Key Highlights:
PBKS vs RR – Highlights: In a high-octane IPL 2025 clash held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur, Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered a statement win, outclassing Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a commanding 50-run margin. This win not only extended RR’s undefeated streak but also marked the first-ever 200+ total recorded at the Mullanpur venue, setting a new IPL milestone.
Royals Set the Stage with Record-Breaking 205
Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable 205/4 in 20 overs, spearheaded by a spectacular knock of 67 off 45 balls by Yashasvi Jaiswal. His innings included 3 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of nearly 149. Supporting him at the other end was captain Sanju Samson who smashed 38 from 26 deliveries before falling to Lockie Ferguson.
But the real finishing touch came from Riyan Parag (43 off 25)* and *Dhruv Jurel (13 off 5)**, whose cameos helped push the total well beyond the 200-run mark. The Royals smashed boundaries at will, aided by poor death overs execution by Punjab’s bowlers.
RR Batting Highlights:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 67 (45), 5x6s
- Sanju Samson: 38 (26), 6x4s
- Riyan Parag: 43* (25), 3x6s
- Shimron Hetmyer: 20 (12)
Punjab’s Bowlers Struggle in Death Overs
Despite a decent start by Lockie Ferguson, who removed both Samson and Jaiswal, and a respectable spell by Glenn Maxwell, the rest of the attack lacked penetration. Marcus Stoinis (4-0-48-0) and Marco Jansen (4-0-47-1) were expensive, allowing the Royals to capitalize in the final overs.
PBKS Bowling Summary:
- Lockie Ferguson: 4-0-37-2
- Arshdeep Singh: 4-0-35-1
- Marco Jansen: 4-0-47-1
- Maxwell: 1-0-6-0
Nehal Wadhera’s Heroics Not Enough
Chasing a steep target of 206, PBKS crumbled under pressure. The top order failed to fire, with Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Marcus Stoinis departing early. However, it was Nehal Wadhera who offered hope with a classy 62 off 41 balls, showcasing the immense potential that Punjab Kings invested in during the IPL 2025 auction.
Wadhera’s knock was laced with control and aggression, but lacked support from the middle and lower order. Despite Shreyas Iyer’s quick cameo of 10 off 5 and Maxwell’s 30 off 21, the team collapsed to 151/9 in 19.5 overs.
PBKS Batting Summary:
- Nehal Wadhera: 62 (41), 6x4s, 3x6s
- Glenn Maxwell: 30 (21), 3x6s
- Shreyas Iyer: 10 (5), SR 200
- Prabhsimran Singh: 17 (16)
Jofra Archer Leads Royals’ Bowling Unit
Jofra Archer, back at his fiery best, was the pick of the bowlers with 3.5 overs, 3 wickets for just 15 runs, dismantling the Punjab top and lower order. Wanindu Hasaranga, Kumar Kartikeya, and Yudhvir Singh complemented the attack with crucial breakthroughs.
RR Bowling Highlights:
- Jofra Archer: 3.5-0-15-3
- Hasaranga: 4-0-30-2
- Sandeep Sharma: 4-0-21-1
- Yudhvir Singh: 2-0-9-1
Historic Night at Mullanpur
The Royals’ score of 205/4 became the highest-ever total recorded at Mullanpur, breaking the previous record of 192 by Mumbai Indians. With this win, RR solidified their position at the top of the IPL 2025 Points Table, while Punjab’s vulnerabilities in the middle order and bowling depth came under the spotlight.
Top 5 Totals at Mullanpur:
- 205/4 – RR vs PBKS (2025)
- 192/7 – MI vs PBKS (2024)
- 183 all out – PBKS vs MI (2024)
- 182/9 – SRH vs PBKS (2024)
- 180/6 – PBKS vs SRH (2024)
Punjab’s Selection Questions: RTM for Wadhera?
Interestingly, Mumbai Indians had the chance to use the RTM card for Nehal Wadhera, but they opted not to. Punjab Kings bought him for ₹4.20 Cr, and he has now delivered back-to-back fifties. His class and poise under pressure were a rare bright spot in PBKS’s otherwise faltering campaign.
What’s Next?
Rajasthan Royals now march forward with confidence, while PBKS will look to regroup, especially focusing on their bowling death overs and fragile top order. The return of Liam Livingstone could provide much-needed balance, but the team will need to act quickly to stay alive in the playoff race.
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