The unbeaten run of the Punjab Kings came to an end on Tuesday night as the Rajasthan Royals pulled off a thrilling six-wicket victory in Match 40 of Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL) at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Chasing a formidable target of 223, Rajasthan produced a stunning batting display to reach 228 for 4 in 19.2 overs, winning with four balls to spare.

Punjab were sent in to bat after Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss. The hosts made a flying start through Priyansh Arya, who blasted 29 off just 11 balls before falling to Jofra Archer.

Prabhsimran Singh then anchored the innings with a composed 59 from 44 balls, while Cooper Connolly added a quickfire 30 off 14 deliveries.

Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 30 from 27 balls, but it was Marcus Stoinis who transformed the innings late on with a brutal unbeaten 62 from only 22 deliveries. His knock, featuring four fours and six sixes, powered Punjab to 222 for 4.

Rajasthan’s reply began in explosive fashion as youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 43 off just 16 balls, including five sixes, while Yashasvi Jaiswal struck 51 from 27 balls to keep the chase on course.

Punjab fought back through veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who claimed 3 for 36 and removed Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and other key batters to revive hopes of defending the total.

However, Donovan Ferreira held his nerve with a match-winning unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, while Shubham Dubey added a rapid 31 not out from 12 deliveries.

Ferreira sealed victory in style by launching the first ball of the final over from Marco Jansen for six over long-on.

Ferreira was named Player of the Match for guiding Rajasthan home under pressure.

Despite the defeat, Punjab remain top of the IPL standings with 13 points from eight matches. Rajasthan moved to 12 points, strengthening their playoff hopes with a major away win.

Attention now turns to today’s blockbuster IPL clash as Mumbai Indians face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-stakes encounter that could have major playoff implications. With star players on both sides and two powerful batting line-ups, fans can expect another thrilling contest.

The match will be broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.

Afghanistan’s Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Abdul Wasi, met with the UK’s special envoy to Afghanistan Richard Lindsay in Kabul on Wednesday, and called for an end to tensions with Pakistan.

The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace, where Lindsay said he was pleased with his visit to Afghanistan and expressed condolences over civilian casualties caused by recent rocket attacks reportedly linked to Pakistani forces.

He stressed the importance of reducing tensions and building mutual trust between the two neighbors.

Wasi thanked the British envoy for his sympathy and diplomatic efforts, while condemning reported attacks on civilian areas, including homes and a university in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province.

He said attacks targeting civilians, especially women and children, could not be justified.

He stated that Afghanistan had not sought confrontation and does not support violence, but said defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remained its legitimate right.

He also urged the United Kingdom and other international partners to assess the situation fairly and hold those responsible accountable.

Wasi added that the Islamic Emirate had consistently sought to lower tensions and maintain constructive relations with Pakistan. He said Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against other countries and called on Pakistan to honor its commitments.

He also raised the issue of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, acknowledging Islamabad’s role as host over many years while urging authorities to respect refugee rights and avoid harmful measures.

Lindsay welcomed Afghanistan’s stated commitment to peace and said messages aimed at confidence-building had been conveyed to Pakistani officials. He added that both sides should take practical steps to improve cooperation and regional stability.

The British envoy also emphasized the need to keep humanitarian aid flowing into Afghanistan through Pakistan, warning that continued conflict would worsen hardship for people on both sides of the border.

Closing the meeting, Wasi said trade, transit and humanitarian operations should remain separate from political disputes. He added that Afghanistan had not obstructed aid deliveries and would respond positively if Pakistan took steps toward de-escalation.

Germany deported 25 Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes to Kabul on Tuesday night in the latest charter flight repatriation.

According to German authorities, those deported had been issued removal orders after being convicted of offenses including manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault and drug-related crimes.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the regular and systematic deportation of criminals to Afghanistan was a central part of Germany’s migration policy shift.

“People who have abused our protection and committed crimes here must leave our country,” he said, adding that Berlin would continue to expand deportations in a gradual and consistent manner.

The move follows an agreement between Germany’s Interior Ministry and Afghanistan’s de facto authorities aimed at enabling regular deportation flights.

German officials said the policy also fulfills a commitment in the governing coalition’s agreement to facilitate ongoing removals to Afghanistan.