PBKS versus RR Highlights, IPL 2025: The Rajasthan Royals (RR) maintained their victorious streak and secured Punjab Kings' (PBKS) first loss in the IPL 2025, defeating them by 50 runs in Chandigarh. After batting first, the Rajasthan Royals began with a robust performance, which was further boosted by powerful strikes from Riyan Parag near the conclusion of their innings; they ultimately set an impressive target of 205/4. In reply, Punjab Kings faced immediate challenges against Jofra Archer’s bowling and could only manage to score 155/9 as a result.
The key highlights of the match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Chandigarh are as follows:
Yashaswi Jaiswal rediscovers his prowess
Strong performances from Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the stage for Rajasthan's impressive display against Punjab. The duo combined for an opening partnership of 89 runs, which stands as the highest this season for Rajasthan Royals. Samson scored 38 off 26 balls before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson. Meanwhile, Jaiswal, who had been battling poor form heading into the game, managed to hit his first fifty of the campaign, albeit slowly with a score of 50 off 40 deliveries. After reaching his half-century, however, Jaiswal picked up the pace significantly, hitting three fours and five sixes before eventually falling to Ferguson for 67 off 45 balls.
Sanju Samson begins with a victorious start
Sanju Samson playing against Punjab Kings (BCCI Photo)
Until now serving primarily as a pinch hitter, Sanju Samson took over captaincy duties for the Rajasthan Royals. As team leader, he excelled, contributing significantly with both his batting prowess and strategic bowling adjustments against Punjab Kings.
Riyan Parag digs deep
Riyan Parag came back not out scoring 43 runs in 25 deliveries (Associated Press photo)
Riyan Parag's late blitzkrieg enabled the Rajasthan Royals to surpass the 200-run threshold. Despite consistently shedding wickets, Parag, batting at number three, showcased resilience and finished not out on an impressive 43 from just 25 deliveries. His knock included three boundaries and as many sixes.
Jofra Archer quiets Punjab Kings
Jofra Archer kept up his scorching performance (BCCI Photo)
Jofra Archer maintained his scorching form and delivered a double blow in the opening over, unsettling Punjab during their pursuit of 206 runs. He dismissed Priyansh Arya with his very first delivery and struck again just five balls later, removing Shreyas Iyer for 10 off 5 deliveries. Throughout his four-over spell, Archer was relentless, ending up with an additional wicket in the last over of the game.
Nehal Wadhera leads the battle alone
Archer put up a remarkable performance with support from Sandeep Sharma and Kumar Kartikeya, leading to Punjab being down at 43/4 during the seventh over. Later, Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell aided Punjab’s recovery as they accumulated 88 runs for the fifth wicket, providing them some encouragement in their pursuit. Among the duo, it was Wadhera who effectively countered Rajasthan Royals' bowlers, scoring 62 off 41 balls, until Dhruv Jurel made a stunning diving catch off Wanindu Hasaranga's delivery, dismissing him.