Punjab Kings Secure IPL Playoff Spot with Thrilling Win Over Rajasthan Royals

In a thrilling IPL match, Punjab Kings edged out Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs, thanks to stellar performances from Harpreet Brar, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh. With this victory, PBKS moves closer to securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2014. Brar's impressive bowling and the explosive batting from Wadhera and Shashank were key highlights of the match. As the race for the playoffs intensifies, fans are eager to see if PBKS can maintain their momentum.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 18, 2025, 19:44 IST

Match Highlights: PBKS vs RR

Jaipur: In a gripping encounter, Punjab Kings (PBKS) edged closer to securing a playoff spot in the IPL with a narrow 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday. The match saw left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar deliver a pivotal performance, while Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh both contributed significant half-centuries.

Brar, stepping in for the possibly unwell captain Shreyas Iyer, made an immediate impact by taking 3 wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs, effectively limiting RR to 209 runs in their chase of 220.

Earlier, PBKS set a formidable target of 219 runs, bolstered by Shashank's explosive 59 off 30 balls and Wadhera's impressive 70 off 37 deliveries.

This victory propelled PBKS to 17 points, placing them second in the standings, just behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also on 17 points but with a superior net run rate.

The team, coached by Ricky Ponting, is now just one point away from clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2014.

Brar's exceptional bowling included the dismissal of rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 40 off 15 balls, and Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a quickfire 50 off 24 balls.

The duo started strong, putting together a rapid 76-run partnership in just over four overs. However, RR's momentum faltered after Azmatullah Omarzai took two crucial wickets, including that of skipper Sanju Samson.

Dhruv Jurel also made a notable contribution with 53 runs off 31 balls, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as PBKS's bowlers tightened their grip in the final overs.

Jaiswal's aggressive start saw him hit multiple boundaries, but Brar's introduction shifted the game's dynamics, leading to a required run rate that RR could not maintain.

Earlier in the innings, PBKS faced early setbacks but recovered well, with Wadhera and Iyer forming a solid partnership before Wadhera's explosive innings came to an end.

Omarzai's late cameo helped PBKS surpass the 200-run mark, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.