IPL 2025 : Punjab Kings Defeat Rajasthan Royals, Secure Playoff Spot

Rajasthan Royals began the run chase strongly, thanks to an explosive start by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, notching up 89/1 in the Powerplay—RR’s best Powerplay total this season. However, the momentum quickly shifted after both openers were dismissed in quick succession on either side of the Powerplay.

Harpreet Brar emerged as the game-changer for Punjab, putting the brakes on Rajasthan’s aggressive chase with a tight spell that turned the match in PBKS’s favor. Although Dhruv Jurel fought back with a gritty half-century, RR’s middle and lower order failed to maintain the required run rate, eventually falling short of the target.

Earlier in the match, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, Punjab Kings posted 219/5. The innings saw crucial contributions from Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera, both of whom scored fluent half-centuries. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Wadhera stabilized the innings after the early dismissals of Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Mitch Owen, with PBKS ending the Powerplay at 58/3.

Shashank Singh's aggressive lower-order knock ensured Punjab crossed the 200-run mark, setting a competitive total that ultimately proved too much for Rajasthan to chase down.

With this victory, Punjab Kings have firmly positioned themselves in the IPL 2025 playoffs, while Rajasthan Royals’ inconsistency in chases continues to haunt them late in the season.