After a rough start to IPL 2025, Jofra Archer made a stunning comeback for Rajasthan Royals with a match-winning performance against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh. Archer, who conceded 109 runs without taking a wicket in his first two matches, silenced critics with figures of 3/25, earning him the Player of the Match award in Rajasthan’s commanding 50-run victory.

Archer’s brilliance was evident from the very first ball of Punjab’s innings, as he dismissed opener Priyansh Arya for a golden duck. Despite being hit for two boundaries by ShreyasIyer, Archer bounced back to remove the PBKS captain later in the same over. His remarkable record in IPL opening overs now stands at 13 overs bowled, yielding eight wickets at an average of 5.75 and an economy rate of 3.53—the best in IPL history.

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Archer claimed his third wicket by dismissing Arshdeep Singh, capping off a stellar performance that helped restrict Punjab to 155/9. Reflecting on his comeback, Archer said, “You enjoy the good days because bad ones are just around the corner.”

This victory marked Punjab’s first loss of IPL 2025, placing them fourth on the points table. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals climbed to seventh with two wins from two matches.