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In a run-fest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Rajasthan Royals handed Punjab Kings their first defeat of the season with a convincing six-wicket win in Match 40 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a massive target of 223, Rajasthan Royals delivered a composed and aggressive batting performance to reach 228 for four in just 19.2 overs, completing one of the most remarkable run chases of the season and ending Punjab’s perfect streak.

Punjab Kings, who were put in to bat, continued their impressive run with the bat. Marcus Stoinis stole the spotlight with a stunning unbeaten 62 off just 22 balls, hammering four boundaries and six sixes in a late blitz that powered PBKS to 222 for four.

Earlier, Prabhsimran Singh anchored the innings with a steady 59 off 44 balls, while Priyansh Arya (29 off 11) and Cooper Connolly (30 off 14) maintained a brisk scoring rate, helping Punjab post what looked like a formidable total.

Rajasthan Royals, however, came out with clear intent. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi launched a fiery start, taking the attack to the bowlers. Jaiswal scored a fluent 51 off 27 balls, while Sooryavanshi smashed 43 off just 16 deliveries, propelling the team to 84 in the powerplay.

Punjab found a brief opening when Yuzvendra Chahal claimed three crucial wickets, but the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs.

The chase was expertly finished by Donovan Ferreira, who remained unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls. He was well supported by Shubham Dubey, whose quickfire 31 not out off 12 balls ensured there were no late hiccups. The duo stitched together a match-winning partnership to guide Rajasthan home with four balls to spare.

Earlier, Rajasthan’s bowling unit had a mixed outing, with Yash Raj Punja picking up two wickets, but they largely struggled against Punjab’s aggressive batting.

The match turned into a batting spectacle, with both teams crossing the 220-run mark. Rajasthan’s fearless chase and sustained momentum proved decisive, while Punjab were left to reflect on a rare off day with the ball.

The victory boosts Rajasthan Royals’ standing in the points table and marks a significant moment in the tournament, as Punjab Kings suffer their first loss after an otherwise dominant run.
Edited by : Mary Rose Baba