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IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Take on Punjab Kings in Thrilling Encounter at Mullanpur
April 5, 2025 – Mullanpur, Chandigarh
The IPL 2025 continues to thrill cricket fans as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) face off against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 18 at the newly inaugurated Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The clash promises high-octane action as both teams look to solidify their positions in the early stages of the season.
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on the evening conditions. Rajasthan Royals started confidently with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Sanju Samson putting together a strong 89-run partnership. Jaiswal led the charge with a composed knock, registering his slowest half-century in IPL history, eventually scoring 67 runs before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson.
Sanju Samson added 38 runs before falling to Ferguson as well, who turned out to be the pick of the bowlers for Punjab. Nitish Rana’s quick cameo of 12 runs was cut short by Marco Jansen, leaving RR at 142 for 3 after 15 overs.
With five overs remaining, Rajasthan will now rely on the finishing prowess of Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer to push the total beyond the 180-mark and set a daunting challenge for Punjab.
On the bowling front, Ferguson has been the standout performer, grabbing two vital wickets to slow RR’s momentum. Jansen’s breakthrough added further pressure as PBKS aims to contain the Royals in the death overs.
As the match unfolds, fans can expect an exciting chase in the second innings, with PBKS boasting a dynamic batting lineup led by Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan.
Stay tuned for live updates, post-match analysis, and full scorecard coverage as the IPL 2025 action continues.
