Jofra Archer delivered a match-turning bowling display as Rajasthan Royals (RR) defended a total of 159 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Wednesday, taking three wickets to become the leading wicket-taker for the franchise in the IPL. The English seamer’s haul saw him pass Australian all-rounder Shane Watson’s previous RR wicket mark of 67, with Archer now sitting on 68 wickets for the Royals.
Archer’s milestone and impact at Ekana
Archer produced his best work in the middle overs while RR held their nerve at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. In his four overs, he conceded only 20 runs, including a maiden, and struck three times at key moments as LSG fell short in their chase of a modest target.
- Archer finished with figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs in four overs, with one maiden.
- The wicket tally lifted him to 68 IPL wickets for RR, ahead of Shane Watson’s 67.
- It was Archer’s 54th IPL appearance for the franchise.
Watson and Chahal’s RR wicket records
The milestone also places Archer at the top of RR’s wicket-taking charts, ahead of players who previously set the standard for the franchise.
- Shane Watson played 84 matches for RR and took 67 wickets at an average of 27.83, with an economy rate of 7.55.
- Watson last represented the Royals in the 2015 IPL season.
- Yuzvendra Chahal, who was part of the franchise from 2022 to 2024, is third on the RR wicket list with 66 wickets.
- Chahal played 46 matches for RR, taking wickets at an average of 22.80.
How RR built the defence of 159
Archer’s breakthrough spell underpinned RR’s bowling effort, which helped the franchise secure a comfortable win by 40 runs over the hosts. Alongside Archer, other fast-bowling contributions proved crucial in restricting LSG’s scoring options.
- Nandre Burger delivered 2 wickets for 27 runs.
- Brijesh Sharma claimed 2 wickets for 18 runs.
- RR used their pace attack to defend 159 successfully, winning by 40 runs.
Archer’s RR journey and next fixture
Archer’s rise to the top of RR’s wicket charts adds another chapter to a career that began with the franchise before evolving again in recent seasons. He has also built a reputation for creating pressure through disciplined bowling spells.
- Archer has bowled four maidens across the 208 overs he has delivered for RR.
- He made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2018.
- He played a key role for the side up to the 2020 season.
- Archer returned to the franchise ahead of the 2025 season and has since become an important member of the squad.
With this result, Rajasthan Royals moved into second place on the IPL points table. Their next match will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.
