Punjab Kings edged out Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs in Match 59 of the Indian Premier League on Saturday, boosting their hopes of a playoff berth.

Opting to bat first at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Punjab posted an imposing total of 219 for 5. Nehal Wadhera led the scoring with a blistering 70 off 37 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes. Shashank Singh provided strong support with an unbeaten 59 off 30 deliveries, powering the visitors past the 200-run mark. The pair’s late acceleration ensured Punjab capitalised on a good batting track.

In reply, Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start, reaching 89 for 1 in the powerplay. Yashasvi Jaiswal (50 off 25) and Dhruv Jurel (53 off 31) threatened to swing the match, but Punjab's bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs.

Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, who replaced Shreyas Iyer as an Impact Player, delivered a match-winning spell, returning figures of 3 for 22 from four overs. His crucial breakthroughs included Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (40), and Riyan Parag. Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with two wickets, including the key dismissal of Sanju Samson.

Despite Rajasthan finishing on 209 for 7, Punjab's disciplined bowling and fielding in the final overs sealed a crucial win.
With this win, Punjab Kings climb closer to a playoff spot, showing impressive balance with both bat and ball. Their recent form suggests momentum is firmly on their side as the league phase enters its decisive stretch.