Rajasthan Royals Defeat Punjab Kings by 6 Wickets, End Their Unbeaten Run in IPL 2026

April 29, 2026: Punjab Kings posted a formidable total after a strong finish powered by Marcus Stoinis, before Rajasthan Royals responded with an explosive chase in a high-scoring IPL 2026 encounter at New Chandigarh.

Punjab’s innings saw momentum shifts after a steady start. Following an early setback at 59 runs, the middle order briefly struggled as captain Shreyas Iyer managed 30 off 27 balls, unable to significantly accelerate the scoring rate. However, the innings was dramatically revived by Marcus Stoinis, who unleashed a blistering unbeaten 62 off just 22 deliveries, propelling Punjab Kings to a commanding total of 222.

Chasing 223, Rajasthan Royals needed a solid start, especially given their inconsistent middle-order form throughout the season. Opening the innings, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal once again provided an aggressive foundation, setting the tone for the chase with fearless stroke play.

Sooryavanshi-Jaiswal Firepower Sets the Platform

The 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his remarkable rise, smashing 43 runs off just 16 balls, once again putting the opposition bowlers under immediate pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal supported brilliantly with a fluent 51 off 27 balls, forming a rapid and decisive opening partnership.

After their dismissals, Rajasthan experienced a brief slowdown in the middle overs. Riyan Parag contributed a valuable 29 off 16 balls, helping stabilize the innings at a crucial stage. Despite some pressure from Punjab, including a strong spell from Yuzvendra Chahal, who picked up three wickets, Rajasthan remained in control of the chase.

The finishing responsibility was taken over by Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey, who produced a composed yet aggressive partnership under pressure. Ferreira remained unbeaten on 52, while Dubey contributed an unbeaten 31, guiding Rajasthan to a successful chase of 223 with four balls to spare.

Punjab Kings’ winning streak came to an end with this result, though they retained the top position on the points table with 13 points. Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore followed closely in second and third place, both on 12 points.

Not our night! pic.twitter.com/h8MZpjG4TF

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 28, 2026

Jaiswal Breaks Rahane’s RR Record; Sooryavanshi Creates IPL History

Yashasvi Jaiswal also achieved a significant personal milestone during the match. His half-century marked his 20th fifty-plus score for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, moving him past Ajinkya Rahane to become the third-highest in franchise history for 50+ scores.

Only Jos Buttler (25) and Sanju Samson (25) now stand ahead of him in this elite list, highlighting Jaiswal’s consistency and impact at the top order.

Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to make headlines by entering the record books. With his explosive 43-run innings, he crossed the 400-run mark in IPL 2026 in just 167 deliveries, becoming the fastest player in a single season to reach the milestone in terms of balls faced.

His innings once again showcased his aggressive intent, as he dominated the Punjab bowling attack early on. Sooryavanshi struck boundaries at will, including multiple sixes and fours in the powerplay, before eventually falling after a blazing start that had already put Rajasthan ahead in the chase.

RR Complete Record Chase in High-Pressure Finish

Despite occasional breakthroughs from Punjab, the Rajasthan Royals’ depth in batting proved decisive. The calm and composed finishing effort ensured they successfully chased down 223 runs with four balls remaining, sealing a memorable victory in a high-pressure encounter.

The match not only ended Punjab Kings’ winning momentum but also strengthened Rajasthan Royals’ position in the points table, keeping the playoff race intensely competitive as IPL 2026 progresses.