Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered a comprehensive five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their IPL 2024 match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday (May 15).
Asked to bowl first, PBKS restricted RR to a below-par 144/9 in 20 overs. Skipper Sam Curran (2-24 in 3 overs), Harshal Patel (2-28 in 4 overs), Nathan Ellis (1-24 in 4 overs), and Rahul Chahar (2-26 in 4 overs) all delivered impactful performances with the ball for PBKS.
In reply, Curran led from the front as he smashed 63 not out off 41 balls to ensure Punjab's victory with seven balls to spare.
“We bowled really well as a group. The message was that we had a lot of pride to play for. Ellis was absolutely amazing in his first game of the season. Probably should’ve played him earlier,” Curran said at the post-match presentation.
The PBKS captain also spoked about the nature of the pitch and revealed the chat he had with compatriot Jonny Bairstow when he walked out to bat.
“When I went in, Jonny said it was quite tough. It was holding a little bit. I didn’t need to take too much risk. I knew on a ground like this, that we just needed a couple of sixes,” Curran stated.
With the T20 World Cup 2024 around the corner, England cricketers have started bidding goodbye to the ongoing IPL. The Three Lions are set to face Pakistan in a four-match T20I series from May 22 to May 30. It is considered an important series to fine-tune the T20 World Cup preparations.
Curran and Bairstow have also played their last IPL match of this season. “Me and Jonny are leaving tomorrow. It is obviously nice. We have thoroughly enjoyed the season, and I have enjoyed captaining,” he said.
“The atmosphere around the group has been really good. Excited about the World Cup,” Curran added.
Sam Curran also expressed his delight with the performances of the local players for PBKS throughout the season and opined that the team was close to something big, despite having been knocked out of the playoff race.
“Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We had so many close games. I feel like the team is close to something. Who knows what the future holds?”
“Loads of positives though. The chase in Kolkata. The way Shashank Singh has come into the team is amazing. Ashutosh as well. Harshal and Arshdeep have bowled well too,” Curran concluded.
