The IPL 2025 season delivered another classic as Punjab Kings (PBKS) held their nerve to defeat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 10 runs in a high-octane encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. With the playoff race heating up, PBKS’s Indian core stepped up in a game full of momentum swings, big hits, and pressure moments.
PBKS Bat First: Early Wobbles, Middle-Order Muscle
Asked to bat first, Punjab Kings had a rocky start. Rajasthan’s Tushar Deshpande struck twice in the powerplay, removing Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, while debutant Kwena Maphaka chipped in to leave PBKS at 34/3. However, a crucial 67-run partnership between captain Shreyas Iyer (30 off 25) and Nehal Wadhera (70 off 37) rescued the innings. Wadhera’s counterattack, featuring five sixes and five fours, set the tone for a PBKS fightback.
Shashank Singh then took charge in the death overs, smashing an unbeaten 59 from just 30 balls. His acceleration, supported by Azmatullah Omarzai’s cameo (21* off 9), powered Punjab to a formidable 219/5 in 20 overs.
Top PBKS Batting Performers:
- Nehal Wadhera: 70 (37)
- Shashank Singh: 59* (30)
- Shreyas Iyer: 30 (25)
RR’s Record Powerplay: Jaiswal and Suryavanshi Go Berserk
Chasing 220, the Rajasthan Royals came out all guns blazing. Yashasvi Jaiswal (50 off 25) and 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40 off 15) tore into the Punjab attack, bringing up RR’s fifty in just 2.5 overs, fastest by any team this IPL. The opening stand raced to 76 in under five overs, with nearly every ball finding the boundary.
But PBKS needed a breakthrough, and Harpreet Brar provided it by dismissing Suryavanshi. Jaiswal soon followed, and the Royals’ momentum began to stutter as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Middle-Overs Drama: Brar and Jansen Turn the Tide
After the electric start, PBKS bowlers tightened the screws. Harpreet Brar was the game-changer, picking up 3/22 and removing both openers and Riyan Parag. Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai contributed with timely wickets, including the key scalp of Sanju Samson (20).
Despite Dhruv Jurel’s valiant 53 off 31 balls, the required rate kept climbing. Jurel’s late hitting kept RR in the hunt, but with 22 needed off the final over, the task proved too steep. Jansen held his nerve, and PBKS closed out a tense 10-run win.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Wadhera-Iyer Stand: Their 67-run partnership steadied PBKS after early setbacks and set up a platform for a big total.
- Shashank Singh’s Finish: His unbeaten 59 ensured PBKS crossed 200, putting pressure on RR’s chase.
- RR’s Powerplay Blitz: Jaiswal and Suryavanshi’s record-breaking start threatened to make the chase a cakewalk.
- Harpreet Brar’s Spell: Three wickets in the middle overs derailed RR’s momentum just as they looked to accelerate.
- Final Overs: Jurel’s heroics weren’t enough as PBKS bowlers executed their plans under pressure.
Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Score | Top Performer (Bat/Ball) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 219/5 (20) | Wadhera 70, Shashank 59* | Won by 10 runs |
| RR | 209/7 (20) | Jurel 53, Jaiswal 50 |
Captain’s Take
After the match, RR skipper Sanju Samson reflected on the missed opportunity:
“We got off to a strong start with nearly 90 runs in the first 6 overs but failed to build on that momentum. With our batting depth, we should have finished the chase, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. We’ll look to finish the season on a high and build strongly for next year.”
What This Means for the Playoff Race
- Punjab Kings: This win takes PBKS closer to securing a playoff berth. Their Indian core- Wadhera, Shashank, and Brar-delivered when it mattered, compensating for the absence of several overseas stars.
- Rajasthan Royals: Already eliminated, RR’s young guns like Suryavanshi and Jurel showed promise, but the lack of consistency and failure to capitalize on strong starts have defined their season.
Brief Analysis
Punjab Kings’ victory was built on resilience and timely individual brilliance. Wadhera’s counterattack, Shashank’s finishing, and Brar’s game-changing spell exemplified the depth and spirit in the PBKS camp. The explosive opening stand was the highlight for RR, but the inability to sustain momentum and finish games remains a concern.
With the playoff race heating up, PBKS have shown they can deliver under pressure. RR, meanwhile, will look to end their campaign with pride and focus on nurturing their exciting young talent for the future.
For more IPL 2025 match analysis, player insights, and playoff predictions, stay tuned to Mahakal Book!