Rajasthan Royals (RR) continued their dominance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) as they defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by three wickets in a low-scoring thriller at Mullanpur on Saturday (April 13).

Invited to bat first, PBKS posted 147/8 in their allotted 20 overs on a wicket that assisted the bowlers of both sides. Jitesh Sharma was the top scorer with 29 off 24 balls.

All the RR bowlers used by skipper Sanju Samson managed to claim at least a wicket. While Keshav Maharaj (2-23) and Avesh Khan (2-34) picked up with scalps each, Trent Boult (1-22), Yuzvendra Chahal (1-31) and Kuldeep Sen (1-35) returned with wicket apiece.

In reply, the Royals got off to a decent start as the duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tanush Kotian set the platform with an opening stand of 56 runs. Liam Livingstone drew the first blood for Punjab by dismissing Kotian on 24.

The first wicket triggered a collapse as RR lost half their side for 115 runs. The likes of Jaiswal (39 off 28), Riyan Parag (23 off 18) and Samson (18 off 14) got starts, but they failed to play big knocks.

Dhruv Jurel (6), Rovman Powell (11) and Keshav Maharaj (1) also fell cheaply as RR found themselves in a spot of bother at 138/7 after the end of the 19th over. Kagiso Rabada (2-18) and Sam Curran (2-25) were the wrecker-in-chief with the ball for PBKS.

With 10 runs needed off the final over, Shimron Hetmyer rose to the occasion for Rajasthan. After playing two dot balls off Arshdeep Singh, the southpaw hit the left-arm pacer for a six, a couple and another maximum to seal the deal for RR in 19.5 overs.

Cricket fraternity lauded Shimron Hetmyer (27* off 10) for holding his nerves in the final over under immense pressure.

Here are the reactions: