- Punjab Kings clinch a 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash.
- Harpreet Brar’s 3/22 proves pivotal in derailing RR’s record powerplay chase.
- Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera shine with crucial fifties to set up PBKS’s 219/5.
Punjab Kings held their nerve to edge past Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs. This bolstered their playoff hopes with a resilient performance in Jaipur.
Earlier, PBKS posted a formidable 219/5. This was propelled by a quickfire 70 off 37 balls from Nehal Wadhera and a steady 59* from Shashank Singh.
Punjab Kings Edge Out Rajasthan Royals to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The IPL 2025 contest between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium lived up to its billing. It was a high-octane encounter. RR, after opting to field first, struggled to contain the PBKS middle order. Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh’s aggressive knocks helped Punjab set a daunting target of 220. Wadhera’s 37-ball 70, packed with boundaries, was instrumental in pushing PBKS to a formidable total.
Rajasthan Royals, in response, raced to 89/1 in the powerplay – their best powerplay score of the season. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi unleashed an onslaught that threatened to overhaul PBKS’s total. However, Harpreet Brar’s spell changed the game, claiming three crucial wickets to stall RR’s progress.
Skipper Sanju Samson’s stay was brief. Despite Dhruv Jurel’s valiant 53, RR couldn’t keep the momentum going. Wickets tumbled regularly as PBKS’s bowlers tightened the screws. Harpreet Brar, named Player of the Match, dedicated his award to his wife. He also credited Ricky Ponting for motivating him to work on his game.
With this win, PBKS climbed to second place in the points table with 17 points. This was thanks to a superior net run rate. They are now well-positioned for a playoff berth, with a crucial clash against Delhi Capitals looming. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will head to Chennai for their final game of the season against Chennai Super Kings. They hope to end a disappointing campaign on a positive note.
Punjab Kings’ composed victory over Rajasthan Royals underscores their growing confidence as they eye a playoff spot. Meanwhile, RR’s misfiring middle order raises questions ahead of their final game.
“Cricket is a funny game, and I knew I would grab the opportunity whenever it came,” said Player of the Match Harpreet Brar, reflecting on his game-changing spell against RR.
