores, 1 against SRH, followed by 29 and 4, finally found his form, smashing a well-crafted 67 off 45 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes, giving his team a strong start. Skipper Sanju Samson contributed with a steady 38 from 26 balls, solidifying the foundation.
Another significant contribution came from Riyan Parag, blasting 43 off just 25 balls at a strike rate of 172. With the top three firing at the right moment, and Nitish Rana also finding his groove at No. 4, Rajasthan’s batting lineup now looks formidable. With this solid foundation, the Royals are set to dominate their upcoming matches.
Jofra Archer stages spectacular comeback
The encounter between PBKS and RR saw a remarkable bowling display from Jofra Archer, who stole the spotlight, delivering exactly what every Rajasthan Royals fan had been hoping for. The English pacer made an explosive return to form, claiming two crucial wickets in his very first over. He completed his four-over spell with 2 wickets for just 20 runs.
Archer’s opening delivery sent Priyansh Arya packing, clean bowling him for a duck. In the same over, Archer delivered another knockout blow, dismissing Shreyas Iyer with a brilliant ball that rattled his stumps. With those two early breakthroughs, Archer ensured that PBKS’s top order never got the opportunity to settle, disrupting any chance of a fightback.
Read More: Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored just 34 runs from 3 innings so far in IPL 2025; Reasons behind the slump
Flops from RR vs PBKS
PBKS middle and lower order struggle
The middle and lower order of PBKS emerged as a major concern in their defeat to the Rajasthan Royals. Despite a valiant 62-run effort from Nehal Wadhera, none of the other batters could step up to finish the game with authority. Glenn Maxwell showed glimpses of brilliance with a quick 30 runs, but his dismissal at a critical juncture by Maheesh Theekshana stalled any hopes of a PBKS fightback, just when they seemed set to take control.
Marcus Stoinis, like in the previous matches, failed to deliver, managing only 21 runs across his first four games. The lower middle order, consisting of Shashank Singh and Suryansh Shegde, also faltered, unable to sustain the momentum created by Wadhera.
Way forward
Rajasthan Royals’ first win of IPL 2025 will provide a much-needed morale boost as they prepare for their upcoming matches. Under Sanju Samson’s leadership, the team will face Gujarat Titans on April 9, aiming to strengthen their position in the points table. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, will look to bounce back after their first loss. Addressing issues in their middle and lower-order batting will be crucial as they face Chennai Super Kings on April 8.
Read More: IPL 2025, RR vs CSK, Hits & Flops: Nitish Rana’s 81 big difference, CSK’s batting major letdown
Top Twitter/X Reactions from PBKS vs RR, Mohali, IPL 2025
Sooner or later Yashasvi Jaiswal had to be in form. Too good a player to miss out for long. Timing was the key at the start of his inning. #PBKSvRR
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 5, 2025
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