**Punjab climbs to second place**

Punjab Super Kings defeat Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs, boost playoff hopes

Punjab Super Kings secured a crucial 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), strengthening their chances of reaching the playoffs.

Chasing a massive target of 220 runs, Rajasthan Royals fell short, managing 209 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave Rajasthan a flying start with a 76-run opening stand. The team posted 89 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay.

Vaibhav was dismissed for 40, while Yashasvi scored a quickfire 50 off 25 balls, hitting 9 fours and 1 six. However, the middle order failed to capitalize. Sanju Samson (20), Riyan Parag (13), and Shimron Hetmyer (11) were all dismissed cheaply. Rajasthan reached 181 for 5 at one stage, with Dhruv Jurel anchoring the innings. He scored a valiant 51 off 31 balls before getting out.

In the bowling department for Punjab, Harpreet Brar starred with figures of 3 for 22 in 4 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai and Marco Jansen took two wickets each.

Earlier, Punjab won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a commanding total of 219 for 5 in 20 overs. Despite a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 34 runs, they recovered well. Priyans Arya (9), Mitchell Owen (0), and Prabhsimran Singh (21) were the early dismissals.

Nehal Wadhera and captain Shreyas Iyer then stabilized the innings with a 67-run stand for the fourth wicket. Iyer was dismissed for 30, while Wadhera played a brilliant knock of 70 off 37 balls, smashing 5 fours and 5 sixes.

Later, Shashank Singh added firepower with an unbeaten 59 off 30 balls, helping Punjab post a formidable total. Tushar Deshpande picked up 2 wickets for Rajasthan, conceding 37 runs in 4 overs.

With this win, Punjab climbed to seventh place in the points table with 17 points from 12 matches. Meanwhile, Rajasthan—already eliminated from the tournament—suffered their tenth defeat of the season.