IPL 2025: PBKS vs RR, Match 18 – Full highlights, top moments & winner details

In Mullanpur, Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS), delivering their first IPL 2025 loss. The away team outperformed the home team in every aspect of the game, putting on a clinical display. In order to defeat a strong opponent like PBKS, RR had to work as a team. Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jofra Archer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were instrumental in RR’s victory.

After winning the toss, PBKS chose to bowl first. With the ideal balance of aggression and caution, RR batted well. With their 89-run opening partnership, Jaiswal and Samson set the tone for the first champions. With the support of Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer’s cameos, Riyan Parag carried the momentum, resulting in a fantastic score of 205/4 on the board.

On a surface that was difficult to bat on, the total was much over average. Due to their inability to regularly take wickets, the PBKS bowlers were unable to take full use of the surface. They were unable to put pressure on the batters or limit runs. This error was avoided by the RR bowlers, who pursued the PBKS hitters after realising the surface’s true characteristics.

PBKS’ innings was completely upended by a magnificent period of bowling by Jodra Archer and Sandeep Sharma, who used both the old and new balls. Apart than Nehwal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell’s collaboration, PBKS had nothing to rejoice over in the second installment. After a decisive victory of 50 runs, RR erased a significant portion of their negative net run rate.

Key Moments from PBKS vs RR, Match 18 of IPL 2025

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to form

Yashasvi Jaiswal was out of form for a long time. However, he played a good knock for his side despite not being at his fluent best. The Southpaw scored 67 runs in 45 balls, which included 3 fours and 5 sixes. Along with Samson at the other end, he framed an opening stand of 89 runs, which set the platform for RR’s innings.

Take a look at Yashasvi Jaiswal’s knock here: