RR vs PBKS: Punjab set 220-run target for Rajasthan

Fine half-centuries from Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh powered Punjab Kings (PBKS) to 219/5 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an IPL 2025 match in Jaipur on Sunday (May 18).

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PBKS, currently on 15 points and in a good position to make the playoffs, were reduced to 34/3 in only the fourth over with RR's right-arm pacer Tushar Deshpande (2/37) getting rid of openers Priyansh Arya (9) and Prabhsimran Singh (21).

Wadhera hit 37-ball 70

But Wadhera blazed to a 37-ball 70, studded with five boundaries and as many sixes, and shared a 67-run fourth-wicket partnership with skipper Shreyas Iyer (30) to bail PBKS out.

Wadhera, who struck his third half-century of the season, was also involved in a 58-run fifth-wicket stand with Shashank Singh (59 not out, 30 balls).

Samson returns as RR captain

Speaking to the host broadcaster during the innings break, Wadhera said, "It was wonderful batting there today. I think Shreyas (Iyer) bhai and me, both played well together. I think 220 is a very good score on this wicket. Shashank (Singh) and (Azmatullah) Omarzai played well towards the end. The talks have been clear with the captain and coach. We have to punish the loose balls; that's why we are scoring 200 runs frequently. That positive approach has helped us. I think the preparations happen in the nets. The way the players play in the nets, they play similarly in the game. It is quite hot today, but the surface is looking good. We have good bowlers, I am pretty sure we are going to nail this game."

Earlier, a fit-again Sanju Samson was back to lead RR and replaced Nitish Rana in the XI. Kwena Maphaka was drafted in place of Jofra Archer.