PBKS vs RR, IPL 2025 Highlights: Rajasthan Royals Hand Punjab Kings First Defeat With 50-Run Win
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
Match No: 17, IPL 2025
Result: Rajasthan Royals (205/4) beat Punjab Kings (155/9) by 50 runs
RR Dominate with the Bat
Rajasthan Royals were asked to bat first and made full use of the opportunity. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a fluent knock, scoring his first half-century of IPL 2025, anchoring the innings in the powerplay. Riyan Parag continued his good form, contributing vital middle-order runs, while Shimron Hetmyer added a quickfire 20 to push the total past 200 — the first 200+ total at the Mullanpur venue this season.
PBKS Collapse in the Powerplay
Chasing 206, Punjab Kings were rocked early by a fiery spell from Jofra Archer, who cleaned up Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer in the very first over. The Royals capitalized on the pressure, and PBKS found themselves at 43/4 inside the powerplay. The impact sub, Kumar Kartikeya, and veteran Sandeep Sharma kept chipping away with wickets at regular intervals.
Nehal Wadhera’s Fighting Fifty
Nehal Wadhera was the lone warrior for Punjab, scoring a well-crafted 50 off 33 balls, including some eye-catching strokes. His innings gave PBKS a glimmer of hope, especially during a brief 88-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell, who struggled to find fluency and fell shortly after the drinks break. Wadhera’s dismissal all but sealed the fate of the match.
RR’s Bowlers Seal the Deal
Maheesh Theekshana was superb across all phases of the innings, finishing with 2/26 in his four overs, while Sandeep Sharma (2/21) delivered at both ends of the innings. Jofra Archer was once again lethal with the new ball, ending with 3 wickets, including the final blows.
Punjab Kings eventually crawled to 155/9, falling short by 50 runs. RR’s win marked their second consecutive victory, having bounced back from two opening losses.
🔍 Key Moments
- Jofra Archer bowled a sensational first over: 2 wickets, including Shreyas Iyer.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to form with a classy half-century.
- Nehal Wadhera scored a fighting 50 under pressure.
- RR bowlers controlled the chase masterfully with pace and spin.
📊 Top Performers
| Rajasthan Royals | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal – 55 (38) | Nehal Wadhera – 50 (33) |
| Jofra Archer – 3/26 | Arshdeep Singh – 1/33 |
| Maheesh Theekshana – 2/26 | Marco Jansen – 1/35 |
| Sandeep Sharma – 2/21 | Glenn Maxwell – 32 (28) |
🏆 Player of the Match: Yashasvi Jaiswal (for his match-defining half-century at the top)
📈 Points Table Impact
- RR climb into the top 4 with their second win in 4 games.
- PBKS suffer their first loss but remain in the top 5.
- Delhi Capitals remain the only unbeaten team in IPL 2025.
📅 What’s Next?
Catch the action tomorrow as Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Gujarat Titans in what promises to be a high-scoring clash. Stay tuned to NDTV Sports for live updates, analysis, and fantasy tips.
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