IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Match Highlights & Player of the Match: In a thrilling development in the Indian Premier League {IPL 2024} Match 65, Punjab Kings handed Rajasthan Royals their fourth consecutive defeat in a crushing blow in Guwahati.
Although this win may not save Punjab’s season, it certainly makes a stir in the playoff standings, demonstrating their ability to disrupt the leaderboard.
The Kings, fondly called the Road Warriors this season, performed excellently by restricting the Royals to a paltry score of 144 in the enemy territory. Despite the slow pitch, Punjab bowlers cut RR’s wings by leading a laser-sharp attack, preventing any momentum.
Initially it looked difficult for Punjab to chase the target at 48/4, but then Captain Marvel, Sam Curran stepped in.
Curran deftly navigated choppy waters to score a courageous unbeaten 63. With the help of Ashutosh Sharma, who started the innings, Punjab achieved the target with seven balls remaining and won by five wickets.
The Royals had a bad night of failures all night but there was a ray of hope when local hero Riyan Parag played a strong inning of 48 runs off 34 balls. Ravichandran Ashwin showed some flashes of brilliance when he scored a quickfire 28 runs off 19 balls.
But despite this, their efforts as a bowling unit failed. Avesh Khan’s 2/28 and Yuzvendra Chahal’s twin strike failed to defend the total.
The setback has left Rajasthan struggling to regroup and secure a top-two finish, despite their assured playoff berth. Punjab, meanwhile, are enjoying their role as season spoilers, finishing with their morale high and a reminder of their potential.
As the saga unfolds, the Royals are left to contemplate their failures, while the Kings’ exit stage is left with a win worth remembering.
Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson: “We were expecting a better wicket. With the batting we have, we should have scored 160-165. That’s where we lost the game.
Having an additional bowling option is nice as it gets tough with just five, but I’ve gotten used to it over the last three years with our quality bowlers.
We need to accept our failures and identify where we are falling short as a unit. At this critical stage of the tournament, it’s about showing character and stepping up.
We need players who can stand up and deliver for the team.We aimed for 160-170, and we need to play smart cricket, building those partnerships. We’re hoping for favorable results in the upcoming games.”
IPL2024: RR vs PBKS Match no 65 Player of the Match:- Sam Curran
Punjab Kings Captain Sam Curran: “I thought we played well as a group. We bowled with pride and determination, going for the win rather than just going through the motions.
Nathan Ellis performed well, and we could have used him earlier in the season. The wicket was slow, as Jonny mentioned, but we had a good partnership with Jitesh, which allowed us to play smart cricket without going too hard.
Both Jonny and I are leaving tomorrow morning for England duty, which is bittersweet as we’d have loved to stay till the end. Proud of the boys for their performance and character out there.
Hindsight shows that losing close games cost us a playoff spot.There are plenty of positives, like the performances of Shashank, Ashutosh, and Harshal throughout the season.
Proud of the team’s character and hoping to end on a high with a win in Hyderabad.Thank you to the Punjab crowd for all their support throughout the tournament.”
For more details, visit: TATAIPL2024
