Rajasthan Royals (RR) got off to a flying start after Punjab Kings (PBKS) elected to put them in at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on Saturday during IPL 2025. Returning captain and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal opened in full flow, taking charge of the powerplay with a 53-run association in six overs. Samson, returning from action following a temporary lay-off with injury, was in good touch with no indication of pain.
The duo capitalized on the new ball and made full use of the fielding restrictions, putting PBKS bowlers under pressure right from the start. Both batsmen looked in complete control, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries. Jaiswal, in particular, looked fluent with his stroke play, while Samson complemented him.
However, the momentum shifted in the 11th over when Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson was brought back into the attack. Delivering at a fiery pace, Ferguson bowled a full and fast delivery, clocking 144.2 kmph, targeting the off stump. Samson attempted to loft it over the infield but failed to get the elevation. The bat turned in his hands due to the pace of the ball, resulting in a mistimed shot that went straight to PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer at mid-off.
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Frustrated by the dismissal, Samson hurled his bat in the air as he walked off after scoring a well-made 38 off 26 deliveries, which included six boundaries. It was a crucial breakthrough for PBKS, halting RR’s momentum momentarily.
At the end of the 11th over, RR stood strong at 92 for 1, with Yashasvi Jaiswal nearing his half-century on 45 and Riyan Parag joining him at the crease.
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