Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL, 2026, Full Score Card

SIX! Donovan Ferreira finishes the game off in style and also brings up his FIFTY. Jansen pushes it across the right-hander but gets the length wrong. Dishes out a full toss, outside off. Ferreira clears the front leg and dispatches it over mid on for a six. Donovan has come in clutch for his side on the night, along with Shubham Dubey. Punjab's juggernaut has been halted. Rajasthan Royals win by 6 wickets with four balls to spare.

Just short! Jansen slams the deck hard, keeping it around the tramline. Dubey reaches out to flay at it. Gets the height but not the distance. Arshdeep Singh comes in charging in from deep point but the ball lands in front of him. Single taken. The scores are level.

Marco Jansen will bowl the last over.

Ferguson rolls his fingers over the ball and delivers it on a good length, on off. Shubham Dubey taps it wide of point and takes a single. RR need 2 more runs.

Stays on a shortish length, keeping it away from the batter's arc. Donovan drags the pull in front of square on the leg side for one.

FOUR! Off the top edge, but they all count. Just 4 more needed for RR. Pace on now by Ferguson, on a hard length, on off. Ferreira swings hard for the pull but the ball gets big on him. It flies off the top edge between the keeper and short third and races into the deep third fence.

A swing and a miss. Going away, pace off and into the surface, Donovan swings across the line with all his might but fails to connect.

SIX! BANG! My goodness. A 105-metre hit from Donovan Ferreira. Ferguson bends his back and bangs it in short, on off. This sits up to be hit, and Donovan climbs into it. He pummels it way over mid-wicket into the top tier for a biggie.

FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Across off, full in length, Donovan Ferreira shuffles across to the off side and picks the bones out of it. He cracks the drive a bit uppishly down the ground. Shreyas Iyer flings himself to his right at mid off but the ball is past him in a flash.

Who will be trusted with the penultimate over? It will be Lockie Ferguson.

SIX! Shubham Dubey ends the over the same way Donovan Ferreira started it. Arshdeep bowls the slower, short ball. Dubey anticipates the line to be around the guideline. He walks across the stumps and swings across for the pull. He is slightly early into the shot but still clears deep mid-wicket for a six. The 200 is up for RR. 18 needed off 12.

Well bowled! From over the wicket for the left-hander, pace off and into the wicket. Shubham Dubey thinks about gliding it behind the wicket on the off side before bailing out of the shot. The ball sneaks just inside the tramline.

Attacks the stumps, does Arshdeep. Donovan Ferreira crouches and takes it on the full. He swipes it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Lowish full toss, outside off. Donovan throws his hands at it but bunts it beside the strip on the off side.

FOUR! Targets the same region and picks up a boundary. Arshdeep switches to around the wicket but misses the mark as he attempts the yorker. It comes out as a low full toss, just outside the off stump. Ferreira pumps it back over the bowler's head and the long off fielder stands no chance. 10 runs off the first 2 balls. 25 needed off 16.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! Arshdeep begins from over the wicket and angles it across the right-hander. Hurls it on a length, and Ferreira extends his hands into the lofted hit. He gets under it and smokes it over the sight screen for a six. Pressure on Arshdeep early in the over.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-51-1) replaces Marco Jansen.

Good running! Angled into the pads, on a length, Dubey picks the slower ball and waits for the ball to arrive. He nudges it in front of deep square leg with soft hands and comes charging back for the second run. Still, 8 runs off the over. 35 needed off 18.

FOUR! Nicely played! Ferguson drifts on the pads with a full ball. Dubey gets into a bit of a tangle but he gets the front pad out of the way and uses the around-the-wicket angle to his advantage. He flicks it fine of the man at deep backward square leg for a four.

Bangs it in short, on off, Donovan drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for just a single. So far, so good from Ferguson. Just 2 runs off the first 4 balls.

And again! Excellent change up from Lockie. Takes pace off and lands it on a length, just outside the off stump. Ferreira has a hoick across the line but is beaten on the inside edge and the ball is not far away from crashing into the off pole.

A big swing and a miss! Ferguson goes searching for the yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, across off. Donovan Ferreira clears the front leg and swings for the hills but connects with thin air.

Wide! Tries to push it across the batter but this is well beyond the tramline.

Steams in from around the wicket and bowls the loopy, pace-off yorker, outside off. Donovan Ferreira swings at it but the ball drops under his bat and goes behind towards the keeper.

Pace off, on a good length, on off. Donovan Ferreira dabs it to point and retains the strike with a single. 15 runs off the over. The Royals require 43 runs off 24 balls.

Excellent stroke but terrible running between the wickets as they take just one off this. Jansen comes over the stumps and bowls a yorker on off, Shubham Dubey opens his bat face and guides this through the backward point region. Dubey starts running but as the batters cross, Dubey assumes that this has raced to the fence but an excellent fielding effort from Marcus Stoinis chasing this from backward point keeps it inside the playing area. Dubey panics and starts running back towards the striker's end without even completing the first but is sent back to the right end by Donovan Ferreira to complete one.

WIDE! Full and wide of off, Shubham Dubey leaves it. Wided as this is a bit too high for the umpire's liking.

FOUR! MUSCLED AWAY! Dubey is trying to do a Stoinis here. Marco Jansen bowls it full and on middle and off, Shubham Dubey stays deep inside the crease and hammers this over the bowler for a boundary down in front of the sight screen.

SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Good length, around middle and off, Shubham Dubey clears his front foot and plants it towards his leg side. Helps himself into a solid base and slogs this for a massive biggie into the second tier towards the deep mid-wicket region.

Full and on middle and leg, Donovan Ferreira tucks this down to long on for a single.

Back of a length, around off, Shubham Dubey looks to heave it but swings early and gets an inside edge that rolls through square leg for one.

Marco Jansen (2-0-19-0) has been called back into the attack.

FOUR! Another one way too straight around the pads to Donovan Ferreira this time. The batter gets a shade inside the line and glances this to the fence towards the long leg region for a boundary to close the over. 14 off this Arshdeep Singh over. 58 runs needed off 30 balls.

Short and on off, Shubham Dubey pulls this to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Pitched up, a bit too straight to the southpaw. Shubham Dubey flicks this to the left of Yuzvendra Chahal at fine leg. Chahal sprints and dives but the ball goes under his body and into the fence.

Full and wide of off, Donovan Ferreira drives this to sweeper cover for a single.

FOUR! Low full toss, across the batter, Donovan Ferreira looks to slog this out of the park but gets only an inside edge onto it. The ball, luckily for the batter, bounces wide of the off stump and over the keeper for a boundary.

Short and wide of off, Donovan Ferreira slaps this to extra cover.

STRATEGIC BREAK! What have you done, Riyan? That will be the cry from RR fans. It was the last ball of Yuzvendra Chahal's spell, and Parag, who had started promisingly, has thrown it away. With the spinners bowled out and Lockie Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh being expensive in their first two overs, the pressure would have been on them in the final phase. RR would have backed themselves to get the job done against the quicks, but Riyan's departure changes things. The Royals introduce Shubham Dubey as their Impact Sub. Yash Punja has been subbed out. Arshdeep Singh returns to the attack with Rajasthan needing 72 runs from 36 balls.

Yash Punja is substituted by Shubham Dubey

OUT! CAUGHT! Another massive moment in this run chase as Chahal gets the number of his former colleague. Tossed up, right underneath the bat of Parag, and the RR skipper couldn't resist the temptation to take on the boundary rider at the deep mid-wicket region. Parag doesn't get right underneath it and hits this straight to Suryansh Shedge at the deep mid-wicket fence. Was this really needed from Parag? 12 runs had already come off the over, and with this being the last ball of the Chahal spell, could he have just nudged this around?

Shubham Dubey is padded up and waiting on the sidelines. He is expected to be RR's Impact Sub.

Much slower, short and on off, Donovan Ferreira rocks back inside the crease and pushes this down to long off for one.

Flighted again, on middle and leg, Riyan Parag tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Loopy full toss, around off, Riyan Parag jams this out.

FOUR! Flighted around off, Riyan Parag brings out the reverse and hits this well. Threads the gap between short third and backward point for four more runs.

SIX! Maybe this is the game Parag finds his mojo back. Quicker one, floated into the batter, a tad short as well. Riyan Parag waits for it onto his back foot and pulls this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

Good length, on the pads, Parag works this through square leg for a single.

BYE! Slower one, wide of off, Donovan Ferreira swings and misses. Prabhsimran Singh fumbles while gathering it and that allows the batters to run a bye.

FOUR! ​​Donovan Ferreira mishits this, but he'll take the end result. Short and wide of off, angling across the batter. Donovan Ferreira looks to play the square cut and slashes hard at it. Gets it toe-poked through the gap between backward point and short third for four runs.

On a length, around middle and off, Riyan Parag tucks this through mid-wicket for one.

Slower bumper, around leg, Riyan Parag arches back and looks to cheekily help this over the keeper but gets beaten.

Back of a length, around off, Donovan Ferreira flat bats this to the cow corner region and settles for one. The initial call was two by Donovan Ferreira, but Cooper Connolly was quick to respond from long on.

Marco Jansen has been brought back into the attack. He went for 12 runs in his only over so far.

Drags his length back, on middle and leg, Riyan Parag nudges it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. RR need 92 runs off 48 balls.

Gets away with it! Yuzvendra Chahal fires this one full and on middle. Donovan Ferreira uses his feet but yorks himself and bunts it to long on for just one.

NO BALL! Looped up, full and on leg. Riyan nurdles it beside the strip on the leg side for a single. Uh, oh, Chahal has overstepped. A cardinal sin for a spinner. Free Hit coming up.

Fuller and slower, drifting onto the pads. Parag tucks it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region. Suryansh Shedge swoops in off the ropes and fires in a throw on the bounce towards the keeper. Prabhsimran Singh whips the bails off but Parag is in by then.

Googly, on the shorter side, on off. Donovan Ferreira presses back and jabs it wide of long on for a single.

A big moment in the game. Yashasvi Jaiswal is livid with himself as he slams the bat onto his pads. He knows that he has opened the door here for Punjab. Donovan Ferreira joins Riyan Parag out in the middle.

OUT! TAKEN! Yuzvendra Chahal has the last laugh here. He slows it up, fuller and on middle and off, keeping it out of the reach of the batter. Yashasvi Jaiswal goes down on one knee to launch it down the ground, but ends up slicing across it. The ball goes high in the air towards long off, where Suryansh Shedge runs to his left and holds onto the catch near his chest. Rajasthan Royals are 123/3 needing exactly 100 more runs to win.

Wide! Sprayed well wide on off, on the shorter side. Jaiswal is not interested in playing at that.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR JAISWAL! A full toss, on leg. Yashasvi Jaiswal brings his wrists into play and flicks it with sublime timing through mid-wicket for a boundary. This has been a fantastic knock from him, but he needs to make this a big one to help his team out.

Full and speared in, on middle. Parag hits back towards the bowler. A sharp, low stop on the follow-through by Brar. RR require 105 runs from 54 balls.

SIX! That is a shot and a half! Tossed up, full and on middle and off. Riyan Parag changes his stance quickly and nails the reverse sweep over the deep point fence for a biggie.

Darts this one full, on leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Flatter, full and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal cracks the drive but fails to beat extra cover.

Flighted, full and on off, Riyan Parag drives it to long off for a run.

Short and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Good shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Riyan Parag gets down on one knee and swipes it away wide of deep square leg for a boundary.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Riyan Parag blocks it out.

RR's skipper, Riyan Parag walks out to the middle. Just 88 runs in 8 innings so far for Parag. A slip in place for the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT! Not a wicket-taking delivery at all, but Yuzvendra Chahal won't mind one bit. This one slips out of his hand and ends up being a high full toss, on middle. Dhruv Jurel gets surprised by it and tries to slog it a bit too hard across the line. He fails to get the timing on it, and the ball goes miles up in the air towards long on. Marco Jansen settles under it and takes a safe catch. However, the on-field umpires want to check for a No Ball, but Ball Tracking shows that the ball is well below the waist of Jurel. RR are 105/2, needing 118 runs from 62 balls.

Taken at long on, but how's the height? Dhruv Jurel has been asked to wait. Jurel has started to walk off after looking at the replay on the big screen. Yep, the Ball Tracking confirms that the ball was below the waist.

Short again and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts it through point for a run.

Short and around leg, Dhruv Jurel pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Floated, full and on off, Dhruv Jurel bunts it on the bounce to the left of the bowler as Chahal collects it.

FOUR! That should have been stopped! Harpreet Brar bowls this a bit quicker, keeps the length short and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal does well to reach out for it and slaps it wide of sweeper cover. Nehal Wadhera runs to his left and dives, but lets it under his body for a boundary. That brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhruv Jurel drives it to long off for one.

Flighted, shortish and around off, Dhruv Jurel waits for it and cuts it hard but straight to point.

Dragged back, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts it away through point for another run.

Short again and on middle, Dhruv Jurel moves back and swats it to long on for a run.

Flatter and shorter, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal punches it through cover-point for a single.

Full and on the pads, Yashasvi Jaiswal milks this to the left of wide long on and takes a run. 128 needed from 72 balls.

Pushed through, around off, Jurel guides this to short third. A misfield by Harpreet Brar allows the batters to take one.

Quicker and flatter around off, Dhruv Jurel backs away and cuts this sharply to backward point.

Slider, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal rocks back and flicks this to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Dhruv Jurel nudges this to deep square leg for a single.

Floated onto the pads, Yashasvi Jaiswal works this through mid-wicket for one.

Spin from both ends as Yuzvendra Chahal comes into the attack as well.

Quicker and fuller, wide of off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes this towards sweeper cover for a single to end the over.

Tossed up, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal presses onto his front foot and drives this through covers for a couple.

Tossed up, full and wide of off, Dhruv Jurel backs away to his leg side and drives this to sweeper cover for one.

Fuller on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal tucks this down to long on for a single.

Fuller on middle and leg, Dhruv Jurel flicks this away through mid-wicket for one.

Quicker one, around off, Dhruv Jurel cuts this to backward point.

Strategic Break! Rajasthan Royals have made the most of the Powerplay. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi started the charge, but now it is Yashasvi Jaiswal who has taken over his role, and Dhruv Jurel is providing support. They are well ahead of the asking rate, but their challenge has been the middle overs and middle order as well. Punjab Kings will know that and will look to put that to the test as quickly as possible. The pacers have gone for plenty, but Harpreet Brar did bowl a 2-run over and spin will play a key role in this game. Talking about spin, here is Brar to bowl after the break.

FOUR! A freebie by Lockie and Yashasvi Jaiswal makes him pay. Short and wide outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets up on his toes and cuts this over the ring of fielders on the off side. The ball races to the fence for a boundary towards the deep point region to end the Powerplay. Rajasthan Royals have outclassed PBKS in the first six overs as they have scored 84 runs.

Good length, around off, Dhruv Jurel dabs this through backward point for one.

SIX! HAMMERED AWAY! Back of a length, around off, Dhruv Jurel was waiting for it on his back foot. Jurel pulls this from the middle of his bat and clears the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region with ease.

Full toss around off, Jurel collapses his back knee and drives this to the left of Cooper Connolly at covers. Cooper puts in a dive to his left and makes a sharp stop.

On a length, a lot straighter around middle and off, Jaiswal flicks this to deep square leg this time for just one.

FOUR! Lockie comes around the stumps and bowls a low full toss around the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal flicks this to the right of the fielder at deep square leg and adds four to his tally.

Top over from Harpreet Brar. Here is Lockie Ferguson to bowl the final over of Powerplay.

Quicker one, wide of off, Dhruv Jurel cuts this to point.

Tossed up, slower and around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal clears his front foot and looks to heave it. Gets it off the inside half to long on for one.

Very full, on off, drilled to mid off.

Around leg, Jurel goes back in the crease and flicks it away through mid wicket for a single.

Darted into the batter, on middle and leg, Dhruv Jurel looks to tuck this through square leg but misses and gets rapped on his pads.

Quicker one, on off, Dhruv Jurel leans back and chops this to backward point.

Time for some spin now as Harpreet Brar has been tossed the ball.

FOUR! In the gap. Arshdeep changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket. He looks to slip in the yorker, on leg, but fails to get it full enough. Jaiswal brings his wrists into play and flicks it wide of mid on. He also beats the fielder at deep mid-wicket to his right. 22 runs off the over despite the wicket of Sooryavanshi.

SIX! Clean strike. A slot ball once more by Arshdeep, on off. Jaiswal is allowed to free his arms and he swings through the line. Tonks it over long off for a biggie.

FOUR! Hit with real authority. Arshdeep hurls it full, angling in, on middle. This is right in the slot and Jaiswal whacks it back over the bowler's head for a four.

Back to over the wicket, on a good length, across off. Jurel dabs it behind point and gets off the mark with a single.

A massive roar in the crowd as they see the back of the wonder kid. Dhruv Jurel is in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Arshdeep Singh has his arms aloft as he gets rid of the youngster. Still, a top hand from Sooryavanshi. Arshdeep sticks to around the wicket and tries to push it across the left-hander. It ends up being a low full toss and Vaibhav swings at it. Ends up cutting across the line of the ball and slices it over mid off as the bat turns in his hand. Shreyas Iyer back pedals from inside the circle at mid off and takes a safe catch around his chest.

SIX! Stunning shot. Arshdeep tries to tuck the batter up for room and goes searching for the yorker. He misses his mark and that is enough for Sooryavanshi to get under the ball. He clears the front leg and swats it away using his bottom hand towards wide long on for a six. The 50 is up for the Royals in 3.1 overs.

Wide! Arshdeep begins from around the wicket but sprays a low full toss, down leg. Sooryavanshi swings at it but misses.

Change of ends for Arshdeep Singh. Punjab Kings brings in Harpreet Brar as their Impact Sub, replacing Priyansh Arya. One would have expected them to bring Vijaykumar Vyshak, who has done well this season, but with the slowness of the surface, they have opted for a left-arm spinner.

Priyansh Arya is substituted by Harpreet Brar

Jansen follows Vaibhav with a yorker as he backs away. Sooryavanshi cannot get under it and hits it down to long on for one.

Very full at pace, tailing back into the pads. Sooryavanshi tries to whip it away but is beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads before it deflects behind towards the keeper.

SIX! That has gone back many a mile. Jansen rolls his fingers over the ball and lands it on a length, outside off. Sooryavanshi winds up and gets his hands through the line of the ball. Clobbers it over mid-wicket and parks it many rows back into the stands.

In and around the off stump, on a good length. Jansen does not offer any pace, and Vaibhav steers it to backward point with an open bat face.

Tighter line, on a back of a length, Yashasvi punches it to deep point and crosses over.

FOUR! Jansen is greeted with a boundary. A loosener first up from Marco. Short and wide on off, Jaiswal stands tall on his toes to ride the bounce and thumps it wide of deep point to his left for a four.

SIX! Launched down the ground. Ferguson drags the length back and the line is around middle. He takes pace off too but Sooryavanshi picks it from the hand. He pauses his bat swing for a moment before going through the line. Slams it back over the bowler's head for a six. Ferguson goes for 17 runs in his first over of the season.

SIX! Incredible shot with a touch of flair. Ferguson pitches it up, on the pads. Sooryavanshi gets the front pad out of the way and brings his bottom hand into play. He gets under the ball before whipping it over mid-wicket for half a dozen.

FOUR! Streaky! Across off, on a hard length, on off. Sooryavanshi swivels and swings hard for the pull. Gets a top edge and it sails over the leaping Marco Jansen at slip for a four.

At 143.4 kph, leaving the left-hander, on a back of a length. Sooryavanshi flashes at it but the ball leaves him with the angle and sails over the blade.

Around middle and leg, on a length. Sooryavanshi flicks it to mid-wicket.

Quick single sneaked in. Angling away, on a length, Jaiswal plays a punchy drive to point. A fumble by Arshdeep Singh there and the batters set off for the run. Singh recovers well and has a shy at the bowling end but misses. It would have been interesting had the throw hit.

The Royals are up and running with a fine first over, getting 15 runs off it. Lockie Ferguson to bowl from the other end.

FOUR! Crashed away! After a quiet start, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finishes the over on a high. Arshdeep errs in both line and length. This is short and wide, there to be put away. Sooryavanshi frees his arms and spanks it to the left of the man at deep point for four more.

FOUR! Suryansh Shedge should have done better. Arshdeep attacks the stumps with a length ball. Sooryavanshi puts his head down and has a swipe across the line. The bat turns in his hand and he gets it away through square leg. Shedge sprints to his right in the deep and dives but gets into a bit of a tangle and the ball trickles into the fence off his body.

SIX! You can't keep Sooryavanshi quiet for long. After a couple of away swingers, Arshdeep Singh brings one back into the left-hander. Serves it on a length and drifts on the pads. Vaibhav clears the front leg and whips it over backward square leg for a biggie to get going.

And again! Very full, moving away, in line with the off stump. Sooryavanshi jams it out to the right of the bowler.

Well dug out. Arshdeep bowls it nearly in the blockhole and gets the ball to tail away late. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi watchfully drops his bat down on the ball and keeps it out.

Uppish but safe! A bit of away shape first up for Arshdeep, on a length, outside off. Jaiswal leans into the drive and plays it a bit uppishly, but through the vacant point region. It rolls to the deep for a single. Yashasvi and the Royals are underway.

FOUR! A boundary to close the innings as PBKS finish with momentum in their camp, posting 222 on the board. Low full toss, around off, Stoinis was up for it as he shuffles across the stumps and flicks this through the square leg region for a boundary.

FOUR! There is no escaping the wrath of Stoinis. Full and wide of off, Marcus Stoinis steps back and across and lofts this over the extra cover fielder for yet another boundary. 20 have already come off this over with a ball to spare.

SIX! FIFTY FOR STOINIS! A waist height full toss, around off, Marcus Stoinis gets up on his toes and slogs this from the middle of his bat for a huge biggie over square to complete his half-century. What a blinder of a knock this has been by Stoinis. He walked in when the situation wasn't all that good for the home side and is helping them reach a really strong total. Stoinis sends this upstairs for a check on the fairness of the ball. The replay shows that the ball's trajectory is under the waist of Stoinis, and the on-field decision of a fair delivery stays.

SIX! MUSCLED AWAY! Low full toss, around middle and off, Marcus Stoinis gets underneath it and uses his bottom hand to muscle this over the fence towards the cow corner region for a massive biggie. The Hulk moves to 48 off 19.

FOUR! 200 comes up for PBKS! Full and around the pads, Marcus Stoinis flicks this to the left of short fine leg, and the ball races to the fence in the blink of an eye.

Slower one, wide of off, Marcus Stoinis tries to reach for it and swings but misses as the ball keeps low.

Brijesh Sharma to bowl the last over. He has been the most economical bowler for RR so far, giving away just 18 runs in 3 overs. Can he keep PBKS under 210 here?

Dug in short, angled in, on middle. Stoinis pats it wide of cover for a single. 17 runs off the over!

Direct hit! Low full toss and on off, Suryansh Shedge thumps this to the left of Donovan Ferreira at long on and takes the first aggressively. Shedge turns for the second, but Donovan Ferreira is quick to release the ball towards the bowler's end. Stoinis sends Shedge back, and it turns out to be a good decision as Ferreira hits the stumps with the throw. The replay shows that Suryansh just dragged his bat inside the crease.

Low full toss, around the pads, Suryansh Shedge tucks this through the mid-wicket region and hustles back for the second.

Good length, on off, Marcus Stoinis powers this down to long off for one.

SIX! PUMPED DOWN THE GROUND! Archer bowls it full, and on middle and off, Marcus clears his front leg and hammers this up and over the fence towards the sight screen for another massive biggie.

SIX! DISPATCHED! Short-pitched delivery, around off, Marcus Stoinis waits for it on his back foot and pulls this up and over the fence and the fielder towards the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

Out goes the PBKS skipper, in comes Suryansh Shedge. Also, Jofra Archer (3-0-23-1) to bowl out now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Nandre Burger finishes his spell with a wicket. Slower one, on a length, around off, angling away from the batter. Iyer looks to heave it, but the ball is away from his body, and the skipper of PBKS ends up miscuing it off the cue end of his bat. The ball balloons towards the short fine leg region where Yash Punja is already waiting for it, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi runs to his right from backward square leg to claim it as well. Dhruv Jurel, donning the gloves, calls for it and holds onto it.

Wide yorker, around off, Marcus Stoinis plays this late and slices this with an open bat face to deep third for a single.

Short and wide of off, Marcus Stoinis flat bats this wide of deep extra cover for a brace.

FOUR! It continues to be a poor outing yet again with the ball for Nandre. Full and on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis waits for it deep inside the crease and looks to repeat the stroke from the previous delivery. The bat turns in his hand at the time of contact and the ball goes off the inner half of his bat through the mid-wicket region for four runs.

SIX! THE HULK GOES BIG! Pitched-up delivery, around middle and off, Marcus Stoinis plants his back foot deep inside the crease, gets right underneath the ball and smashes this deep into the crowd towards the long on region for a massive biggie.

Slower one, back of a length, wide of off and going across the batter. Shreyas Iyer shuffles across and helps this to the right of Yash Punja at backward square leg for a run.

Who bowls now? It will be Nandre Burger. He has conceded 45 runs in his first three overs. Can he finish his spell on a high?

Low full toss, on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer works this through mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! First boundary scored off Brijesh in this contest. On a length, around off, Shreyas Iyer stands tall and hammers this through the right of extra cover for a boundary.

Wide yorker, around off, pace on. Shreyas Iyer looks to just guide this towards the third man region, but fails to get bat on ball.

Bumper, around off, Shreyas Iyer looks to pull this initially but doesn't get into a good position to do so and bails out of the stroke.

Good length, around off, Marcus Stoinis punches this to sweeper cover for a single.

Back of a length, around off, Iyer slaps this towards long off for one.

STRATEGIC BREAK! A solid middle phase for the Rajasthan Royals. The first 8 overs went for 95 runs, but they pulled things back well, conceding just 65 in the next 8. Jofra Archer and Brijesh Sharma have been effective in the pace department for RR tonight, while Nandre Burger has been expensive. With both spinners bowled out, it will be interesting to see if Riyan Parag uses Burger's fourth over or turns to someone like Dasun Shanaka instead. Brijesh has been brought back. 2-0-11-0 so far for Sharma.

SIX! Goes all the way! Yash Punja drops it a bit too short and on middle. Marcus Stoinis sees this as a scoring opportunity and rocks back to heave it. He gets it from the inside half of the bat but hits it in the gap between deep mid-wicket and long on, and the ball lands on the boundary cushions on the full.

Slows it up, fullish and on middle, Marcus Stoinis stays deep inside the crease and pushes it back to the bowler.

Drags his length back, around off, Shreyas Iyer stays back and punches it to sweeper cover for one.

Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis goes down for the slog sweep but gets an inside edge towards short fine for another run.

Short again and around off, Shreyas Iyer forces it down to long off for a run.

A googly, short and turning into leg, Marcus Stoinis pats it to long on for a single.

Flatter, shortish and on middle, Shreyas Iyer flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a couple of runs. 150 UP FOR PBKS!

Shorter in length again, outside off, Marcus Stoinis backs away and steers it towards point for one.

Short again and on off, Marcus Stoinis stabs it out to extra cover.

Drags his length back, on middle, Shreyas Iyer tucks it through mid-wicket for another run.

Slows it up, full and on off, Marcus Stoinis drives it to long off for a run.

Shorter in length and on middle, Shreyas Iyer nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

The 48-run stand has been broken. Marcus Stoinis makes his way out to bat. Ravindra Jadeja to bowl out now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Yash Punja gets a massive wicket for his side. He tosses up the leggie, full and outside off, turning it away as well. Prabhsimran Singh skips down the track to go for the big shot, but this is away from his arc, and he has to reach out for it. He goes through with the shot but only manages a top edge that goes high in the air towards cover, where Riyan Parag settles under it and pouches it safely. End of another great knock from Singh, and PBKS are 144/3.

Follows the batter, bowls this quicker and shortish, on leg, Shreyas Iyer stabs it out through extra covers for one.

SIX! Skipper joins the party now! Yash Punja bowls this almost at his toes, on middle, turning it a bit. Shreyas Iyer has all the time in the world to rock back and whack it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Dragged back, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh cuts it away through point for another run.

Goes short again and on middle, Shreyas Iyer mistimes his pull shot down to long on for a run.

Floated, short and around off, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and punches it to long off for a single.

Pitched up and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh stays deep inside the crease and whips it away to deep mid-wicket for one more. Another fine over from Brijesh!

Bangs this into the pitch, on off, Shreyas Iyer heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Hits the length hard, on middle, angling in and pace on, Prabhsimran Singh once again slogs it but gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.

Short of a length and outside off, slower again. Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet but has to drag it. It goes off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket, and Singh comes back for the second run.

Nicely bowled! Back of a length and around off, takes pace off, Prabhsimran Singh goes through the pull very early and misses.

Uppish but safe! Brijesh Sharma bowls a high full toss, on middle. Prabhsimran Singh swings across the line but gets a top edge behind the stumps. Yash Punja is a bit late tracking the ball. He turns around and goes after it from short fine leg but the ball drops out of his reach. Two taken.

Pushed through on middle and off, Singh tucks this through square leg for a single.

Fired onto the pads, Shreyas Iyer tucks this to deep backward square leg for one.

FOUR BYES! Poor by Jurel. Much slower, around off, Shreyas Iyer leans back and looks to play the square cut but fails to get bat on ball. Jurel doesn't gather this either, and the ball nutmegs him for a boundary towards the sight screen behind the stumps.

FIFTY FOR SINGH! Full and on off, Prabhsimran Singh milks this in the ample space towards the mid-wicket region and takes a single to bring up his half-century. Fourth fifty of the season for Prabhsimran, and the young right-hander continues to impress.

A tad short, on off, Shreyas Iyer cuts this towards backward point and takes a quick single as the fielder cuts it off.

Darted into the batter, on middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh works this to the right of Archer at deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slower one, into the deck and towards the pads of Singh. Prabh flicks this through square leg for one.

On a length, in the line of the sticks. Shreyas Iyer flicks this down to long on for an easy rotation of strike.

Good length, around off, Prabhsimran Singh drops this around covers and rotates the strike.

FOUR! A really good stroke this time for a boundary. Back of a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down and away and slaps this over mid off for a boundary more.

FOUR! Archer continues to bowl well without much luck. Short again, around off, Prabhsimran Singh clears his front foot and plants it towards his leg side as he swings at it. Gets an outside edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary behind the stumps.

Short-pitched delivery, around off, Prabhsimran Singh dabs this to the strong side of Jadeja at backward point. Singh was off for one but was sent back just in time by Iyer.

Fuller on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes this down to Donovan Ferreira at long off and takes another single to close the over.

Fired around off, Iyer stands tall and smashes this to wide long off for just one.

Quicker and flatter on off, Shreyas Iyer moves away to his leg side and punches this to the right of sweeper cover for a couple.

Full and on middle and off, Prabhsimran Singh tucks this to deep square leg for a run.

Full and on off, Iyer comes forward and plays it towards long off for a run.

Floated on off, Shreyas Iyer drives this to covers.

FOUR! That's been hit away to the fence. Fuller around the pads, Prabhsimran Singh shuffles across and sweeps this towards the deep backward square leg region for four. The 100 comes up for PBKS.

Quicker one, on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer works this through square leg for a single.

Tossed up, around off, Shreyas Iyer presses onto his front foot and drives this to cover.

A confident shout for LBW, but turned down. Googly, first up, on middle and leg, to the skipper of PBKS. Shreyas Iyer rocks deep inside the crease and goes for a flick but misses out and gets rapped on the back pad. A confident appeal by Punja in particular, but the umpire shrugs it down. Yash convinces his skipper to send this upstairs for DRS. Nothing on the UltraEdge as the ball passes the bat. Ball Tracking has the ball missing the leg pole. Iyer stays and RR lose a review.

In walks the captain of the Punjab Kings. Here is Shreyas Iyer.

OUT! CAUGHT! Yash Punja removes the dangerous-looking Cooper Connolly. Wrong'un, around off, Connolly sinks to a knee and goes through with a lofted stroke. Ends up miscuing this off the cue end towards the long off region. Donovan Ferreira settles himself underneath it and takes it reverse cup over his head to send Cooper Connolly back.

Short of a length, around middle and off, Prabhsimran Singh flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Gets it through! Quicker and shorter, outside off. Cooper Connolly slashes hard at it. It flies off the outer half of the bat but between point and short third for a boundary. 15 runs off the over.

SIX! Third one already for Cooper Connolly! Ravindra Jadeja goes back to his shorter length, on middle and off. Connolly picks up the length early, rocks back and smacks it over the long on fence for half a dozen more. That brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Flighted, full and on off, Prabhsimran Singh drives it to long off for another run.

Drops it short once more, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it with soft hands to the vacant mid-wicket region. He calls for two and turns around, as Ravindra Jadeja himself chases the ball. He slides, picks up the ball, gets up and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end, but Cooper has made his ground.

Flatter, short again and on leg, Cooper Connolly nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Floater, short and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! PBKS are en route to another massive total with the way they have started in this contest. At 80 for 1 after 7 overs and the depth they have got with an in-form Iyer still to unleash, PBKS will be aiming at least 200 plus from here. Rajasthan Royals need to keep chipping in with wickets and the variety, which Yash Punja, Ravindra Jadeja and Dasun Shanaka will bring to the table in the middle phase, will play a key role. Jadeja to bowl after the break.

Pushed through quicker, slightly fuller, outside off, skids through, Cooper Connolly misses out on his cut.

Dragged back, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Short again and around off, Cooper Connolly punches it through cover-point for a run.

SIX! This one is right out of the middle! A half-tracker, begging to be hit. Cooper Connolly opens up his stance and muscles it over the wide long on fence for another biggie.

SIX! High and all the way! Yash Punja drags his length back, on middle. Cooper Connolly stands tall and swats it down the ground. Looks like it goes off the top edge, and Jofra Archer at long on thinks he is in the game. He runs to his right but only to watch the ball just sail over his head for a biggie.

Floated, full and on leg, Prabhsimran Singh clips it through square leg for a single.

End of the Powerplay! It has been another high-scoring one for PBKS as they are 65/1 after the first 6 overs. Arya once again went off the blocks in a flash, but Archer troubled him throughout and eventually got rid of him in the 3rd over. Prabhsimran Singh is starting to get going, and so is Cooper Connolly. Time for spin as Yash Punja comes into the attack. The way Jadeja and Punja bowl in the middle phase might dictate how big a total PBKS put up.

FOUR! Up and over! Nandre Burger sticks to the fuller length and on middle and off. Cooper Connolly makes a bit of room by moving to the leg side. Hits it through the line and sends it well over mid off for a boundary.

Good fielding! Fullish delivery, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh backs a long way away and hits it through the line, drilling it wide of mid off. Jofra Archer moves to his right and dives to make a fine stop. Keeps it to just one.

Keeps the length fuller, on middle, attacking the stumps, Prabhsimran Singh knocks it with a straight bat to mid off.

Pitched up and on middle, Cooper Connolly eases it to long off for a run.

Fuller and on middle this time, Prabhsimran Singh drills it to long on for a single.

SIX! Picked up and how! Nandre Burger serves this fuller but on the pads of the batter. Prabhsimran Singh picks it off cleanly, brings his wrists into play and whips it effortlessly over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Right in the blockhole, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh jams it out towards long on for one more. Just 4 runs off Brijesh's first over!

Pitches it up and on middle, angling in a bit. Cooper Connolly works it off the inner half of his bat onto his pads. The ball deflects towards backward square leg and the batters get one.

WIDE! Errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side, Cooper Connolly fails to glance it away. Called a wide. That also brings up the 50 for PBKS!

Short of a length and around middle, gives no pace to the batter. Cooper Connolly looks to pull it away but goes through the shot early. Gets a bottom edge back onto his thigh pad as the ball goes nowhere.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Cooper Connolly drills it firmly but straight to mid off.

Takes pace off, full and on middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller in length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh drives it hard but off the bottom half of the bat as it rolls to mid off.

Slips in the yorker, on off. Prabhsimran Singh digs it out to mid off and retains the strike with a single. 11 runs off the over.

FOUR! That sounded so sweet! Burger takes pace off but gets the length wrong. This sits up to be hit, around the waist, Prabhsimran nails the pull shot with authority over mid-wicket for four more.

FOUR! Thumped! Burger pitches it up, on middle. Singh backs away and clears the front leg. He gets his hands through the line of the ball and flat bats it back past the bowler's left for a four.

Stays full, following the batter, Prabhsimran Singh moves towards the leg side to force it away. Gets an inside edge and it rolls to short fine leg.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh makes room to slam it down the ground with a horizontal bat. This hits Singh high on the bat, but he gets enough wood on it to clear mid on. Riyan Parag turns around and hauls it in with a tumble, saving a couple of runs for his side.

On a good length, on middle and leg. Prabhsimran Singh stabs it down on the leg side.

Change? No, Riyan Parag is sticking with Nandre Burger.

Going away, on a back of a length. Cooper Connolly shoulders arms.

Priyansh Arya's luck finally runs out. Cooper Connolly walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jofra Archer finally has his man. Fuller and attacking the stumps. Arya gets his hands out in front and swings through the line. His weight stays on the back foot and gets it right off the bottom part of the blade. It is skied to mid on. Nandre Burger takes a few steps in and bends to take a safe catch around his waist.

FOUR! A snorter by Jofra Archer and it has been tipped over by Yashasvi Jaiswal. A tough chance, but a chance nonetheless. You have got to feel for Jofra Archer. Archer digs it in short and gets it to climb onto the batter. Arya cannot drop his wrists quickly and leaves his bat hanging to keep it out. The ball takes the outside edge and flies to first slip. Jaiswal leaps and sticks out both hands over his head. The ball clips his fingertips and goes behind for a four.

Strangled down leg? Dhruv Jurel thinks so, but he gets no support from anyone else. Wide not given and the umpire thinks it has gone off the pad. Sprayed down leg, on a length. Arya fails to lay any bat on the tickle. Oh, wait, Priyansh has reviewed the call of wide. The UltraEdge confirms that the ball grazed the pads before going behind to the keeper. PBKS burn an early review.

A well-directed short ball, over off. Arya rises with the bounce and fends it off.

FOUR! Edged, but there is no slip. Jofra Archer did not seem to know that there was no slip and turned around to Riyan Parag, asking - 'Where is the slip, mate?' On a hard length, across off. Priyansh Arya gets his hands high to fend it down. The ball leaves him with the angle and flies past the keeper, Dhruv Jurel, who flings himself to his left but to no avail.

Drags the length back a bit, on off. Arya punches it to cover-point, where the fielder moves to his right but can't make the stop. He lets it through and the batters cross for one.

FOUR! Edged away! Fuller in length, in the channel on off. Priyansh goes hard on the drive and an outside edge is found. He gets away with it as there is no one at slip and the ball flies past short third's right. 20 runs off the over with a ball to go.

FOUR! Arya will feast on those all night. Burger hurls it on a back of a length, outside off. Arya stands tall on top of the bounce by getting on his toes and just checks the lofted hit over point for four more.

SIX! Class written all over it. Skidding onto the bat nicely, on a good length, just outside the off stump. Stand and deliver stuff from Arya. He holds his shape and presents a high elbow. Lofts it inside out over cover for half a dozen.

FOUR! Gets it away! Fractionally short at waist height, angling in, on middle. Priyansh waits back and gets on top of the bounce to play the short-arm jab. The bat turns in his hand but he gets it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a four.

Arya is off the mark. Burger begins with a short ball, over middle. Priyansh takes it on with the pull but does not quite get hold of it. He clears the in-field square of the wicket on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.

There is definitely some movement on offer on this wicket. Nandre Burger to share the new ball.

Missed out! Too straight from Archer, on a short of a length. Singh glances it off the pads but picks out the man at short fine leg. A couple of meters to the either side and it would have been a boundary.

Oh, that could have trickled back onto the stumps on another day. Pitched up by Jofra, curving back into the right-hander. Prabhsimran Singh moves towards the leg side and has a big heave across the line. He is beaten on the inside edge and the ball catches him on the crouched back thigh before dribbling past the leg stump.

Good comeback. Jagging back in sharply, on a back of a length, on middle. Prabhsimran hangs back to deal with it. He is beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the back pad.

FOUR LEG BYES! Overcorrection from Archer. Jofra looks to tighten his line and bowls it slightly fuller than the previous ball. The line starts a bit too straight and it swings back into the pads. Singh misses out on the tickle but the ball clips his pads and races fine of short fine leg.

FOUR! Flayed away! Prabhsimran Singh and the Punjab Kings are underway. Archer bangs it into the strip but offers width on off. Prabhsimran backs away and hangs deep in the crease. He reaches out and slaps it over cover-point for the first boundary of the game.

Archer steams in from over the wicket and gets the ball to jag back in off a nagging length. Prabhsimran Singh stays on the back foot and defends it right under his eyes.

All in readiness! The two umpires walk out to the middle now. A huge roar from the crowd as they see the two destructive Punjab Kings openers - Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya make their way out. We can see the Rajasthan Royals players in a huddle before they spread out and take their respective field positions. There is no doubt in who will be taking the new ball, it will be Jofra Archer. Let's play...

Impact sub options for RR - Ravi Bishnoi, Ravi Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey and Shimron Hetmyer.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka (On RR debut) (In for Shimron Hetmyer), Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma and Yash Punja (In for Ravi Bishnoi).

Impact sub options for PBKS - Vishnu Vinod, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar and Musheer Khan.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Suryansh Shedge (In for Shashank Singh), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson (In for Xavier Bartlett), Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.

The skipper of the Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer says that they would have bowled first as well, given that the pitch has been under covers for the past couple of days. Iyer informs that Suryansh Shedge and Lockie Ferguson come into the side. Shreyas mentions that while individuals have personal goals, the collective focus remains on maintaining winning momentum. Iyer concludes by offering the team's collective condolences to teammate Azmatullah Omarzai and his family for their loss.

The captain of the Rajasthan Royals - Riyan Parag says that it looks like a pretty good wicket. Adds that there was a bit of rain around as well, maybe some moisture on it, and they want to extract it. Parag informs that Shimron Hetmyer sits out, and Dasun Shanaka replaces him. Takes a couple of seconds to remember the second change and says that Ravi Bishnoi is out with Yash Punja coming in for him. Riyan shares that it is very hard to practice for the small moments. Opines that you just have to hold your nerves under pressure and test your character.

TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin. Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag are present in the centre. Shreyas gives it a flick. Riyan calls it correctly. Rajasthan Royals opt to BOWL first.

A quick chat with the spin wizard - Yuzvendra Chahal says the belief was always there that they could chase 265. He admits that conditions have been favouring the batters, but they, as bowlers, welcome that challenge, as it pushes them to improve. Chahal shares that he always looks to attack with the ball and values the freedom given by the captain and management to express himself. Above all, he stresses a team-first approach as the main thing.

How are the visitors feeling? Donovan Ferreira calls New Chandigarh an amazing venue and says the pitch looks good based on the earlier games played here. Believes that RR have been playing good cricket. When asked about his thoughts on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Donovan smiles and says that at Vaibhav’s age, he was still playing with toy trucks, while Vaibhav is hitting sixes all over the park. Ferreira says that batting at number six helps him understand how the wicket is behaving by the time he comes in, and it is up to the openers to assess the conditions early. When asked about his learnings from the IPL, Donovan replies that he has learnt to be more explosive in his approach. He stresses the importance of backing himself and believes it is about taking the brave option.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta is pitchside. He says that this is a fairly bigger ground than the rest. Adds that the square boundaries are 70 and 64 meters, while the straight hit is 74 meters. Danny Morrison joins him and says that there was a bit of rain around, but there is a good covering of grass on the surface. He reckons that both sides have quality pacers who will be able to swing or seam the ball on this wicket early on. Dasgupta shares that this surface is more like the 219 wicket, you can see the sheen, and the ball will skid onto the bat nicely. Ends by saying that you will want to bowl first to figure out what the par score is on this pitch.

Tactical outlook - The defining narrative of this contest lies in the battle between the explosive PBKS batting unit and the lethal RR bowling attack. With the likes of Jofra and Burger with sheer pace early on and Bishnoi strangling teams in the middle, RR do seem to have the perfect antidote to Punjab's aggressive style. Ultimately, the side that holds its nerve better will clinch the victory. Stay tuned for toss and team news.

Fielding woes - In a match of such high quality, the difference could ultimately come down to who holds onto their chances. Rajasthan Royals will be wary of their sluggish fielding, which has already cost them dearly this season. Punjab Kings haven't been perfect either, having dropped a lot of catches, with Shashank Singh being a notable culprit. Against elite opposition, a single mistake in the field can be the catalyst for defeat, making ground fielding and catching a top priority for both sides tonight.

The brilliance and the burden - While Rajasthan Royals remain a top-tier side, their campaign has been defined by a heavy reliance on their superstar top three. When the trio of Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi, and Jurel clicks, RR looks like one of the most dangerous batting units in the IPL. However, the cracks become visible when they fail to fire. The middle order has struggled to provide the same impetus, resulting in the team falling a few runs short. Against a PBKS side that scores relentlessly, the RR top order must not only start well but also bat deep.

Riding the wave of a historic chase - The Punjab Kings currently sit comfortably at the top of the points table, exuding a level of confidence that has rarely been seen in their franchise history. Much of this self-belief stems from their recent historic run-chase, where they hunted down a mammoth target with such clinical ease that it sent shockwaves through the competition. Their opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya has been operating at peak efficiency, ensuring that no total feels out of reach when they are in pursuit. This invincible aura makes them a terrifying prospect for any opponent, as they seem to find a different hero in every match.

An unstoppable force vs a lethal object - Hello, and welcome to everyone tuning in. Anticipation has reached a fever pitch as Match 40 of IPL 2026 brings together two of the tournament's most formidable units at New Chandigarh. The Punjab Kings arrive as an indomitable force, still carrying their perfect record deep into the season. However, they face their steepest challenge yet in the Rajasthan Royals, a deadly side equipped with a bowling arsenal specifically designed to dismantle high-flying lineups. Can RR finally crack the Punjab code and hand the league leaders their first setback?

... MATCH DAY ...

Kings on a roll - Riding a wave of confidence and rewriting record books along the way, Punjab Kings step into Match 40 of the Indian Premier League 2026 for a high-stakes clash at the New PCA Stadium, where they face a Rajasthan Royals side searching for answers. Punjab are the only unbeaten team in the competition and are coming off a historic high, chasing down 265 against Delhi Capitals, the highest successful chase in T20 history. It also underlines their reputation as the best chasing side in the league, with a record 11 successful 200-plus run chases, meaning no total is ever truly safe against them. Depth untouched - At the heart of Punjab's dominance is their fearless batting unit. Prabhsimran Singh has been their standout performer with 287 runs, smashing three half-centuries in his last four games, while Priyansh Arya has been relentless at the top with a staggering strike rate of 249.01, making them one of the most dangerous opening pairs this season. Cooper Connolly has slotted perfectly into number three, adding stability, while Shreyas Iyer has elevated his game to another level, scoring four fifties - all in chases, showing his growing mastery in pressure situations. What makes Punjab even more dangerous is that their middle order hasn't fully been tested yet. Nehal Wadhera has chipped in with handy cameos, while the presence of Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh as finishers provides serious firepower, with Shashank also contributing crucial wickets with the ball. Add Marco Jansen's all-round abilities, and this is a unit that looks complete on paper and in execution. A complete bowling unit - Their bowling has quietly backed up the batting brilliance. Arshdeep Singh is finding his rhythm at the right time, while Xavier Bartlett and Vijaykumar Vyshak have provided solid support. Yuzvendra Chahal continues to lead the spin attack with control and experience, and with Connolly capable of chipping in, Punjab have multiple options at their disposal. If there's one slight concern, it's been their fielding in the last couple of games, with a few dropped chances creeping in. It hasn't cost them yet, but it's something they'll want to clean up as the tournament enters a crucial phase. Royals' rise and recent fall - Rajasthan Royals began their campaign in dominant fashion with four straight wins but have since lost three of their last four games, exposing cracks that were previously hidden. Despite the dip, they remain a dangerous side, capable of turning things around quickly, especially with the kind of talent they possess. Teenage sensation - The biggest positive for Rajasthan has been the sensational rise of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has taken the league by storm with 357 runs in eight games. His blistering 37-ball 103 in the last outing not only showcased his immense talent but also saw him become the youngest player to 1000 T20 runs and the fastest to get there in terms of balls faced. Alongside him, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been inconsistent but still effective, averaging 42.50. However, Rajasthan's problem lies in their overdependence on this opening pair. Once they are separated, the innings tends to lose momentum. Middle order woes continues - Promoting Dhruv Jurel has paid dividends, with three fifties to his name this season, but beyond him, the middle order has struggled to make an impact. Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer haven't even crossed triple digits this season, highlighting their struggles, while Donovan Ferreira has shown glimpses of promise without fully capitalising. Ravindra Jadeja's presence adds experience and balance, contributing with both bat and ball, but there's a sense that he hasn't been utilised to his full potential. Rajasthan's inability to finish innings strongly has been a recurring issue, costing them in tight games. Strength in bowling - Their bowling attack, though, remains one of the best in the competition. Jofra Archer has led from the front with 13 wickets and a knack for striking with the very first ball, setting the tone early. Nandre Burger has been equally effective with the new ball, while Brijesh Sharma has taken up the responsibility in the middle and death overs. Ravi Bishnoi, with 11 wickets, has been their key spinner. Yet, despite this strong attack, their failure to defend 228 in the last game will linger in their minds, raising questions about execution under pressure. Conditions and the stakes - The surface at Mullanpur has generally offered good bounce and carry, making it a venue where batters can trust the pitch and play their shots, often resulting in high-scoring contests. However, there is enough assistance for pacers early on, making the Powerplay phase crucial for both sides. Team form (Last 5 completed matches, recent first) - PBKS - WWWWW | RR - LWLLW. Momentum vs redemption - Rajasthan hold a 17-13 edge in the overall head-to-head, but the recent record stands evenly at 3-3, reflecting how closely contested this rivalry has been. Punjab will look to extend their unbeaten run and tighten their grip at the top, while Rajasthan are desperate to halt their slide and rediscover their early-season form. One team is playing fearless cricket with everything going right, the other is searching for answers despite flashes of brilliance, setting the stage for a contest where momentum meets desperation, and where one performance could shift the narrative yet again.