The 65th match of the 2024 IPL season was a nail-biter between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. In a game dominated by bowling, Punjab Kings emerged victorious by 5 wickets, thanks to a stellar performance from their captain, Sam Curran.
Rajasthan falter after electing to bat
Rajasthan Royals, after winning the toss, opted to bat first. However, their innings never quite got going. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler failed to provide a solid foundation, both departing cheaply. The rest of the batting order struggled against some disciplined bowling from the Punjab Kings' attack. Riyan Parag top-scored for RR with a gritty 48, but wickets fell at regular intervals, restricting them to a modest total of 144/9.
Curran leads the way for Punjab Kings
Chasing a seemingly manageable target, Punjab Kings' start was far from ideal. Skipper Sam Curran, leading the side in the absence of the injured Shikhar Dhawan, took matters into his own hands. He dismissed both Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel with his left-arm swing bowling, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
Jitesh Sharma and Curran seal the win
While wickets continued to tumble at the other end for PBKS, Jitesh Sharma (28) and Curran (63*) stitched together a crucial partnership that steered their side towards victory. Curran, batting with immense composure, played some audacious strokes, including two sixes in the penultimate over to seal the win for Punjab Kings with 5 wickets and 3 balls to spare.
Curran Deservedly Adjudged Player of the Match
For his match-winning contribution with both bat and ball, Sam Curran was adjudged the Player of the Match. This win provides a much-needed boost for the Punjab Kings' campaign, while Rajasthan Royals' winless streak continues
Key Takeaways:
-Sam Curran's all-round brilliance (2/24 & 63*) proved decisive for Punjab Kings.
-Rajasthan Royals' batting faltered, managing only 144/9 in their 20 overs.
-The win lifts Punjab Kings' morale, while Rajasthan Royals search for their first win.
Stay tuned for more updates on the IPL 2024!
