Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 67 and a fierce bowling attack led by Archer, Sandeep, and Theekshana powered Rajasthan Royals to a commanding victory over Punjab Kings.
“Jaiswal Fired, Archer Destroyed”: Royals Hammer Punjab Kings by 50 Runs
Mullanpur, April 6: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fiery fifty and a ruthless bowling display from Jofra Archer (3/25), Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) seal a 50-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, handing the hosts their first loss of IPL 2025.
Set a steep target of 206, PBKS collapsed early, losing skipper Shreyas Iyer (10) and Priyansh Arya to Archer in the very first over. Marcus Stoinis fell soon after to a soft dismissal, leaving Punjab reeling at 26/3.
Despite a spirited 88-run stand between Nehal Wadhera (62 off 41) and Glenn Maxwell (30 off 21), PBKS faltered as Theekshana and Hasaranga dismantled the middle order. From 131/5, they collapsed to 155/9, never really threatening the Royals’ total.
Earlier, Jaiswal’s blistering 67 off 45 balls and a composed 43 from Riyan Parag* lifted Rajasthan to a mammoth 205/4. Opening with skipper Sanju Samson, Jaiswal unleashed five sixes and three fours in a statement knock. The duo’s 89-run opening stand set the platform for a strong finish.
After Samson departed for 38, Parag and Jaiswal kept the momentum going. Late cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel ensured RR crossed the 200-mark.
PBKS’ bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Lockie Ferguson (2/37) being the only standout performer. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen took a wicket each but were expensive.
This win sees RR climb the points table with two wins in two games, while PBKS, now at fourth, face early questions about their batting depth after a powerplay collapse.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan Royals – 205/4 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 67, Riyan Parag 43*; Lockie Ferguson 2/37)
Punjab Kings – 155/9 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 62, Glenn Maxwell 30; Jofra Archer 3/25, Theekshana 2/26)