Mullanpur, Apr 29:
Rajasthan Royals produced a sensational run chase to hand Punjab Kings their first defeat of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, clinching a thrilling six-wicket victory in a high-scoring contest.
After being put in to bat, Punjab Kings delivered a commanding batting performance, posting a formidable total of 222 for 4. The innings was powered by a blistering unbeaten knock from Marcus Stoinis, who smashed 62 runs off just 22 balls, showcasing remarkable power-hitting in the death overs. He was well supported by Prabhsimran Singh, who anchored the innings with a composed 59, ensuring Punjab maintained momentum throughout.
Despite the daunting target, Rajasthan Royals approached the chase with fearless intent. The highlight of the innings was a stunning cameo from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who lit up the stadium with a breathtaking 43 off just 16 deliveries. His aggressive stroke play in the powerplay provided Rajasthan with the perfect platform for the chase.
Building on the early momentum, Yashasvi Jaiswal played a fluent knock of 51 off 27 balls, keeping the required run rate under control. Rajasthan’s middle order then held their nerve, rotating the strike effectively while capitalising on scoring opportunities to stay ahead in the chase.
The match turned into a gripping contest in the final overs, but Rajasthan Royals maintained composure under pressure to cross the finish line with six wickets in hand. Their successful pursuit of a 200-plus target not only underlined their batting depth but also marked a significant statement in the tournament.
With this victory, Rajasthan Royals brought an end to Punjab Kings’ unbeaten streak in IPL 2026, opening up the competition and adding fresh excitement to the league standings.