In a thrilling IPL match in Guwahati, Punjab Kings emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals by five wickets, thanks to a stellar performance by skipper Sam Curran. Curran not only scored a well-paced fifty but also took two crucial wickets to lead his team to their fifth win of the season.
Chasing a target of 145, Punjab Kings faced some early setbacks but Curran’s calm head and skills guided them to victory. He remained unbeaten on 63 runs off 41 balls, with 5 boundaries and 3 sixes. Jitesh Sharma also played a crucial role, contributing 22 runs in a partnership of 63 runs for the fifth wicket.
Despite the loss, Rajasthan Royals remained second on the table with 16 points, securing a spot in the playoffs. Avesh Khan was the standout bowler for Royals, picking up 2 wickets in the fifth over.
In their innings, Rajasthan Royals struggled to accelerate against Punjab Kings’ accurate bowling attack on a slow pitch. Riyan Parag top-scored with 48 runs, but it was not enough to propel his team to a competitive total of 144 for nine.
Overall, it was a thrilling encounter with both teams showcasing their skills, but it was Punjab Kings who emerged victorious in the end. With this win, they strengthened their position in the IPL standings and boosted their confidence for the upcoming matches.