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The struggles for the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals continue as they suffered their fourth-straight defeat after suffering a five-wicket loss against Punjab Kings. For PBKS, captain Sam Curran stepped up to score a vital 63 to help his side chase the 145-run target in 18.5 overs at Royals' second home, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Though Rajasthan have qualified for the playoffs, they are under serious pressure with the side winning just one game in their last five matches after a dream start to the season. Things turned sour for RR after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
The 2008 champions were reduced 4-1 after which Sanju Samson and debutant Tom Kohler-Cadmore steadied the ship on a slowish Guwahati. wicket. But after the powerplay, RR lost two quick wickets which made way for hometown hero Riyan Parag and veteran R Ashwin. The duo also struggled but kept the scoreboard ticking and helped stitch up a 50-run stand after which Ashwin was dismissed.
After losing a set batter, Punjab kept chipping away with wickets but Parag held one end up and helped post a total of 144. The youngster scored 48 in 34 balls with six fours while Sam Curran, Harshal Patel and Rahul Chahar starred for Punjab. The trio picked up two wickets and set up a comfortable chase for the Kings.
In the second innings, PBKS also struggled to score runs as they were reduced to 46-4. From here Sam Curran and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma gradually scored runs to keep their side in the hunt. The duo added 63 before Jitesh's wicket but Curran brought out the big shot alongside Ashutosh Sharma to clinch the game. The pair finished off the game in the penultimate over after adding a quick-fire stand of 34 runs. Curran top-scored with a 41-ball 63 while Avesh Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the Royals with his 2-28 in 3.5 overs.
