In the 18th match of IPL 2025, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 5, fans were treated to an electrifying contest between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). After winning the toss, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer elected to bowl first, likely expecting early assistance under the evening lights. But what unfolded was a batting masterclass from the Royals—led by Sanju Samson—followed by a disciplined bowling effort that sealed a commanding 50-run victory.
Powerplay punch and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s onslaught against PBKS
Rajasthan Royals started their innings with calculated aggression, notching up 53 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. The opening duo of Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked in sublime touch. Jaiswal, in particular, oozed confidence as he dismantled PBKS’ pace attack with an array of powerful strokes. He brought up his half-century off 40 balls, showcasing his flair with 3 fours and 5 towering sixes.
Jaiswal’s innings of 67 off 45 deliveries was laced with elegance and authority. Whether it was lofting Marco Jansen over long-off or pulling Lockie Ferguson into the stands, he seemed to be batting on a different surface. His partnership of 89 with skipper Samson set the foundation for a mammoth total. Although Jaiswal fell to Ferguson in the 14th over, but damage had already been done.
Middle order mayhem by Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel’s finish
After the dismissals of Samson (38 off 26) and Nitish Rana (12 off 7), it was time for the Royals’ middle order to take the reins. Riyan Parag played a blinder, smashing 43* off just 25 balls, peppered with 3 fours and 3 sixes. Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel added quick runs at the death, pushing the Royals to a daunting 205/4 at the end of their 20 overs.
Despite decent spells from Arshdeep Singh (1/35) and Ferguson (2/37), the PBKS bowlers lacked the control to contain RR’s late onslaught. Marcus Stoinis was the most expensive, conceding 48 from his four overs without a wicket.
PBKS’s faltering chase: Early collapse and lone warrior
Chasing a stiff target of 206, PBKS never really found their footing. Jofra Archer struck in the very first ball, sending back debutant Priyansh Arya for a golden duck. Archer continued his destructive spell, claiming the wickets of captain Iyer and later Arshdeep, ending with impressive figures of 3/25, which earned him the Player of the Match award.
The top order crumbled under pressure, reduced to 43/4 inside the first seven overs. Just when the chase looked completely derailed, Nehal Wadhera stepped up with a spirited knock of 62 off 41. He batted with composure and aggression, hitting 4 boundaries and 3 sixes to keep Punjab’s faint hopes alive.
Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell (30 off 21) stitched together a 50-run partnership, briefly reviving the innings. However, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga ensured there was no miracle, chipping away at the middle and lower order with timely breakthroughs.
Bowling brilliance seals the deal for RR
RR’s bowling unit was spot on with their lines and lengths. Sandeep Sharma was exceptional with the new ball and at the death, picking 2/21 in his quota. Theekshana (2/26) and Hasaranga (1/36) kept things tight in the middle overs, not allowing PBKS to build any momentum. With wickets falling regularly and dot balls piling up, Punjab eventually finished at 155/9—falling short by a massive 50 runs.
Also WATCH: Jofra Archer castles Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer with fiery pace in PBKS vs RR clash
Here’s how fan’s reacted:
WELL PLAYED, YASHASVI JAISWAL..!!!
– 67 runs from 45 balls, vital for the confidence leading into the backend of the tournament ⚡ pic.twitter.com/6JuVvPAlin
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 5, 2025
Bhabhi ‘ Maddie Hamilton ‘ is happy seeing jaiswal smashing bowlers……..mmm#yashasvi #jaiswal #rrvspk pic.twitter.com/2Ln2zM0UBK
— Shikhar Das (@Astro__Sunita) April 5, 2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal is back baby 🔥🔥❤️#PBKSvRR pic.twitter.com/bXp8KRiJOA
— Chai_Sutta (@Chai_SuttaGuy) April 5, 2025
Either low score or test knock
Nothing in between for selfish yashasvi jaiswal pic.twitter.com/G2B6aZsPlJ
— 𝘿𝙖𝙠𝙨𝙝 (@screwgauge77) April 5, 2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal
First 40 balls😭 After 40 balls 🥵 pic.twitter.com/pvaox5icTO
— Robert (@B3tt3rCallSa7L) April 5, 2025
A GENERATIONAL TALENTGOING TO RULE THIS DECADE🔥|| REMEMBER THE NAME YASHASVI JAISWAL 🔫 pic.twitter.com/6XQixiLlLW
— Anurag Singh (@enoughsamm) April 5, 2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 67 (45) Vs PBKS.
A good knock by Jaiswal. 👏 pic.twitter.com/UL0PvEMtsJ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 5, 2025
We All are Waiting For The Comeback of Yashasvi Jaiswal in IPL 2025 ❤️🩹✨#YashasviJaiswal #Jaiswal #IPL #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/9xAcUE5b2r
— Crictale_Yash (@FeelTuner84754) April 3, 2025
Fraud?They really said that?Yashasvi Jaiswal just dropped a 67 off 43 masterclass — 3 fours, 5 sixes 💥Shut the noise.The guy never left — he was just loading. 👑🔥He’ll keep hitting.💥🔥💗#SRHvsRR #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/AcelaYvL6f
— SG⁷⁷_YBJ⁶⁴ (@JYajashvi) April 5, 2025
A splendid win for the Royals 💪#PBKSvsRR #IPL2025 Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/XIyXAKDVpW pic.twitter.com/dxWRlKwnaB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 5, 2025
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