Jofra Archer 3-20 and Jadeja 43 seal Royals win

Rajasthan Royals produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs in IPL 2026 match 32, successfully defending 159 in a match defined by control rather than power. Jofra Archer’s 3 for 20 and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 43 proved decisive as Royals ended their losing run and climbed to No. 2 on the table.

The Royals’ total of 159 for 6 was built around Jadeja’s late composure, before their bowlers dismantled LSG for 119 to hand the hosts a fourth straight defeat and third in succession at home.

Early blows shape Royals innings

The innings took an early turn when Mohammed Shami removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession. Jaiswal fell attempting to handle a sharp bumper, while Jurel edged an outswinger for a golden duck.

Mohsin Khan then delivered a decisive over, dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after building pressure through a sequence of dot balls. After racing to two early boundaries, Sooryavanshi was pinned down before mistiming a shot to extra cover, leaving Royals reeling at 32 for 3 inside four overs.

Further setbacks followed as Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag fell in quick succession, reducing Royals to 77 for 5 in the 11th over. Mayank Yadav, returning after nearly a year out with a stress fracture, generated pace in excess of 140kph but struggled to maintain control.

Jadeja steadies before late surge

With wickets falling around him, Jadeja adjusted his approach, focusing on preserving the innings rather than forcing acceleration. Between overs 12 and 18, Royals managed just three boundaries, highlighting the controlled rebuild.

The shift came at the death. Jadeja targeted Mayank Yadav in the final over, taking 20 runs to lift Royals to 159. He was supported by Shubham Dubey, whose late cameo helped produce 32 runs from the final two overs. Their unbeaten 49-run partnership proved crucial in pushing the total to a competitive level.

Archer leads Royals’ bowling response

Lucknow’s chase never settled after early setbacks. Ayush Badoni was run out, before Jofra Archer struck with a sharp bouncer to dismiss Aiden Markram, forcing a top edge to the wicketkeeper.

Nandre Burger compounded the pressure by removing Rishabh Pant, leaving LSG at 11 for 3. Nicholas Pooran showed brief resistance with 22 off 25 balls but fell to Jadeja, caught at long-on, as the required rate climbed steadily.

Marsh fights but support fades

Mitchell Marsh stood out with a composed 55, carefully building his innings even as wickets continued to fall around him. He capitalised on anything short from Ravi Bishnoi and Jadeja, reaching his half-century with control rather than urgency.

However, his dismissal in the 16th over, with LSG still needing 55 from 27 balls, effectively ended the contest. From there, Brijesh Sharma (2 for 18) and Archer wrapped up the innings in 18 overs, ensuring Royals completed a comprehensive defence.

What this result means

Rajasthan Royals’ victory was shaped by their ability to recover from early batting setbacks and then apply sustained pressure with the ball. Jadeja’s controlled 43 not out gave them a defendable total, while Archer’s three-wicket spell ensured LSG never built momentum in the chase.

For Lucknow Super Giants, a fourth consecutive defeat leaves them struggling for rhythm, with their batting unable to recover from early collapses despite Marsh’s resistance.

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