In the 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. In the first innings, RR amassed an incredible 205/4 thanks to an outstanding batting performance. Yashasvi Jaiswal perfectly anchored the innings with a composed 67 off 45 balls, setting the tone. Then, Riyan Parag just went on to fly again, breezing past the RR's 200-run mark with a scoreless 43 in the last overs.

Chasing 206, Punjab Kings enjoyed a night to remember with the bat. Their innings began disastrously as Jofra Archer delivered a scorching opening spell, getting rid of Priyansh Arya and skipper Shreyas Iyer in the first over itself. PBKS was put on the back foot straight away after that initial shock. Required run rate rose even though Glenn Maxwell and Nehal Wadhera shared a solid 88-run partnership. Maxwell's dismissal on 49 proved to be the turning point, and the rest of the batting order could not ignite despite Wadhera's efforts. Punjab later settled on 155/9, 50 below the mark.

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Though the result was already sealed, the strangest moment of the night occurred on the last ball of the match. Onlookers saw something odd about the Royals' fielding arrangement three fielders were within the 30-yard circle on the off-side, none on the leg-side. This was eyebrow-raising as it could be a breach of fielding rules, and the ball could be a potential no-ball.

To everyone's surprise, it was RR's own batter, Riyan Parag, who took the issue to the umpires. What followed was a lengthy stoppage in play as the match officials examined the fielding positions. The wait went on so long that RR skipper Sanju Samson sat down cross-legged on the field, patiently waiting for the decision.

Umpires Rule the Delivery Legal

The umpires, after some minutes of consultation, held that the fielding position was in accordance with the rules and upheld the delivery. The game concluded with Rajasthan clinching a comprehensive 50-run victory, but the incident created widespread controversy on social media and cricket platforms.

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The win puts the Rajasthan Royals in a stronger position in the points table as they keep their momentum going in IPL 2025. Since it was Punjab Kings' first defeat of the season, they will be eager to bounce back as soon as possible, especially by resolving their top-order problems. Despite the defeat, the peculiar last-ball confusion made sure that the game would be discussed for reasons other than the scoreboard.