IPL 2025 Match 18 PBKS vs RR: Match Summary
Rajasthan Royals began their weekend clash in IPL 2025 with confidence and clarity, storming to a 50-run win over Punjab Kings in Match 18 at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh. In what was described as a comprehensive team performance, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s steady half-century and Jofra Archer’s incisive spell that emerged as the cornerstones of RR’s success.
In what seemed like a well-calculated decision, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Rajasthan, led once again by full-time captain Sanju Samson, responded with poise and intent.
Opening Partnership Sets the Tone for Rajasthan
Sanju Samson Sets the Early Tempo
Sanju Samson looked composed and in control as he returned to lead Rajasthan Royals as full-time captain. Opening the innings alongside Jaiswal, Samson wasted no time in asserting himself, playing elegant strokes all around the ground. His 38-run knock came off just 26 balls and was laced with crisp boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking. By rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries, Samson played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for RR’s strong total. His dismissal in the 11th over, courtesy of Lockie Ferguson, briefly slowed Rajasthan’s momentum but didn’t derail their charge.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Anchors the Innings with a Classy Fifty
Yashasvi Jaiswal took a more measured approach at the start, allowing himself time to settle before gradually shifting gears. Once set, he showcased his flair with a blend of calculated aggression and shot-making finesse. His innings of 67 off 45 balls featured several boundary strokes, including a memorable four and six off Yuzvendra Chahal that brought up his first fifty of the IPL 2025 season. Jaiswal appeared poised to bat through the innings, but Ferguson returned in the 14th over with a clever slower ball that bowled him out, ending a fine knock that had anchored the top order brilliantly.
Riyan Parag Anchors the Finish with Late Surge
With the top order dismissed, it was Riyan Parag who embraced the finisher’s role. He stitched together a crucial late-innings push, scoring an unbeaten 43 from just 25 balls. Support from Dhruv Jurel (13* off 5) ensured Rajasthan Royals reached an imposing 205/4—the first-ever 200+ total at this venue in IPL history.
Even though middle-order contributors Nitish Rana and Shimron Hetmyer departed early, Parag’s calm aggression pushed the Royals past the psychological 200-run barrier.
Punjab Kings Falter in the Chase Under Archer’s Assault
Punjab Kings’ pursuit of 206 began in disarray. Jofra Archer produced a dream first over, clean bowling Priyansh Arya on the first ball and later dismissing Shreyas Iyer with a pinpoint delivery.
As Sandeep Sharma removed Marcus Stoinis shortly after, PBKS found themselves at a precarious 26/3 inside four overs. Any momentum was fleeting, despite Nehal Wadhera and Prabhsimran Singh attempting to resurrect the innings.
Prabhsimran’s dismissal after the powerplay by Kumar Kartikeya further dented Punjab’s hopes, but Wadhera—who eventually notched a gritty 62 off 41—teamed up with Glenn Maxwell for an 88-run partnership that gave Punjab brief hope.
Wadhera-Maxwell Partnership Sparks Brief Fightback for Punjab
Nehal Wadhera Leads Punjab’s Resistance
Coming in at a difficult stage with Punjab Kings struggling at 26/3, Nehal Wadhera played a mature and spirited innings under pressure. Displaying composure and clean timing, he quickly settled into a rhythm and began to counter-attack. His ability to find gaps and take on the spinners stood out, as he anchored the middle overs with smart shot selection.
Wadhera’s 62 off 41 balls included four boundaries and three sixes, and his fifty came at a critical juncture when Punjab desperately needed stability. Just when it looked like he could take the chase deep, his innings was cut short by Wanindu Hasaranga on the very first ball of the 16th over—right after Maxwell’s dismissal—dealing a double blow to PBKS.
Glenn Maxwell Offers Brief Momentum Shift
Glenn Maxwell joined Wadhera during a tense phase and immediately brought energy to the middle with his trademark flair. Though he didn’t match Wadhera in runs, Maxwell played a valuable supporting role in their 88-run partnership, keeping the scoreboard moving and capitalizing on the occasional loose delivery. His ability to rotate strike and target the spinners kept Rajasthan’s bowlers on their toes. However, just as Punjab seemed to be gaining ground, Maxwell was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana on the last ball of the 15th over—a moment that shifted momentum sharply back in Rajasthan’s favor.
Royals Seal the Game with Flawless Death Bowling
The glimmer of a successful chase faded swiftly as Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Maxwell at the end of the 15th over. Wanindu Hasaranga struck next ball to remove Wadhera, and from that point on, the collapse was inevitable.
Jurel’s flying catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Wadhera was lauded as the turning point of the match. Punjab, needing 75 from 29 with four wickets in hand, lost their way.
With Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, and Arshdeep Singh falling in quick succession to Sharma, Theekshana, and Archer, Punjab ended their innings at 155/9. Archer’s final figures of 3/25 earned him the Player of the Match award.
Standout Individual Contributions in the Spotlight
- Sanju Samson, captaining Rajasthan full-time for the first time this season, added a crisp 38 to his tally. With this effort, he climbed into the top 10 run scorers of IPL 2025, accumulating 137 runs in four games.
- Nehal Wadhera, the top scorer for PBKS in the game, showcased grit with 62 off 41, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes.
- Shreyas Iyer, though beginning with a stylish four, was undone by Archer’s precision. Iyer has now totaled 159 runs in three matches this season.
- Nicholas Pooran of LSG continues to hold the Orange Cap with 201 runs in four matches, trailed closely by Sai Sudharsan (186) and Mitchell Marsh (184).
Conclusion: Royals Rise, Punjab Stumble
Rajasthan Royals’ all-round effort saw them climb to seventh in the points table, while Punjab Kings slipped to fourth after facing their first defeat of the season. With bowlers peaking and top-order batsmen in fine touch, RR look well-positioned as the tournament progresses.
The encounter at Mullanpur also served as a reminder of how a few decisive moments—an Archer over, a Parag finish, or a Jurel catch—can drastically change the complexion of a high-stakes T20 game.
