Jaiswal, Archer Star as Rajasthan Royals Hand Punjab Kings First Loss
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered a highly effective all-round performance on Saturday night and inflicted the first defeat of the 2025 Indian Premier League season on Punjab Kings (PBKS). Their strength with both bat and ball, RR set a new benchmark at the Mullanpur venue before. Their bowlers, spearheaded by Jofra Archer, ensured a comfortable 50-run victory.
Royals gave a high at Mullanpur
After being asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals overcame a slightly tricky, two-paced surface to become the first team to surpass the 200-run mark in an IPL match at Mullanpur. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the innings, finding his rhythm after a cautious start to score a valuable 67. He received good support from captain Sanju Samson (38), who returned to lead the side. While PBKS bowlers, particularly Lockie Ferguson using slower variations, managed to control the scoring rate through the middle overs, Riyan Parag provided a crucial late flourish. Parag accelerated significantly towards the end, finishing unbeaten on 43, pushing RR to a strong total of 205 for 4.
Archer's Opening Burst Stumped Punjab
Punjab Kings hoped to build in their chase was curtailed by Jofra Archer. Bowling with pace and finding movement, Archer delivered a devastating opening over. He dismissed Impact Substitute Priyansh Arya with a perfect delivery that hit the top of off-stump and followed up by bowling PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who attempted an overly aggressive shot. This double strike within the first six legal balls left PBKS reeling.
Wadhera and Maxwell Fought back
Despite further setbacks that saw them reduced to 70 for 4 inside seven overs, Punjab Kings mounted a spirited recovery effort led by Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell. The pair added a brisk 88 runs for the fifth wicket, giving their side a glimmer of hope. Wadhera played particularly well, reaching his half-century off 33 balls.
Spinners applied the Break
Just as PBKS seemed to be gaining traction, RR's spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga tightened their control. They bowled intelligently, restricting the flow of runs and then crucially breaking the threatening partnership. Both Maxwell (30) and Wadhera (62) were dismissed in consecutive overs, caught in the deep while attempting to force the pace against the spinners. Following their departures, the chase lost all momentum, with Sandeep Sharma also contributing effectively (2-21). RR ultimately restricted PBKS to 155 for 9.
A comprehensive display from Rajasthan Royals and their batters adapting well to post a challenging score. Their bowlers, led by Archer's initial breakthroughs and the spinners' control in the middle overs, executed their plans effectively to secure a well-deserved victory.
