Rajasthan Royals produced a sensational batting display to chase down a massive 223-run target and defeat Punjab Kings by 6 wickets with four balls to spare in Match 40 of the IPL 2026 at New Chandigarh. A blistering unbeaten knock from Donovan Ferreira guided RR home after Punjab Kings had earlier posted a daunting 222/4.
Punjab Kings Post Huge Total
Punjab Kings started aggressively and dominated the powerplay, reaching 65/1 in the first six overs. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with positive stroke play and brought up a fine half-century off 35 balls, striking boundaries at regular intervals.
The middle order continued the momentum as Punjab crossed 100 in the ninth over and 150 by the 15th over. Skipper Shreyas Iyer chipped in with a handy contribution, while the late assault came from Marcus Stoinis.
Stoinis unleashed absolute carnage in the death overs, smashing 62 off just 20 balls with 2 fours and 6 towering sixes. His brutal finishing helped Punjab Kings reach an imposing 222/4 in 20 overs.
Royals Counterattack Fearlessly
In response, Rajasthan Royals came out all guns blazing, scoring 84/1 in the powerplay. The opening stand gave them the perfect launchpad, with Yashasvi Jaiswal playing a fluent innings.
Jaiswal reached his fifty in only 26 balls, keeping the required rate under control. Even after a few wickets in the middle overs, Royals never lost momentum as the chase remained firmly on track.
Donovan Ferreira then delivered the finishing touch with a match-winning unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes under pressure. Supported by Shubham Dubey, RR crossed 200 in the 18th over before sealing victory at 228/4 in 19.2 overs.
Player of the Match
Donovan Ferreira was named Player of the Match for his explosive unbeaten 52 off 26 balls that powered Rajasthan Royals to a memorable win.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings: 222/4 (20 overs)
Marcus Stoinis: 62 (20), Prabhsimran Singh 50
Rajasthan Royals: 228/4 (19.2 overs)
Donovan Ferreira: 52* (26), Yashasvi Jaiswal 50
Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 6 wickets
Rajasthan Royals showed nerves of steel in a high-scoring thriller, while Punjab Kings were left wondering how 222 was not enough.