Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs in a thrilling IPL match at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Punjab posted 219 on the board, with Nehal Wadhera scoring 70, and Rajasthan fell short at 209 despite a strong start. This win almost seals Punjab’s playoff spot.
Rajasthan got off to a flying start with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sunthwal. They pushed the score past 60 in just five overs. Sunthwal made 40 off 15 balls before getting out. Jaiswal went on to score 50 off 25 balls with nine fours and a six before being dismissed.
Sanju Samson returned but was out for just 20. Riyan Parag, who was expected to anchor the innings, was clean bowled by Harpreet Brar for 13. The lack of significant partnerships hurt Rajasthan’s chances. Dhruv Jurel fought hard on one end, putting together a 37-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer. When Hetmyer was dismissed for 11, Rajasthan needed 39 off 16 balls.
A nail-biter finish
Rajasthan needed 30 off the last over. Arshdeep Singh’s 19th over yielded only eight runs, tilting the game in Punjab’s favor. Marco Jansen bowled the final over, and the match was decided within the first four balls. He gave away just two runs in the first two balls, then dismissed Jurel and Wanindu Hasaranga. The two fours in the final two balls didn’t change the outcome.
Key performers
- Nehal Wadhera scored 70 for Punjab.
- Harpreet Brar took three crucial wickets.
- Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen delivered under pressure.
Punjab’s win keeps them in the hunt for the top spot. Rajasthan will be looking to bounce back in their next game.