New Delhi: In a high-octane clash that went down to the wire Punjab Kings emerged victorious by 10 runs against Rajasthan Royals in a run-fest during the 2025 IPL season. Batting first Punjab posted an imposing total of 219 for 5 in their 20 overs thanks to stellar knocks from Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh before their bowlers held their nerve to restrict Rajasthan to 209 for 7. The innings started briskly for Punjab as Priyansh Arya (9 off 7) and Prabhsimran Singh (21 off 10) provided a quickfire start. However both fell inside the powerplay with Tushar Deshpande striking twice. Mitchell Owen’s brief stay ended without scoring and Punjab were suddenly 34 for 3. Skipper Shreyas Iyer (30 off 25) and Nehal Wadhera then steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. Wadhera in particular was sensational smashing 70 off 37 balls at a strike rate of 189.19 including 5 fours and 5 sixes. His departure in the 16th over did not slow things down as Shashank Singh provided the finishing touches with a blistering 59 not out off just 30 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with a cameo of 21* off 9 deliveries propelling Punjab to 219/5. In reply Rajasthan got off to a flying start with Yashasvi Jaiswal (50 off 25) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40 off 15) punishing the new-ball bowlers. They reached 76/1 inside five overs before Harpreet Brar pulled things back. Brar was exceptional bagging 3 for 22 and removing both openers as well as the dangerous Riyan Parag. Sanju Samson (20 off 16) and Dhruv Jurel (53 off 31) kept Rajasthan in the hunt but regular wickets derailed their chase. Omarzai picked up two key scalps including Samson and Hetmyer. With 19 needed off the final over Marco Jansen ensured Punjab held their nerve taking two wickets in successive balls and finishing with figures of 3-41. Despite a valiant effort from Rajasthan’s batting unit Punjab’s disciplined middle-overs bowling especially from Brar and Omarzai proved decisive. The win keeps Punjab in playoff contention while Rajasthan will rue missed opportunities in a game that had plenty of momentum swings. With this win Punjab Kings have qualified for the play off spot after 2014.