PBKS vs RR: Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) saw league leaders Rajasthan Royals get their 5th win of the season as they convincingly defeated home side Punjab Kings by 3 wickets on the night.
The win came pretty easy for the visitors following a five-star display by the RR bowling contingent on the night.
RR bowling does the job
Opting to bat first, Punjab Kings faced a dismal start to their innings as the Rajasthan bowlers quickly dismantled their top order within the powerplay. The top four batters, including stand-in captain Sam Curran, were dismissed with the team struggling at just 46 runs collectively, reaching 52/4 within the first 10 overs.
Vice-captain Jitesh Sharma attempted to stabilize the innings with his contribution of 29 runs. The absence of regular skipper Shikhar Dhawan, due to a niggle, was keenly felt by the home side.
Avesh Khan and Keshav Maharaj led the bowling attack for Rajasthan, each claiming 2 wickets on the night. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Sen also managed to take one wicket each as Rajasthan continued to excel with the ball.
Impact substitute Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the top scorer of the match, while Liam Livingstone contributed 21 runs, guiding the home side to a total of 147/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
RR Get 5th Win
In reply, despite losing opener Tanush Kotian early on at just 24 runs, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson took the task upon themselves and steered through the Punjab bowling attack.
However, Jaiswal's well-made 39 on the night was supported by Samson's 14-ball 18 wasn't enough to take Rajasthan on the line.
In came Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel to take RR through the finish line. Both young Indian batters looked determined to chase the target comfortably in their 20 overs. Riyan Parag who has been brilliant this season, scored an 18-ball 23 while Jurel was sent back to the pavilion at just 6 courtesy of a Harshal Patel delivery.
In the end, it was Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell who rescued the win for the visitors with some great cricketing shots in what turned out to be a nail-biting finish in the end.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Rajasthan Set 148-Run Target For Punjab Kings At Mullanpur