Some rivalries aren’t built on headlines or history – they are built on the small moments that occur during a match. One must forget the “standard” rivalry talk when the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) meet. When these two teams face each other on the pitch, they produce some of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL’s) most unpredictable and heart-racing matches.
While other teams play for clinical wins, these two seem to play for the most dramatic and intense highlights possible – especially moments that make the crowd wonder, “How did that just happen?” In this article, we revisit three such encounters that stood out not just for the results but for how dramatically and unexpectedly they unfolded. PBKS have won 12 matches, whereas RR have won 17 enthralling matches.
1. Sharjah Showdown – September 27, 2020
The record-shattering encounter between the two teams was at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium during the 2020 IPL. This was a game that perfectly captured how quickly a match can flip in T20 cricket. It is also remembered as one of the most dramatic mid-innings turnarounds in cricket history. Chasing a daunting target of 224, RR seemed completely out of the match when Rahul Tewatia struggled to put bat to ball early in his innings.
However, in a sudden turn of events that still defies logic, Rahul Tewatia smashed 5 sixes in a single over off Sheldon Cottrell; that moment did not just shift the entire situation of the match, but it completely broke Punjab’s grip. RR required at that time 51 runs in 3 overs as 5 sixes changed the complexion of the match. It remains one of the most successful run-chases in IPL history, and the ultimate scenario of “how did that just happen.” With Sanju Samson also playing a crucial role, RR pulled off one of the most remarkable chases in IPL history. Ultimately, the match became a reminder that in this format, no total is ever truly safe, and even one over can completely flip the script.
2. IPL 2021 Mumbai – April 12, 2021
While the first match was an incredible moment, the second became a testament to individual brilliance. Often remembered as the “Samson Special,” this heartbreaking day fell short during the 2021 IPL opener at Wankhede Stadium. PBKS and RR played out a high-octane thriller that was not decided until the very last delivery.
Chasing a target of 222, RR found themselves under great pressure from the beginning. Leading from the front was Sanju Samson, who produced one of the finest individual knocks in IPL history. Earlier, PBKS had posted a daunting 221 for 6, with captain KL Rahul anchoring the innings with a masterful 91 off 50 balls.
However, as wickets continued to fall, the chase eventually turned into a “Samson versus Punjab Kings” situation. Making his debut as RR captain, Sanju Samson played arguably the best knock of the match, bringing up a sensational century off 54 balls. The match boiled down to the final over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, with RR needing 13 runs off the last six balls. With Samson still at the crease, hope was very much alive.
On the final delivery, Samson lofted a wide ball toward deep extra cover. For a split second, it seemed as though it might clear the ropes, but Deepak Hooda settled under it to take the catch just inches inside the boundary. This moment was extremely unpredictable; nobody could have anticipated such a finish, and it completely flipped the script. PBKS held their nerve to secure a narrow victory, but the night truly belonged to Samson.
3. Mullanpur 2024 – April 13, 2024
The most recent addition to this list came in the IPL 2024 at Mullanpur, a finish that once again proved why PBKS versus RR games are never really over until the last ball. Batting first, PBKS struggled to find their momentum against RR’s disciplined spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Yuzvendra Chahal, eventually making their way to a modest 147/8 thanks to a late cameo from Ashutosh Sharma.
What seemed like an easy chase for team RR quickly turned into a heart-wrenching match due to the PBKS pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada. Eventually, the game boiled down to a “finisher versus death bowler” showdown in the final over, with Shimron Hetmyer facing Arshdeep Singh.
The final over turned into a heart-stopper, with boundaries coming at just the right moments to keep RR alive in the contest. In the end, it was Hetmyer’s composure under pressure that made the difference in the match and guided RR into the winning position. as 10 runs were required to win in last over The three-wicket victory for the Royals proved that even when the scores are low, the drama between these two sides remains at an all-time high.
While this rivalry between team PBKS and team RR hasn’t made it to the headlines as significantly as other rivalries. It continues to be one of the benchmarks of nail-biting matches, unfolding with unpredictability, uncertainty, and a lot of drama, often decided in the final moments. These encounters are a constant reminder of why the IPL remains one of the most exciting and interesting leagues in the world. For PBKS and RR, the finish line is never just a conclusion; it is usually the way a new legendary story begins, and fans can expect nothing less than absolute drama.
