IPL 2024: RR beat PBKS in a low-scoring thriller to extend domination at top of table
Shimron Hetmyer kept his cool to guide RR to a thrilling last-over victory over PBKS in the IPL 2024 clash in Mullanpur on Saturday.
Hetmyer’s steady nerves and calculated strokes enabled RR to successfully chase down the 147-run target, securing a hard-fought 3-wicket win. With this triumph, RR solidified their position at the summit of the points table, further asserting their dominance in the tournament. It was one of those low-scoring thrillers where neither side could bat at their best, yet Rajasthan had just enough depth in their batting to secure the win. Shimron Hetmyer, who had been waiting all season for a chance to prove his worth, finally seized the opportunity and delivered when it mattered most, ensuring his side’s victory.
Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, Rajasthan began steadily with the new opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Tanush Kotian forging a 50-plus partnership, the first for Rajasthan’s opening pair this season. However, they failed to capitalize on the start as Kotian departed after a slow innings, and Sanju Samson attempted to build another partnership with Jaiswal. Unfortunately, once Jaiswal was dismissed, the innings faltered, with no batsman able to assert control and find the boundaries consistently. Just as the situation seemed dire, Shimron Hetmyer stepped up, finding boundaries, and with contributions from Rovman Powell, Rajasthan regained their winning momentum, ascending to the top of the table.
Earlier, RR bowlers Avesh Khan and Keshav Maharaj made the most of a challenging pitch to restrict PBKS to a modest 147 for eight in their recent IPL encounter. Rajasthan’s skipper Sanju Samson set the tone for his team by opting to bowl first against Punjab in Mullanpur on Saturday. PBKS struggled to build significant partnerships throughout the innings despite efforts from Ashutosh Sharma, Jitesh Sharma, and Liam Livingstone. Although Atharva Taide provided a brisk start, his departure marked the beginning of Punjab’s woes. The pitch, particularly helpful for left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, made scoring difficult.
Trent Boult’s tight bowling in the power play further compounded Kings’ struggles. With only 10 runs coming in the last three power-play overs, PBKS found themselves at 38 for one. Their middle overs were equally challenging, with the hosts managing just one boundary in the next five overs, reaching 53 for four in 10 overs. The dismissals of Jonny Bairstow, stand-in-skipper Sam Curran, and Prabhsimran Singh showcased the pitch’s sluggish nature. Curran’s mistimed pull-off Maharaj exemplified the difficulties faced by the batters. Shahshank Singh, their in-form hitter, couldn’t capitalize either, falling to a weak pull shot off Sen.
Overall, Rajasthan’s bowlers exploited the conditions well, leaving Punjab Kings with a below-par total. With the top-order struggling, PBKS relied on Livingstone and Jitesh to reach a competitive total. Jitesh Sharma’s aggression, including a six off Chahal and another off Kuldeep Sen, was noteworthy before Avesh Khan dismissed him for 29. Livingstone’s flurry of boundaries, including a six and a four, and Ashutosh’s late hitting helped PBKS add 61 runs in the final five overs, but it was a tad too late.