In a nail-biting last-over showdown on Saturday (April 13), Rajasthan Royals (RR) displayed remarkable composure to edge past the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and secure their fifth victory of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match unfolded as a tense low-scoring encounter, with PBKS setting a target of 148 runs for RR, who clinched the win in the penultimate delivery of the game. In the gripping final over, Shimron Hetmyer, exhibiting nerves of steel, capitalized on loose deliveries to smash two crucial sixes, sealing a dramatic ?victory for RR.

Punjab Kings’ struggles

The contest began with PBKS batting first in their home ground. However, the absence of Shikhar Dhawan dealt a blow to the hosts, who found themselves struggling at 52/4 within the initial ten overs. Despite the slower pitch conditions, the lower-order resilience was tested, compounded by exceptional fielding efforts. Yet, amidst the battle, a peculiar incident unfolded involving RR’s captain Sanju Samson and the bowler Avesh Khan.

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson mirrors MS Dhoni with a stunning run-out to ??dismiss ?Liam Livingstone during PBKS vs RR clash | IPL 2024

Ashutosh Sharma’s capitalization on a dropped chance

In the 19th over, Avesh delivered a fuller ball outside off, tempting PBKS’s Ashutosh Sharma to go for a big shot. Nevertheless, Ashutosh’s attempt resulted in a top edge, sending the ball skywards towards the short mid-wicket region. Both Avesh and Samson sprinted towards the descending ball, but a miscommunication led to a fumbled catch, evoking frustration between the two RR players. The momentary lapse saw Ashutosh capitalizing on the opportunity, rallying to score two sixes and a four in his unbeaten 16-ball 31, as Punjab concluded their innings at 147 for eight in 20 overs.

Sanju Samson’s perspective on the accidental clash with Avesh Khan

After RR managed to pull off a thrilling run chase, Samson found humor in Rajasthan’s repeated encounters with high-catching instances. Samson acknowledged the challenge posed by the crowd noise, conceding that it’s nearly impossible for players to hear each other’s calls during high-pressure moments like catching. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of fast bowlers stepping up in such situations, noting that wicketkeepers generally have an easier time with these catches compared to fielders.

“We had few funny instances from last year and this year. But I am really happy that everyone is eager to go and catch. I would be very sad if people are just staying away and not catching it,” Samson said in a post-match presentation.

“It gets a bit tough actually – the stadium is full of noise and when people call, we are looking at the ball, we can’t look who is coming. I need to tell my fast bowlers that it’s a bit easier to catch with the gloves instead of hands,” the 29-year-old concluded.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma turns ‘bus driverâ€?ahead of MI’s El Clásico clash a??gainst CSK | IPL 2024

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased a remarkable turnaround from their previous game, dominating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on their home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Saturday (April 13). Sanju Samson‘s impressive run-out during the final stages of the first innings proved pivotal, dismissing the dangerous Liam Livingstone, who was batting on 21 runs off 14 balls, including two boundaries and a maximum. With just over two overs remaining, Rajasthan were eager to halt the Punjab’s momentum, and their captain rose to the occasion at a crucial juncture.

Sanju Samson’s pivotal run-out of Liam Livingstone

In the 18th over, Yuzvendra Chahal delivered a tantalizingly flighted ball to Ashutosh Sharma, who struck it towards deep mid-wicket. As the batters set off for a run, Liam Livingstone contemplated a second but was wisely sent back by his partner. However, before Livingstone could safely return to his crease, Samson executed a remarkable run-out reminiscent of MS Dhoni‘s finesse. In a fluid motion, Samson collected the ball and swiftly dislodged the bails with a flat throw to his left side. Showing agility and precision, Samson’s throw found Livingstone inches short of the crease upon review by the third umpire, earning Rajasthan a crucial breakthrough.

Here’s the video:

Excellent piece of fielding! 🙌

It's none other than the @rajasthanroyals skipper @IamSanjuSamson with a superb run-out to dismiss Livingstone 🎯

Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱 #TATAIPL | #PBKSvRR pic.twitter.com/iCsTjauQqV

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2024

Also READ: IPL 2024: Here is why PBKS skipper Sh??ikhar Dhawan not playing today’s game ag??ainst RR

Rajasthan Royals’ strong bowling performance

Meanwhile, Royals displayed a strong performance after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. They restricted the Punjab to 147 /8 in 20 overs. Avesh Khan and Keshav Maharaj impressed with two wickets each, while the absence of regular captain Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order was felt by Punjab. Avesh struck early to dismiss opener Atharva Taide, setting the tone for the Royals.

Ashutosh Sharma’s impactful innings for Punjab Kings

Chahal continued the momentum by claiming Prabhsimran Singh‘s wicket in the batting powerplay, while Maharaj accounted for the dismissals of Jonny Bairstow and stand-in skipper Sam Curran. Jitesh Sharma and the returning Livingstone contributed with useful cameos, scoring 29 and 21 runs respectively. In the death overs, it was Ashutosh Sharma who propelled Punjab’ innings, scoring a quickfire 31 runs off 15 balls, which included three sixes and a boundary.

Also READ: Sanju Samson, R??iyan Parag or Kuldeep Sen? Kumar Sangakkara names the RR player ready for T20 W?orld Cup 2024

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The upcoming clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024  on Saturday (April 13) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur is poised to deliver an enthralling spectacle. With both teams harbouring aspirations of clinching victory to bolster their standings on the points table, the stakes are undeniably elevated. As these formidable adversaries square off on the balanced turf, spectators can anticipate a riveting showdo??wn characterized by fierce com?petition and unwavering determination.

PBKS vs RR: Head to Head Records:

• PBKS and RR have faced each other 26 times since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
• Rajasthan clearly holds the comfortable lead with 15 victories, whereas Punjab have only won 11 matches.
• In the last 5 matches, Rajasthan have a edge with a record of 3 wins against 2 for Punjab.
• At the Mullanpur Stadium, this will be the first encounter between the two sides.
• Both teams have displayed competitive fervor in recent meetings, making their clashes highly anticipated by cricket fans.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) Overview:

have participated in five matches thus far in the ongoing IPL season, emerging victorious in two of those encounters. Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, PBKS clinched their inaugural match triumph, albeit facing subsequent defeats in the following two fixtures. However, they rebounded strongly in their penultimate outing against Gujarat Titans (GT), securing a hard-fought victory by three wickets, only to lose their previous encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a thriller by 2 runs.

PBKS probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 against RR:

1. Shikhar Dhawan
2. Prabhsimran Singh
3. Atharva Taide
4. Liam Livingstone
5. Harpreet Bhatia
6. Jitesh Sharma
7. Harpreet Brar
8. Sam Curran
9. Chris Woakes
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Arshdeep Singh

Key Features:

• Top-Order Stability: Dhawan and Prabhsimran, seasoned campaigners, provide solidity to the top order. Their proficiency in building partnerships and setting a strong foundation is pivotal for the team’s success on the flat tracks of the Mullanpur stadium.
• All-Round Excellence: The team benefits from the all-round abilities of players like Curran and Livingstone. Their dual contribution with both bat and ball adds depth to the squad, offering flexibility in various game situations and bolstering the team’s chances.
• Spin Dominance: The spin department, spearheaded by Brar is a formidable force on the batting-friendly surface. Their mastery in spinning the ball and deceiving the batters can create significant challenges for the opposition, exploiting the favorable conditions in Mullanpur.
• Pace Power: Rabada, Woakes and Arshdeep lead the pace battery, bringing pace, swing, and variation to the bowling attack. Their ability to extract bounce and movement off the pitch poses a formidable threat to the batters, particularly in the initial overs, where they can make early breakthroughs and restrict the opposition’s scoring.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Salary of Rajasthan Royals (RR) players; check out how much Jos Buttle?r, Sanju Samson earn

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Overview:

Rajasthan will look to bring the momentum back into this encounter after facing defeat in the previous match to the Gujarat in the last-ball thriller. This ?momentum, combined with the perfect team balanc??ed, could provide them with an advantage. Rajasthan have played five games in the ongoing season and registered win in all the clashes except the one.

RR’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 match against PBKS :

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Jos Buttler
3. Sanju Samson
4. Riyan Parag
5. Shimron Hetmyer
6. Dhruv Jurel
7. Ravichandran Ashwin
8. Trent Boult
9. Avesh Khan
10. Sandeep Sharma
11. Yuzvendra Chahal

A closure look:

• Rajasthan boasts a formidable batting lineup featuring explosive players like Jaiswal, Buttler and Samson. With their aggressive approach and strong hitting ability, they are well-equipped to set or chase big totals, especially taking advantage of the spacious boundaries at the Mullanpur Stadium.
• Providing stability to the middle order are Parag and Hetmyer, ensuring resilience even in the event of early wickets. Additionally, Dhruv Jurel adds depth to the batting order while bringing wicket-keeping skills, thereby enhancing the team’s balance and versatility.
• In terms of bowling, Rajasthan possesses a formidable spin arsenal comprising Ashwin and Chahal. Their experience and variety of deliveries can exploit the traditionally spin-friendly conditions at the Mullanpur Stadium, posing a challenge to opposing batters.
• Complementing the spin department is a well-rounded pace attack led by Boult, Avesh and Sandeep. Capable of generating swing and seam movement, they can capitalize on the helpful conditions at the stadium and provide crucial breakthroughs as required.

Also READ: Punjab Kin?gs�(PBKS) best playing XI for the?? IPL 2024

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

On Monday, the Indian television audience witnessed a high scoring match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Batting first, the Punjab-franchise riding high on the shoulders of their captain KL Rahul and the middle-order batsman Deepak Hooda posted an improbable 221/6 on board in ?the?ir allotted 20 overs.

Rahul scored a 50-ball 91 laced with seven fours and five sixes, and Hooda scored a 28-ball 64, which included four fours?? and six sixes, leaving RR in tatters. The mammoth total looked unchaseable, as RR lost both their openers for just 25 runs.

Coming in to bat at number three, RR captain Sanju Samson set the tone for his team. While the rest of t??he team faltered, Samson, who stuck to one end, continued to provide solidarity.

The right-hander played a heroic inning of 119 runs off 63 balls t??hat included 12 fours and seven sixes at an impressive strike rate of 188.89. With the help of his valiant knock, the Jaipur-based franchise came as close as needing just 13 runs off the last over.

Rahul showed confidence in his left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and gave hi?m the charge to bowl the final over. Riding high on adrenaline, Samson smashed the fourth ball for a six. The twist in the mat??ch came when RR needed five runs off the last two balls.

The Kerala-born batsman hit the penultimate ball to long-off but denied his partner Chris Morris a single, putting pressure on himself as they needed five runs o?ff the last ball.

While the entire cricketing fraternity seems divided over this move, Kumar Sangakkara and Brian Lara backed Samson’s decision.
The former West Indies-captain opined that the youngster did the right thing and explained that had Samson gone for a? double, there were chances of him getting run out. He further added that if anyone had to hit the scoring runs, it would be Samson. He also applauded the 25-year-old for his bril??liant innings.

“I think it was the right decision. I think if anybody had to hit a boundary, it had to be Sanju Samson. If he had gone back for the 2nd run, there was an opportunity to get him run-out. I think he did the right thing. No doubts about it in my mind. Tremendous innings. I would not point fingers at him for not taking that single in the last over,” the veteran told Star Sports.

The last ball of the match saw Samson loft the ball to deep extra cover where Hooda took a simple catch and ended the wicketkeeper-batsman’s innings with RR losing the game by four runs.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 witnessed an edge-of-the seat thrill??er on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The high scoring match saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) their captain KL Rahul score a magnificent 91 off 50 balls with seven fours and five sixes, while the middle-order batsman Deepak Hooda smashed a swashbucklin??g 64 off 28 balls at an awe-inspiring strike rate of 228.57. Thus Punjab posted a total of 221 in their?? allotted 20 overs.

In the bowling department for Punjab, the last over of the innings was crucial as the match was poised in the middle and could have gone either side. In these tough times, Rahul turned to his left-hand pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Singh, till then, had conceded 27 runs off his three overs, picking up the crucial wickets of Manan Vohra and Shivam Dube.

The 22-year-old didn’t allow the Royals’ captain to win the game for his team. He only gave away eight runs off the final over and also picked up Samson’s wicket on the last ball.

The Jaipur-based franchise led by their captain Sanju Samson came as close as needing f?ive runs off the last over.

Samson scored 63-ball 119?? with 12 fours and seven sixes and was declared the ‘Pla?yer of the Match�in the losing cause.

At the post-match conference, the Guna-born sa?id that all he did was back himself and kept things simple. He discussed i?t with his captain and decided to bluff the batsman.

“I just back myself, and the way support staff or the bowling coach said to back myself and try to keep the things simple and back the plan which has been devised after speaking to the captain and if you have to bluff, bluff the batsmen and not the captain,” Singh said.

He further ??added that PBKS had set the field, and the pl??an was to ball in wide yorkers to make it difficult for Samson to win.

“The field was set and the plan that he was to fed (with) wide (balls), had to try and bowl wide yorkers and? if we could execute all the six balls then it would be difficult for him,�/em> the match-winner remarked.