Sam Curran 63* runs of 41 balls help PBKS to defeat RR in 65th match. © iplt20.com
In the 65th match of IPL 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a thrilling five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). Chasing a modest 145-run target, PBKS were staring down the barrel at 48-4 after a bright start by Rajasthan. However, a sensational all-round performance by Sam Curran turned the tide in Punjab’s favor.
Electing to bat first, RR’s innings never quite got going. Sanju Samson started brightly with three boundaries, but the introduction of Nathan Ellis in the fifth over proved to be a turning point. The slow pitch and Ellis’s variations stifled the run flow, leading to the dismissals of both Samson and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
Riyan Parag (48) and Ravichandran Ashwin (28) provided some resistance in the middle overs. Parag, the local hero, played some delightful strokes, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. PBKS bowlers, led by Curran and Rahul Chahar (2/26), did a commendable job restricting the scoring rate and picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Restrict Rajasthan Royals to 145/9 in 20 overs.
Curran Takes Centre Stage
Chasing a 146 total, PBKS lost their top order cheaply, with Trent Boult claiming his IPL-record 28th first-over wicket. However, the arrival of Sam Curran at the crease changed the complexion of the chase. Jitesh Sharma (22) provided valuable support, and the duo steadied the ship with sensible batting.
Sam Curran, playing with a mixture of caution and aggression, found the boundary with regularity. He smashed sixes off Ashwin and Chahar, taking the pressure off PBKS. With the required run rate climbing, Curran and the incoming Ashutosh Sharma (9*) finished things off in style, hammering three sixes in five balls to seal the victory.
Player of the Match – Sam Curran
Sam Curran was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning all-round performance. His two wickets with the new ball put the brakes on the RR innings, while his unbeaten 63 ensured PBKS chased down the target comfortably.
This win throws the race for the top two in the Indian Premier League (IPL) wide open. This victory will buoy PBKS, while RR must regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive. The upcoming matches promise to be even more exciting as teams fight for a place in the IPL knockouts.
Match Summary
Rajasthan Royals 144/9 (20) | |
| Riyan Parag 48 (34) | Sam Curran |
| Ravichandran Ashwin 28 (19) | Rahul Chahar |
| Sanju Samson 18 (15) | Harshal Patel |
Punjab Kings 145/5 (18.5) | |
| Sam Curran 63* (41) | Avesh Khan |
| Rilee Rossouw 22 (13) | Yuzvendra Chahal |
| Jitesh Sharma 22 (20) | Trent Boult |
Toss: RR won the toss and elected to bat
Stadium: Barsapara Stadium
Result: PBKS won by 5 wickets and 7 balls left
Player of the Match: Sam Curran (PBKS) – 2/24 (3) & 63* (41)
