TATA IPL Live Cricket Score 2025, 18th match played on April 5, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, was a spectacle of cricketing prowess and high drama. Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Sanju Samson, clashed with the unbeaten Punjab Kings (PBKS), captained by Shreyas Iyer, in a contest that promised fireworks. RR emerged victorious by a commanding 50 runs, halting PBKS’s perfect start to the season and signaling their own resurgence after a shaky beginning. This article dives into the live score updates, key moments, player performances, and the significance of this thrilling encounter.
Pre-Match Context
IPL Live Cricket Score Heading into the match, Punjab Kings were the team to beat. With two convincing away wins under their belt, PBKS had showcased a formidable batting lineup and a disciplined bowling attack. Shreyas Iyer, in scintillating form, had led from the front, while the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Yuzvendra Chahal added depth and versatility. Playing their first home game of the season at Mullanpur, PBKS were eager to extend their winning streak and leverage the home advantage, despite a historically poor record at this venue (only 2 wins in 14 matches across the last two seasons).
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, were finding their footing. IPL Live Cricket Score After two heavy defeats to start their campaign, RR had bounced back with a morale-boosting win over Chennai Super Kings in their previous outing. Sanju Samson’s return to full fitness—and captaincy—after being restricted to an Impact Player role due to a finger injury, injected fresh energy into the squad. With Yashasvi Jaiswal yet to hit top gear and Jofra Archer’s pace adding a new dimension, RR were determined to build momentum against a rampant PBKS side.
The Toss and Team Selections
The match began with Shreyas Iyer winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision influenced by the expectation of dew aiding the chase in the second innings—an oft-discussed factor at Mullanpur. PBKS made one change, bringing in Nehal Wadhera for Priyansh Arya, who had been impactful as a substitute in their last game. RR, buoyed by Samson’s return as captain and wicketkeeper, stuck with a balanced XI, featuring a potent mix of youth and experience.
Punjab Kings XI: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Rajasthan Royals XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh, Sandeep Sharma.
Rajasthan Royals’ Innings: Jaiswal and Parag Power RR to 205
Rajasthan Royals’ innings got off to a blazing start, thanks to an explosive opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Jaiswal, who had struggled for fluency earlier in the season, found his rhythm early, smashing a four and two sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the third over. Samson complemented him with crisp strokeplay, and the duo raced to 89 runs in just 9.4 overs—the highest opening partnership for RR in IPL 2025 thus far. Samson’s departure, caught off Yuzvendra Chahal for a brisk 36 off 26, brought Nitish Rana to the crease.
Jaiswal continued his assault, reaching his first fifty of the season off 37 balls. His innings was a mix of calculated aggression and impeccable timing, with five sixes highlighting his dominance over the PBKS spinners. However, just as he seemed set for a big score, Marco Jansen dismissed him for 67, caught at long-on, ending a knock that shifted the game’s momentum. At 120/2 after 13 overs, RR were well-placed, but PBKS fought back with quick wickets. IPL Live Cricket Score Nitish Rana (14 off 12) and Shimron Hetmyer (12 off 8) fell to Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, respectively, as the scoring rate dipped momentarily.
Riyan Parag then took charge in the death overs, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes. His unbeaten 43 off 25 balls, including three sixes, was a masterclass in finishing, while Dhruv Jurel chipped in with a quickfire 13* off 5. The 18th over off Jansen proved decisive, yielding 17 runs, as Parag and Hetmyer punished the PBKS seamer. RR finished at 205/4—the first 200-plus total at Mullanpur in IPL history—setting a daunting target on a pitch that offered some grip for the slower bowlers.
RR Innings Scorecard:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 67 (45)
- Sanju Samson: 36 (26)
- Nitish Rana: 14 (12)
- Riyan Parag: 43* (25)
- Shimron Hetmyer: 12 (8)
- Dhruv Jurel: 13* (5)
- Extras: 10
- Total: 205/4 in 20 overs
- Bowling: Marco Jansen 1/45, Yuzvendra Chahal 2/38, Arshdeep Singh 1/34, Lockie Ferguson 0/48.
Punjab Kings’ Chase: Archer’s Fire and a Middle-Order Collapse
Chasing 206, Punjab Kings needed a strong start, but Jofra Archer had other plans. In a sensational opening over, he dismissed Priyansh Arya for a golden duck, crashing a searing delivery into the off stump, and then bowled Shreyas Iyer with a peach that nipped back to hit the top of middle. IPL Live Cricket Score Iyer, who had been in imperious form, was gone for just 6 off 5, and PBKS were reeling at 8/2. Sandeep Sharma compounded their woes, trapping Marcus Stoinis (1 off 4) lbw, leaving PBKS at 26/3 inside four overs.
TATA IPL 2025 Prabhsimran Singh and Nehal Wadhera attempted a recovery, stitching together a 42-run stand. Prabhsimran’s aggressive 28 off 19 kept the chase alive, but Maheesh Theekshana struck post-powerplay, dismissing him caught at deep midwicket. Wadhera, batting fluently, reached his fifty off 38 balls, offering a glimmer of hope. However, his departure for 52, caught off Wanindu Hasaranga, triggered a collapse. Glenn Maxwell (12 off 10) and Shashank Singh (8 off 7) fell in quick succession to Archer and Theekshana, respectively, as PBKS slumped to 126/7 after 16 overs.
The tail couldn’t muster a fightback. Marco Jansen (4 off 6) and Arshdeep Singh (1 off 5) perished to Archer’s pace, with the latter’s wicket in the final over sealing PBKS’s fate. They finished at 155/9, falling 50 runs short. Archer’s 3/22, backed by Theekshana (2/28) and Hasaranga (1/30), dismantled a batting lineup that had looked invincible earlier in the season.
PBKS Innings Scorecard:
- Prabhsimran Singh: 28 (19)
- Shreyas Iyer: 6 (5)
- Marcus Stoinis: 1 (4)
- Nehal Wadhera: 52 (41)
- Glenn Maxwell: 12 (10)
- Shashank Singh: 8 (7)
- Suryansh Shedge: 14 (12)
- Marco Jansen: 4 (6)
- Arshdeep Singh: 1 (5)
- Lockie Ferguson: 8* (6)
- Extras: 13
- Total: 155/9 in 20 overs
- Bowling: Jofra Archer 3/22, Sandeep Sharma 1/25, Maheesh Theekshana 2/28, Wanindu Hasaranga 1/30.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Archer’s Explosive Start: Dismissing Arya and Iyer in the first over set the tone, putting PBKS on the back foot instantly.
- Jaiswal-Samson Partnership: The 89-run opening stand laid a solid foundation, allowing RR to aim for a big total.
- Parag’s Late Surge: His unbeaten 43 ensured RR breached the 200-mark, a psychological blow to PBKS.
- Wadhera’s Lone Fight: His fifty kept PBKS in the hunt briefly, but lack of support ended their chances.
- PBKS’s Middle-Order Meltdown: Losing four wickets between overs 7 and 14 derailed the chase completely.
Player of the Match: Jofra Archer
Masterclass in Pace and Precision 🔥
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2025
For his fiery spell that set the tone early with the ball, Jofra Archer bags the Player of the Match award 🏆
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/kjdEJydDWe#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRR | @JofraArcher pic.twitter.com/NO4A8KgY5H
Jofra Archer’s match-defining spell of 3/22 earned him the Player of the Match award. “It’s great to be back bowling at this pace,” he said post-match. “The body’s holding up, and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment out there.” His ability to strike early and return to clean up the tail underscored his value to RR.
Post-Match Reactions
Sanju Samson was elated with the win: “We started well with the bat, and the bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Jofra and the spinners were outstanding. It’s a big win against a strong side.” Shreyas Iyer, reflecting on the loss, said, “We conceded too many runs, and the early wickets hurt us. It’s a long season—plenty to learn from this.” Archer added, “The pitch had something in it for the quicks, and I just tried to hit my lengths.”
Implications for IPL 2025
For Rajasthan Royals, this victory marked their second consecutive win, lifting them into the top half of the points table. Jaiswal’s return to form, Parag’s finishing ability, and Archer’s resurgence make RR a dangerous unit moving forward. Their optimal use of resources—balancing pace and spin—showcased their tactical acumen.
For Punjab Kings, the loss ended their unbeaten streak, dropping them from the top spot. Despite the setback, their batting depth and bowling options remain formidable. However, the defeat exposed vulnerabilities in their top order against high-quality pace, an area they’ll need to address as the tournament progresses.
Conclusion
The 18th match of TATA IPL Live Cricket Score 2025 was a statement win for Rajasthan Royals, who outclassed Punjab Kings in all departments. From Jaiswal’s fireworks to Archer’s thunderbolts, RR delivered a performance that reverberated across the league. For PBKS, it was a rare off-day, but with a long season ahead, they’ll look to regroup. As the Mullanpur crowd witnessed history with the first 200-plus IPL total at the venue, this game will be remembered as a turning point in RR’s campaign and a reality check for PBKS.
