In a high-scoring encounter in New Chandigarh, the Rajasthan Royals triumphed over the Punjab Kings by six wickets, handing Punjab their first defeat of the IPL 2026 season. The Royals chased down a target of 222 runs, finishing with 228 for 4 in just 19.2 overs. Donovan Ferreira was instrumental in the victory, remaining not out at 52 runs, while Shubham Dubey played a pivotal role, contributing significantly to a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 77 runs off just 32 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal also shone with the bat, scoring 51 runs. For Punjab, Marcus Stoinis and Prabhsimran Singh provided solid performances, scoring 62 and 59 runs, respectively. The match showcased the importance of impactful players and set the stage for an exciting IPL season ahead.