Even though IPL 2025 didn’t start well for Jofra Archer, he has now found his old rhythm. After performing well against Chennai Super Kings, Archer is now troubling Punjab’s batsmen too. Rajasthan’s star bowler shook the Punjab Kings camp in the very first over. Archer clean bowled Priyansh Arya on the very first ball and sent him back to the pavilion. Just four balls later, he also dismissed Punjab captain and top scorer Shreyas Iyer. Iyer had no answer to Archer’s pace and had to return after scoring just 10 runs.
Archer Wreaked Havoc with the Ball
While chasing a target of 206 runs given by the Rajasthan Royals, the Punjab Kings had a poor start. Jofra Archer struck on the very first ball, clean bowling Priyansh Arya. The delivery looked like a fireball, and Priyansh was completely beaten by the pace. In the same over, Archer struck again. This time, he dismissed Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer. Iyer tried to make room and play a shot, but he was outsmarted by Archer’s speed. The ball hit the stumps, and Iyer had to walk back without scoring.
Yashasvi and Parag Gave Rajasthan a Strong Start
Rajasthan Royals, who batted first after losing the toss, got a solid start. Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Sanju Samson added 89 runs for the first wicket in 10.2 overs. Samson scored 38 runs off 26 balls. Yashasvi played fine innings of 67 runs in 45 balls, hitting 3 fours and 5 big sixes.
Riyan Parag, who came in at number three, also batted well and scored 43 runs from 25 balls. He played at a strike rate of 172 and smashed 3 fours and 3 sixes. In the final overs, Dhruv Jurel added a quick 13 runs from 5 balls, helping the Rajasthan Royals reach 205 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs.
Archer Equals Warne’s Historic Milestone
Jofra Archer’s dismissal of Shreyas Iyer on Saturday helped him reach a special milestone. He became the fifth bowler to take 50 wickets for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. This match against Punjab Kings was Archer’s 39th IPL game for Rajasthan, and he now has 50 wickets to his name.
Most Wickets in IPL for the Rajasthan Royals
| Position | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 46 | 66 | 5/40 |
| 2 | Siddharth Trivedi | 76 | 65 | 4/25 |
| 3 | Shane Watson | 78 | 61 | 3/10 |
| 4 | Shane Warne | 55 | 57 | 3/21 |
| 5 | Jofra Archer | 39 | 50 | 3/15 |
| 6 | James Faulkner | 42 | 47 | 5/16 |
Shane Warne, who led Rajasthan Royals to their first IPL title in 2008, was the first bowler to take 50 wickets for the team.