Rajasthan Royals (RR) registered a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 27 of the IPL 2024 season in Chandigarh on Saturday (April 13).
Chasing the modest target of 148, RR encountered significant hurdles against some disciplined Punjab bowlers on a tricky surface.
After an opening stand of 56 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal (39) and Tanush Kotian (24), the Royals suffered a collapse. The likes of Riyan Parag (23 off 18) and Sanju Samson (18 off 14) failed to convert their starts into 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.
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 in 19.5 overs.
Despite the win, RR kipper Samson was not very happy with the way they fielded, especially on one occasion when he almost collided with pacer Avesh Khan in an attempt to take a skier.
"(High-catches) We had a few funny instances from last year and this year. But I am really happy that everyone is eager to go and catch it. I would be very sad if people are just staying away and not catching it. 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," said Samson at the post-match interaction.
Reflecting on the nervy run chase, Samson stated: "We all were (tensed during the run-chase). Games against Punjab in the last 3-4 years, each and every game is very close, very funny feeling. They were bowling really well, it was a funny game.”
“(On Hetmyer) He has been doing it for years and years. Lots of experience, some composure and some confidence about his skills. He has won games many times. Rovman and Hetty - having them was good,” he added.
The RR captain was effusive in praise of debutant Tanush Kotian, who replaced Jos Buttler in the playing XI as the latter was not 100% fit for the game.
“Tanush is an interesting youngster. He came in as an allrounder, he had a fabulous Ranji Trophy season with Mumbai and he's been performing well. He's been impressing all the coaching staff and everyone in the nets. We had a proper, settled batting order after the openers, we didn't want to unsettle it and then bring someone up for just one game," Samson remarked.
"Jos is almost ready for the next game, so we just wanted to try him up the order. Very happy to see him (Jaiswal) spend some time in the middle, get those 30s and 40s. That's what this tournament has taught me for the last 10 years - never take it for granted. Last game, we did some really great things and we ended up on the losing side. Today, we made a bit more mistakes and we ended up winning the game. It's a very funny game, so we'd like to keep our heads down and just do the process," he concluded.
It was RR’s fifth win in six games this season. They continue to occupy the top spot in the 10-team points table. Rajasthan Royals will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday (April 16).
