IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals hand Punjab Kings first defeat as Donovan Ferreira’s fifty seals 6-wicket win

Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey produced a sensational finish, stitching an unbeaten 77-run partnership off just 32 balls to guide Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling six-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Match 40 of IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.

With the chase finely poised after 14 overs and the required rate climbing beyond 12, the duo turned the game on its head. Ferreira and Dubey targeted the pace attack with precision, capitalising when the spinners were out of the attack. Arshdeep Singh was taken apart for three boundaries in an over, while Marco Jansen also leaked crucial runs. Their fearless hitting ensured RR cruised home with ease, handing PBKS their first defeat of the season.

Sooryavanshi Sets the Tone

Earlier, Rajasthan’s chase was ignited by a stunning cameo from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After being given the strike by Yashasvi Jaiswal, the youngster made an immediate impact.

Despite Arshdeep starting with pinpoint yorkers, Sooryavanshi counterattacked brilliantly, smashing 6, 4, 4 in the opening over. He continued his assault against Lockie Ferguson and Jansen, racing to 43 off just 16 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes) before being dismissed.

In the process, he reached 400 runs in just 167 balls at a staggering strike rate of 238.09, the fastest to the mark in an IPL season. RR stormed to 66/1 in just four overs, setting the foundation for the chase.

After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, Yashasvi Jaiswal took charge, playing a composed yet aggressive knock. He brought up a 26-ball fifty, finishing with 51 off 27 balls. However, PBKS fought back through Yuzvendra Chahal, who removed both Jaiswal and Riyan Parag (29) in quick succession. Along with Dhruv Jurel’s slow 16 off 20, RR’s momentum dipped, managing just 25 runs across four overs.

At one stage, the equation read 100 needed off 52 balls, with the pressure firmly back on Rajasthan. Just when PBKS looked to regain control, Ferreira and Dubey flipped the script. With clean hitting and calm composure, they dismantled the bowling attack in the death overs.

Ferreira led the charge with a blazing 52, while Dubey played the perfect supporting role as RR chased down the target in 19.2 overs without losing another wicket.

Earlier: Stoinis Powers PBKS to 222
Batting first, Punjab Kings posted a strong 222/4, thanks to a late blitz from Marcus Stoinis (62 off 22).