IPL 2024 - Skipper Sam Curran leads PBKS to victory; RR slump to their 4th consecutive defeat

Match 65 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) saw the host team lose by 5 wickets in 18.5 overs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Punjab Kings notched up another win on the road, as most of their success this season has come away from home. PBKS captain Sam Curran emerged as the highest scorer of the match, smashing 63 off 41.

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The team from Rajasthan might have made it to the Playoffs, but their form has completely deteriorated in the last couple of weeks, with this being their fourth consecutive defeat.

Chasing a below-par total of 145 runs, Prabhsimran Singh departed early for 6 off 4, while Jonny Bairstow scored 14 off 22. Rilee Rossouw came in with a bang and scored 22 off 13, while the otherwise in-form Shashank Singh departed for a 2-ball duck.

Despite these struggles, captain Sam Curran played a fantastic knock, smashing 5 fours and 3 sixes, and formed a brilliant partnership with Jitesh Sharma (22 off 20) to steady their innings. Later, Ashutosh Sharma knocked 17 off 11 to help finish things in his team's favour.

For RR, Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal both picked two wickets each while Trent Boult had one to his name.

RR innings:

As for the clash, in 20 overs, RR managed to score 144 runs and lost 9 wickets at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bat but soon lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (4 off 4), followed by Kohler-Cadmore and skipper Sanju Samson (18 off 15).

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Young-gun and hometown hero Riyan Parag went on to score 48 off 34, along with R Ashwin who smashed the ball for fours, scoring 28 off 19. Dhruv Jurel could not contribute much and was out for a duck, later sidelined as an impact player. Rovman Powell (4 off 5), Donovan Ferreira (7 off 8), Trent Boult (12 off 9), and Avesh Khan (3* off 2) hardly contributed.

Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, and captain Sam Curran all picked up three wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh and Nathan Ellis took one each.

Teams:

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma(w), Sam Curran(c), Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Subs: Tanay Thyagarajan, Rishi Dhawan, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Singh Bhatia

Enjoy 35+ OTTs like ZEE5, LionsgatePlay, Ullu, SunNXT, SonyLIV, Fancode and 250+ Live TV channels at just ₹99. Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Subs: Nandre Burger, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj, Kuldeep Sen, Donovan Ferreira.