IPL 2026: PBKS vs RR Today's Match Highlights: Unmissable video recap, turning points, match analysis, stats and more

Rajasthan Royals (RR) handed Punjab Kings (PBKS) their first loss of the season with a six-wicket victory at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh in Match 40 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Tuesday, April 28.

Being put into bat, the Punjab Kings started slowly, courtesy of a brilliant opening spell from Jofra Archer, who dismissed Priyansh Arya early. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone for the innings with another half-century, scoring 59 runs off 44 balls. The Kings slowed down in the middle overs thanks to brilliant bowling from leg-spinner Yash Raj Punja, who picked up two wickets. Marcus Stoinis’ 62 off just 22 balls, a display of brutal hitting in the final three overs, took the Kings to a significant total of 222/6.

The Royals started the chase in fine fashion, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s early aggression, a common theme from this season. He scored 43 off just 16 balls, which got the Royals off to a blistering start. He fell to Arshdeep Singh, after which Yashasvi Jaiswal took over as aggressor. He scored a brilliant 51 off just 27 balls before Yuzvendra Chahal put the brakes on the Royals' innings with three wickets.

Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferrreira got together to take the Royals home with an unbeaten partnership of 77 runs off 32 balls. Ferreira finished unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls, while Dubey remained unbeaten on 31 off 12 balls to take the Royals home with four balls to spare. 

Here are the top moments from Match 40:

1. Prabhsimran continues rich vein of form with half-century

Facing a hostile opening spell from Jofra Archer did not deter Prabhsimran Singh’s confidence as the opener set the platform for the Kings’ innings with a 44-ball 59. With edges flying all over in the opening over, Prabhsimran targeted Nandre Burger early on and continued his attack against the spinners post the powerplay. After reaching his half-century off 35 balls, he slowed down but ensured that his team was able to set the platform for a strong total.

2. Stoinis shows he has still got it

It was a surprising call from the Punjab Kings in 2025 to drop Marcus Stoinish down to the role of finisher. The Australian all-rounder has found success at the top of the order in the tournament in the past, and has yet to kick on for the Kings this season due to this diminished role. But when the time came, he proved yet again why he is one of the most feared batters in this format. Coming in at number 5 in the 15th over, Stoinis went after the Royals bowlers in the final three overs, getting 24 runs off Brijesh Sharma in the final over of the innings. Stoinis made a whopping 62 off just 22 balls. 

3. Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi wreak havoc together once more

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been the most exciting opening pair in IPL 2026, and they showed yet again why they are a force to be reckoned with. The 15-year-old took the attack to the Punjab bowlers, scoring 43 off just 16 balls before falling to Arshdeep Singh. Jaiswal then took the attack to the Kings bowlers as the Royals finished the powerplay on 84/1. Jaiswal finished his innings on 51 off just 27 balls.

4. Yuzvendra Chahal's three-wicket burst

Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of the IPL's greatest proponents, and he once again showed why he is so highly rated in the tournament. The leg-spinner finished his spell with figures of 3/36, denting the Royals' momentum in the chase. He got rid of Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag as the Punjab Kings pulled things back in the middle overs.

5) Dubey, Ferreira take the Royals home

The Rajasthan Royals have had issues with their middle order all season, which has been their detriment in multiple games. But on this occasion, the pair of Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferreira came together with the Royals needing 72 runs off the last six overs. The pair took the attack to the Kings' bowlers, reaching the total with four balls to spare.