Chandigarh, Apr 5 (UNI) Yashasvi Jaiswal's fiery 67, Jofra Archer's lethal bowling performance and Riyan Parag's blistering finish led Rajasthan Royals to a comprehensive 50-run win over Punjab Kings in the 18th match of IPL 2025 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, here, on Saturday.
Jaiswal set the tone with a masterful 67 off 45 balls, anchoring Rajasthan’s innings with elegance and power. His assault on Marco Jansen, including two towering sixes, was a highlight of RR's 205 for 4 in 20 overs, the highest total at the venue this season.
Jaiswal, who brought up his 50 with a stylish boundary off Yuzvendra Chahal, was eventually dismissed by Lockie Ferguson, but his knock had already set the platform for a big total.
As Rajasthan’s innings progressed, Riyan Parag took charge, hammering a quickfire 43* off 25 balls. Parag, who was reprieved on 32 by a dropped catch, capitalised on the lifeline with two consecutive sixes off Jansen in the 18th over, steering Rajasthan to their highest total of the season. Shimron Hetmyer (20 off 12) and Dhruv Jurel (13* off 5) also provided crucial contributions in the final overs.
In reply, Punjab Kings could only manage 155 for 9, with Archer leading the way with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs. The English pacer, along with Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26), kept the Punjab batsmen in check throughout the chase.
Despite a valiant effort from Nehal Wadhera (62 off 41) and Glenn Maxwell (30 off 21), Punjab Kings fell short in their chase, and Rajasthan's all-round performance secured them a commanding victory.
Rajasthan will now look to build on this impressive display as they continue their IPL campaign, having earned four points from as many matches. On the other hand, Punjab suffered their first defeat of the season.
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