Jaiswal, Jofra Archer guide Rajasthan to win over Punjab

Mullanpur, April 5: Rajasthan Royals produced a dominant all-round performance to outclass Punjab Kings by 50 runs in their IPL 2025 clash at the NFR Stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday.
Yashasvi Jaiswal finally broke his run of low scores with a sublime half-century, while England speedster Jofra Archer made the ball talk under lights, ripping through Punjab’s top order with clinical precision.
After being asked to bat first by PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable 205 for 4 in their 20 overs—their highest total of the season at this venue.
The innings was anchored by Jaiswal, who found his touch at the perfect time.
The young opener played with fluency and flair, smashing 67 off just 45 balls, decorated with three crisp boundaries and five towering sixes. Captain Sanju Samson provided the early momentum with a brisk 38 off 26 deliveries, forging a 89-run opening stand with Jaiswal, which set the tone for the innings.Despite a few hiccups in the middle overs where Royals lost three wickets between the 11th and 15th overs, the visitors found their finishing firepower in the in-form Riyan Parag.
Continuing his purple patch, Parag played a blazing cameo of 43 not out from 25 balls. His late burst, along with Dhruv Jurel’s quickfire 13* off just 5 deliveries, saw Royals plunder 55 runs in the last three overs, pushing their total well beyond the 200-run mark. Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab Kings, finishing with 2 for 37.
Chasing 206 under pressure, Punjab Kings got off to a horror start as Jofra Archer bowled with venom and discipline. The English pacer, who returned to the IPL after a long injury layoff, struck early and often, finishing with figures of 3 for 25.
His pace and accuracy rattled the top order, reducing PBKS to a miserable 43 for 4 within the first six overs. Sandeep Sharma and Maheesh Theekshana complemented Archer well, picking up two wickets each to pile on the misery for the home side.A brief fightback came from Nehal Wadhera, who struck a valiant 62 off 45 balls, and Glenn Maxwell, whose 30 off 20 balls kept hopes flickering with an 88-run fifth-wicket partnership. Wadhera looked composed at the crease, showing his range against both pace and spin, while Maxwell played his usual counter-attacking brand of cricket. However, once the duo departed in quick succession, the innings unravelled quickly.
From 131 for 5, Punjab Kings collapsed to 155 for 9 in their full quota of 20 overs, falling well short of the target. The middle and lower order failed to offer any resistance, and the Royals’ bowlers closed out the game clinically.
With this win, Rajasthan Royals continue to strengthen their position in the points table, showcasing both batting depth and bowling prowess. For Punjab Kings, the loss raises serious questions about their top-order consistency and bowling execution under pressure.As the IPL season progresses into its critical middle phase, Jaiswal’s return to form and Archer’s sharp rhythm will give Rajasthan plenty of confidence going forward. (PTI)