PBKS Outshine RR with Stellar Bowling and Curran’s Heroics

Despite having already secured a playoff spot, Rajasthan Royals (RR) continued their losing streak with a five-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2024 match on Wednesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. PBKS, led by an impressive bowling performance and a fighting half-century from skipper Sam Curran, handed RR their fourth consecutive loss.

Currently, RR stands second in the points table with eight wins and five losses, totaling 16 points. On the other hand, PBKS is positioned ninth with five wins, eight losses, and 10 points.

Chasing a target of 145, PBKS had a shaky start, losing Prabhsimran Singh early for just six runs. Trent Boult got his first wicket as Prabhsimran’s top edge landed in Yuzvendra Chahal’s hands at short third man. PBKS was 6/1 in 0.4 overs. Riley Rossouw and Jonny Bairstow then attempted to stabilize the innings, but Rossouw was dismissed for 22, leaving PBKS at 36/2.

The situation worsened when Avesh Khan struck twice in quick succession, leaving PBKS struggling at 39/3 by the end of the powerplay. Bairstow fell for a mere 14 runs, adding to PBKS’s woes. However, skipper Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma then built a crucial partnership, with Curran leading the charge.

Curran’s resilient innings saw him reach his second fifty of the tournament, guiding PBKS to 145/5 in 18.5 overs. Curran remained unbeaten at 63, demonstrating his value to the team. His efforts were complemented by Ashutosh Sharma’s quick 17 runs. Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal were the standout bowlers for RR, each taking two wickets.

Earlier in the match, Punjab Kings’ bowlers restricted Rajasthan Royals to 144/9. Sam Curran and Rahul Chahar spearheaded the attack, ensuring RR couldn’t build any significant momentum. Riyan Parag was the lone bright spot for RR, scoring 48 runs, but his effort fell short as wickets tumbled around him.

After winning the toss, RR decided to bat but struggled to get off to a solid start. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore opened for RR but couldn’t establish a strong partnership. Sam Curran dismissed Jaiswal early, and Kohler-Cadmore’s struggles continued as he was dismissed by Rahul Chahar. Sanju Samson, RR’s captain, couldn’t make a substantial impact either.

RR’s innings saw brief resistance from Ravichandran Ashwin, but once he was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, RR’s chances of posting a competitive total dwindled. The team managed to cross the 100-run mark in the 14th over but failed to build on it, finishing at 144/9.

Rahul Chahar, Sam Curran, and Harshal Patel were instrumental in PBKS’s bowling attack, each taking crucial wickets and maintaining pressure on RR’s batsmen.