Rajasthan Royals scored 144/9 in 20 overs, where as Punjab Kings scored 145/5 in 18.5 overs.
So, finally Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets.
Captain Sam Curran orchestrated an exceptional all-round performance, yet it was his remarkable batting display of 63* off 41 balls that shone brightest, guiding his Punjab Kings side to successfully chase down Rajasthan Royals’ 144 on a challenging Guwahati pitch, despite stumbling in the Power Play.
This victory marked Punjab’s fourth consecutive win on away turf, temporarily lifting them from the bottom of the standings.
However, it left the already-qualified Royals contemplating their fourth successive defeat.
The game’s turning point emerged during the middle overs.
Rajasthan Royals faltered, losing five crucial wickets, while Punjab Kings managed to stabilize their innings after the early Power Play setbacks.
Royals’ downfall left them short by approximately 15-20 runs, a margin that could have made a pivotal difference on the tricky surface.
| Parameter | RR | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 65/5 | 64/1 |
| RR | 7.22 | 7.11 |
| 4s/6s | 7 and 1 | 4 and 3 |
Rajasthan Royals
Power Play: Struggles continue
Phase score: 38/1 (RR: 6.33, 4s/6s: 6/1)
The Royals’ sluggish start in their previous match in Chennai persisted as they managed only 38/1 in the Power Play after opting to bat in Guwahati.
Yashasvi Jaiswal began with a boundary but fell victim to an excellent inswinger just three balls later.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, replacing Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson found some boundaries, but Kohler-Cadmore’s 14 dot balls hindered their progress on the slow pitch.
Middle Overs: Wickets tumble
Phase score: 65/5 (RR: 7.22, 4s/6s: 7/1)
The final two overs of the Power Play, bowled by Nathan Ellis filling in for the injured Kagiso Rabada, yielded just seven runs, putting pressure on the Royals.
Samson’s dismissal attempting a cut shot and Kohler-Cadmore’s departure after attempting to attack Rahul Chahar further dented their momentum.
R. Ashwin’s promotion provided some impetus, but Punjab Kings’ continued pressure led to further setbacks.
Death Overs: Harshal Patel tightens the screws
Phase score: 41/3 (RR: 8.2, 4s/6s: 5/0)
Donovan Ferreira’s brief cameo ended with a fine catch from Rilee Rossouw off Harshal Patel’s bowling.
Riyan Parag and Trent Boult managed some boundaries, but Parag’s dismissal and Boult’s run-out off the last ball saw the Royals fall short of the 150 mark.
Harshal Patel’s disciplined bowling earned him figures of 2 for 28 and the coveted Purple Cap.
Punjab Kings
Power Play: Avesh Khan strikes early
Phase score: 38/3 (RR: 6.5, 4s/6s: 7/0)
Despite a strong start in pursuit of 145, Punjab Kings fared worse than their hosts in the Power Play.
Trent Boult dismissed Prabhsimran Singh in the first over, but Rilee Rossouw’s aggressive batting kept them in contention until Avesh Khan’s breakthroughs turned the tide.
Middle Overs: Curran, Jitesh steady the ship
Phase score: 64/1 (RR: 7.11, 4s/6s: 4/3)
Facing RR’s spin attack, Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma built a crucial partnership.
Curran’s and Jitesh’s aggressive strokes shifted momentum, with Curran’s timely half-century putting Punjab in control.
Death Overs: Cool Curran seals the deal
Phase score: 42/1 (RR: 10.96, 4s/6s: 2/3)
After Jitesh’s dismissal, Curran and Ashutosh Sharma ensured a smooth finish for Punjab, taking calculated risks and hitting crucial boundaries to secure victory with seven balls to spare.
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