After 11 years, Punjab Kings Secure Playoff Berth with exciting win over Rajasthan royal
With a hard-fought 10-run triumph over Rajasistan Royals in Jaipur on Sunday, Punjab Kings broke their 11-year playoff drought in the Indian Premier League. With two league games remaining to go, the victory represented their eighth of the season and landed them third on the IPL 2025 points table.
Thanks to vital half-centuries from Nehal Wadhera (70) and Shashank Singh (59), Punjab Kings displayed outstanding batting performance with 219/5. Following a team slip to 34/3 early in the innings, the pair made an incredible comeback. In the chase, Rajasistan Royals answered fiercely, reaching 76 without loss in just 4.4 overs; nevertheless, a disciplined bowling performance allowed Punjab stay calm and restrict the Royals to 209/7.
Speaking with the team in the dressing room following the game, head coach Ricky Ponting commended Wadhera and Shashank for their under pressure tenacity.
“What you (Nehal) did was immediately put the pressure back on them – that’s what this format needs. Putting up 67 runs off 44 balls, you developed a close relationship with Shreyas (Iyer). Once more, Shashank gave when the team most needed him.
Ponting also praised left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, who arrived as an Impact Player and transformed the game with figures of 3/22 in four overs — his best of the season. Brar fired Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi to stop Rajasthan’s pursuit.
“You (Brar) and Dubey have bowled more than anyone else over the past eight weeks. You worked hard; today it paid off. Ponting said, “You made a big impact; we’re all proud of you.”
Player of the Match Brar attributed his performance to Ponting’s encouragement and the direction of spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi.
“It tastes fantastic. Brar said: “I dedicate this award to my wife; it’s my first Player of the Match since marriage.” “Ponting Sir has greatly inspired me. I kept it basic, concentrating on not offering simple restrictions. Over the years, Sunil Joshi has been of great assistance—particularly with regard to crease and reading batters.
Punjab Kings seem ready for a great run in the IPL 2025 playoffs as their momentum peaks at the appropriate period.
