IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, 65th Match - Who Said What?

Punjab Kings clinched a narrow victory over Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in the 65th match of IPL 2024. Opting to bat first Rajasthan Royals struggled to build partnerships. Yashasvi Jaiswal was bowled for a first-ball duck by Sam Curran. Contributions from Kohler-Cadmore (18 off 23) and skipper Sanju Samson (18 off 15) kept hopes alive, but consistent breakthroughs from Punjab's bowlers applied pressure. Riyan Parag’s valiant 48 off 34 brought the Royals to a sub-par total of 144. 

In response, Punjab Kings did not have a good start of their own as they found themselves lingering at 48/4 in 4.5 overs. Sam Curran, however, played a captain's knock and made a match-winning half-century (63 off 41). Jitesh Sharma also impressed with his 22 off 20 as he steered the ship towards victory. He however couldn't get to the shore as Yuzvandra Chahal dismissed the Kings batter in the 16th over. Ashutosh Sharma then came on to take Punjab to clinch an easy win with his 17 off 11. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table 

Losing Skipper Sanju Samson said: 

We needed a few more runs. I think we were 10-15 runs short. It was a 160 kind of a wicket. We would have easily got more than 160 (had we played better), that's where we lost the game. Would have been nice to have one more bowling option. I am getting used to five quality bowlers. We have to sit back and accept that we are going through failures, have lost four games on the trot. Got to find out what's not working out for us as a team. Somebody needs to step up, we have so many match-winners in the team. This is the time we need to show character. We need to score more runs. We thought 160-170 would have been a good score. We are not used to playing on such wickets this season where 200-plus totals are getting scored easily. We had to play smart cricket and build those partnerships today. Hopefully the result goes in our way (in the upcoming games.)

POTM and Winning captain Sam Curran said: 

We bowled really well as a group. 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. WHen I went in, Jonny said it was quite tough. It was holding a little bit. Didn't need to take too much risk. Knew on a ground like this, we just needed a couple of sixes. Me and Jonny are leaving tomorrow. Obviously nice. Have thoroughly enjoyed the season, have enjoyed captaining. Atmosphere around the group has been really good. Excited about the World Cup. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We had so many close games. Feel like the team is close to something. Who knows what the future holds. Loads of positives. The chase in Kolkata. The way Shashank Singh has come into the team is amazing. Ashutosh as well. Harshal and Arshdeep have bowled well.