KL Rahul was an elated captain as Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered their first victory in the second phase of IPL 2021 by beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a low-scoring thriller at Sharjah on Saturday (September 25).

Chasing 126 to win, SRH fell 5 short of the target despite a valiant effort by Jason Holder, who smashed 47 not out off 29 balls and took the game to the last delivery.

With this victory, PBKS moved up two slots to fifth position on the points table and kept their playoffs hopes alive.

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"We are playing some entertaining cricket and have been doing so for the last two or three years, but I'll take the win. Hope the TRP is up due to Punjab Kings.

"We wanted to get another 20-30 more runs but we'll take the win. There was no pace on the pitch. It was important for our team for Chris and others to get stuck in. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. It gives us the belief that if you put a decent total on the board, the pressure can make the opposition do funny things," Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

While pacer Mohammad Shami (2/14) dented SRH’s top-order with two quick wickets, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi ran through the middle-order to return with the figures of 3 for 24 in his four overs.

Sunrisers were tottering at 60/5 when Holder launched a counterattack and smoked five sixes in his knock.

"Holder played a phenomenal innings. He picked up two wickets in an over to get me and Mayank. He came and batted really well...

"Shami to start of, bowled really well, getting two big batters in Warner and Williamson. Made it easier for our spinners to settle into a nice line and length," Rahul added.

Punjab Kings will take on defending champions Mumbai Indians in their next game on Tuesday (September 28) in Abu Dhabi.