Punjab Kings’ unbeaten start to IPL 2026 came to an end in Mullanpur as Rajasthan Royals produced a powerful all-round batting display to pull off a thrilling chase. Even after Prabhsimran Singh struck another half-century and Marcus Stoinis finished strongly to lift PBKS to 222/4, the hosts could not defend the total.
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PBKS set a strong target
Punjab looked well placed after Prabhsimran once again made an impact at the top of the order. Cooper Connolly also played a lively cameo, while Stoinis provided the real late surge with a blazing unbeaten 62 off 22 balls. His late hitting pushed Punjab to a commanding total, especially after they collected 55 runs in the final three overs.
Rajasthan, however, had their own finishers ready for the chase.
Royals strike early and keep the pressure on
RR’s reply was built on a fast start from their top order, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leading the charge in the Powerplay. He attacked the Punjab bowlers with confidence, timing the ball cleanly and refusing to be slowed down by pace or variations.
Jofra Archer tested the PBKS openers with speed and movement, but Sooryavanshi quickly settled in and punished anything loose. He struck boundaries on both sides of the wicket and reached 43 off just 16 balls before falling late in the Powerplay.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel then kept Rajasthan moving, helping them finish the first six overs at 84/1, a total that proved crucial in the end.
Punjab spinners slow the middle overs
PBKS fought back after the strong start. Harpreet Brar bowled tightly, making scoring difficult, while Yuzvendra Chahal also chipped in by breaking partnerships. Jaiswal brought up his fifty, but Chahal dismissed him soon after.
Riyan Parag showed signs of taking control, playing some bold shots, including reverse-sweep sixes, but his innings ended at 29 off 16. That kept the game alive, yet Rajasthan still needed a big finish.
Ferreira and Dubey finish the job
The chase turned in RR’s favour when Donovan Ferreira and impact substitute Shubham Dubey took over at the death. Punjab’s bowlers, especially Arshdeep Singh, struggled to contain them in the final overs.
Ferreira hit out with confidence, smashing a six and multiple boundaries as the required rate kept falling. Dubey offered steady support at the other end, and together they produced a vital 77-run stand that broke the game open.
Ferreira completed a brilliant 52 not out from 26 balls, while Dubey remained unbeaten on 31 from 12. Their late assault carried Rajasthan to 228/4 in 19.2 overs and sealed a six-wicket win.
Match summary
Rajasthan Royals chased down 223 with four wickets in hand, ending Punjab Kings’ unbeaten run in IPL 2026. It was a match shaped by explosive batting at both ends of the innings, with RR’s top order setting the tone and their finishers finishing the job.
What’s next
Rajasthan Royals return to Jaipur to face Delhi Capitals on May 1. Punjab Kings will next play Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 3.
