IPL 2026 Live Cricket Score: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals 40th Match Scorecard – April 28

Punjab Kings secured their first home victory of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with a commanding 72-run win over Rajasthan Royals in the 40th match of the tournament. The match, played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on April 28, 2026, saw Punjab Kings post a formidable total before restricting Rajasthan Royals to a chase well below par. The result marked a significant turnaround for Punjab Kings, who had struggled in previous home fixtures this season, while Rajasthan Royals suffered their third consecutive loss, slipping further down the points table.

Punjab Kings Set the Tone with Bat

Punjab Kings elected to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that paid off as they amassed a total of 198/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a blistering 89-run partnership between opening batter Shashank Singh and middle-order batsman Liam Ferreira. Singh, who was named Player of the Match, struck 67 runs off 42 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes, providing the early momentum. Ferreira, who contributed 45 runs off 28 deliveries, played a crucial supporting role, ensuring Punjab Kings maintained a run rate above 10 for the majority of their innings.

The middle overs saw Punjab Kings consolidate their position, with brief but impactful contributions from Rilee Rossouw (22 off 12) and Jitesh Sharma (18 off 9). Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack, led by pacer Avesh Khan, managed to break the partnership in the 16th over, but by then, the damage had been done. Khan finished with figures of 2/38, while spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, typically a wicket-taking threat, went wicketless and conceded 42 runs in his four overs.

Rajasthan Royals’ Chase Never Gains Traction

Chasing 199 for victory, Rajasthan Royals got off to a shaky start, losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second over to Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh. The dismissal set the tone for Rajasthan Royals’ innings, as they struggled to build partnerships against a disciplined Punjab Kings bowling attack. Jos Buttler, who had been in fine form earlier in the season, was dismissed for just 12 runs, caught at mid-off by Liam Livingstone off the bowling of Nathan Ellis.

The introduction of spinners in the middle overs further stifled Rajasthan Royals’ progress. Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar applied consistent pressure, conceding just 5.2 runs per over between them. Rajasthan Royals’ middle order, including Sanju Samson (28 off 24) and Riyan Parag (22 off 18), offered brief resistance but failed to accelerate the required run rate. By the 15th over, Rajasthan Royals were reduced to 98/5, effectively ending their hopes of a comeback.

Punjab Kings’ seamers closed out the innings efficiently, with Arshdeep Singh and Nathan Ellis picking up two wickets each. Rajasthan Royals were eventually bowled out for 126 runs in 18.3 overs, handing Punjab Kings a comprehensive 72-run victory. The defeat left Rajasthan Royals with just four wins from 10 matches, placing them in the bottom half of the IPL 2026 standings.

Key Performances and Turning Points

The match’s turning point came in the 10th over of Punjab Kings’ innings, when Shashank Singh and Liam Ferreira combined to score 18 runs off a single over bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin. The over included two boundaries and a six, shifting the momentum firmly in Punjab Kings’ favor. Singh’s aggressive approach during the powerplay set the platform for Punjab Kings’ total, while Ferreira’s calculated strokeplay ensured the innings remained on track despite a brief mid-innings lull.

Defensively, Punjab Kings’ spinners played a pivotal role in dismantling Rajasthan Royals’ middle order. Rahul Chahar’s figures of 2/22 in four overs were particularly impressive, as he consistently beat the bat with his variations. Harpreet Brar, who bowled a tight spell of 1/25, provided crucial support, ensuring Rajasthan Royals never gained a foothold in the chase.

For Rajasthan Royals, the lack of partnerships proved costly. Their top three batters—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson—combined for just 49 runs, leaving the middle order with an insurmountable task. The absence of a significant partnership beyond 30 runs highlighted Rajasthan Royals’ struggles with consistency this season, a sharp contrast to their strong start in the tournament.

Standings and Implications

The result provided a much-needed boost for Punjab Kings, who had previously failed to capitalize on home advantage in the early stages of the season. With this victory, Punjab Kings moved to five wins from 10 matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The win also marked their first home victory at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in IPL 2026, ending a streak of three consecutive home losses.

For Rajasthan Royals, the defeat extended their losing streak to three matches, raising questions about their ability to maintain momentum in the latter half of the season. With just four wins from 10 games, Rajasthan Royals now face an uphill battle to secure a playoff berth. Their remaining fixtures include crucial matches against direct competitors for the top four spots, making consistency in batting and bowling imperative.

What Comes Next

Punjab Kings will look to build on this victory when they travel to Mumbai to face Mumbai Indians on May 1, 2026. Mumbai Indians, currently placed in the top four, present a formidable challenge, but Punjab Kings’ confidence will be high following their dominant performance against Rajasthan Royals. Key to their success will be maintaining the form of their top order and ensuring their spinners continue to apply pressure in the middle overs.

Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, will host Chennai Super Kings on April 30, 2026, in a must-win encounter. Chennai Super Kings, perennial contenders, will test Rajasthan Royals’ ability to bounce back from their recent slump. Rajasthan Royals will need their top order to fire and their bowlers to execute their plans more effectively if they are to revive their playoff ambitions.

Player of the Match: Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh’s 67 off 42 balls was the cornerstone of Punjab Kings’ innings, providing the foundation for their imposing total. His innings included seven fours and three sixes, with the highlight being a pulled six off Ravichandran Ashwin that shifted the momentum of the match. Singh’s ability to rotate strike while maintaining a strike rate of over 150 was crucial in setting up Punjab Kings’ victory. Following the match, Singh expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, We stuck to our plans and executed them well. The bowlers did a fantastic job, and it’s great to finally get a win at home.

The win also provided a morale boost for Punjab Kings’ captain, Shikhar Dhawan, who had been under pressure following a string of losses. Dhawan, who contributed 15 runs in the match, praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the importance of backing young players like Singh and Ferreira. It’s important to give youngsters the confidence to express themselves, Dhawan said in the post-match presentation. Tonight, they showed what they’re capable of.

Conclusion

Punjab Kings’ 72-run victory over Rajasthan Royals was a statement of intent, demonstrating their ability to dominate both with the bat and ball. The win not only ended their home losing streak but also reignited their playoff hopes. For Rajasthan Royals, the defeat served as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining consistency, particularly in their batting department. As the IPL 2026 season enters its crucial phase, both teams will need to address their respective weaknesses to remain competitive in the race for the playoffs.