IPL 2025: Jaiswal, Archer Star as Rajasthan Royals Crush Punjab Kings by 50 Runs

A blazing half-century from Yashasvi Jaiswal and clinical spells by Archer, Sandeep, and Theekshana hand PBKS their first IPL 2025 defeat

Mullanpur, April 6:
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 67 and a dominant bowling performance led by Jofra Archer (3/25), Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) register a convincing 50-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2025 clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

This win marked RR’s second victory of the season, while PBKS suffered their first loss, despite starting strong in earlier matches.

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RR’s Power-Packed Batting Performance

Opting to bat first, RR rode on a blistering 89-run opening partnership between Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Samson hit 38 off 26 before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson, but it was Jaiswal who stole the show with a powerful 67 off 45 balls, smashing three fours and five sixes.

Riyan Parag continued his good form with a classy 43 off 29*, finishing the innings strongly alongside Dhruv Jurel. RR ended their innings at a formidable 205/4.

PBKS bowlers had a tough outing, with Ferguson (2/37) picking the only multiple wickets. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen grabbed one wicket each but conceded 35 and 45 runs respectively in their full spells.

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PBKS Collapse in the Run Chase

Chasing 206, Punjab’s innings faltered right from the start. Jofra Archer struck twice in the opening over, removing Priyansh Arya for a golden duck and skipper Shreyas Iyer for just 10. Sandeep Sharma followed up by dismissing Marcus Stoinis, and PBKS found themselves at 26/3 in just 3.3 overs.

Though Nehal Wadhera (62 off 41) and Glenn Maxwell (30 off 21) stitched together an 88-run stand, the spin duo of Theekshana and Hasaranga turned the game around with back-to-back wickets.

The middle and lower order collapsed quickly, with only 155/9 on the board after 20 overs. RR bowlers kept it tight throughout, ensuring PBKS never truly threatened the target.

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Standout Performers

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 67 (45)
• Riyan Parag – 43* (29)
• Jofra Archer – 3/25 (4 overs)
• Sandeep Sharma – 2/21 (4 overs)
• Maheesh Theekshana – 2/26 (4 overs)
• Nehal Wadhera (PBKS) – 62 (41)

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Points Table Update

With this win, Rajasthan Royals rise to 7th place with two wins in as many games, while Punjab Kings slip to 4th with two wins and one loss.