IPL 2026: RR snap PBKS’ unbeaten streak, chase down 222 with four bowls to spare

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) became the first team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to defeat the Punjab Kings (PBKS), bringing an end to their seven-match winning streak.

PBKS posted a formidable total of 222 runs in 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from Prabhsimran Singh and Marcus Stoinis. However, RR successfully chased down the target in 19.2 overs in a high-scoring thriller.

RR restrict PBKS in the middle overs

Punjab openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh got off to a flying start, adding 37 runs in just 2.4 overs before Jofra Archer dismissed Arya on the fifth ball of the third over.

While Singh continued and brought up a half-century, he couldn’t accelerate as expected, scoring 59 off 44 balls at a strike rate of 134. Contributions from Cooper Connolly (30 off 14) and Shreyas Iyer (30 off 27) helped PBKS maintain momentum, but both were dismissed by Yash Raj Punja and Nadre Burger respectively.

It was Marcus Stoinis’ explosive knock of 62 off just 22 balls that gave Punjab the late surge, helping them post a massive total of 222.

From the RR bowling unit, Archer picked up one wicket for 14 runs in his four overs. Punja was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets for 41 runs, while Burger also chipped in with one wicket.

Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi, and Ferreira led the charge for RR

In response, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided RR with a strong start, adding 51 runs for the opening wicket. Sooryavanshi played a blistering knock of 43 off just 16 deliveries, smashing five sixes and three fours before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh in the fourth over.
Jaiswal continued the momentum, scoring a fluent 51 off 27 balls before falling to Yuzvendra Chahal on the final ball of his spell.

Dhruv Jurel struggled to find rhythm, managing just 16 off 20 balls, while captain Riyan Parag tried to keep the chase on track with a quick 29 off 16 deliveries before also falling to Chahal.

The game was then sealed by Donovan Ferreira and impact substitute Shubham Dubey, who stitched together a match-winning 77-run partnership off just 32 balls. Ferreira remained the standout performer, scoring 52 off 26 deliveries, while Dubey chipped in with a rapid 31 off 12 balls.

Ferreira was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his crucial innings.