RR vs PBKS: Jurel & Hetmyer's efforts went in vain after a thriller of a final over from Sam Curran as Punjab Kings registered their 2nd consecutive victory

Punjab Kings put up 197 on the board as uncapped batter Prabhsimran led the way with a quick-fire 34-ball 60 while Shikhar Dhawan batted the entire innings scoring 86 in 59 balls. Rajasthan Royals had a good start after losing 2 early wickets, with Sanju Samson scoring 42. However, runs dried up in the middle overs, as Nathan Ellis picked up 4 wickets. Shimron Hetmeyer and Dhruv Jjurel hit some big shots at the end of the innings, but their efforts were in vain as RR lost the match by 5 runs. Read the Match Report of the RR vs PBKS game and share your thoughts in the comments.

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RR vs PBKS: IPL 2023 Match Report

Rajasthan Royals won the toss & decided to bowl first. RR didn't get the start they were hoping for as Prabhsimran Singh & Shikhar Dhawan started the innings quite in style. Prabhsimran also started brilliantly in the first fixture against KKR but couldn't construct a big inning. This time he mastered that and scored a well-deserved 28-ball half-century. He smashed seven fours & three sixes to give the boost Punjab needed to reach a big total. Eventually, Prabhsimran lost his wicket to Jason Holder for 60 runs in 34 deliveries. Punjab Kings suffered the first blow at the score of 90 runs.

Shikhar Dhawan's unbeaten 86 runs constructed the innings for Punjab Kings

Rajapaksha took a hit from Dhawan's shot and had to return to the dugout. Jitesh Sharma took his place and built a partnership with Dhawan. Shikhar Dhawan already showed a glimpse in the first match but this time it was the entire movie for Rajasthan. The Gabbar dominated the opposition's bowling attack with constant big hitting. Jitesh Sharma played a 27 runs cameo but after a dry spell from Chahal, he finally struck. Shikhar Dhawan scored 86 runs in 56 deliveries and remained not out till the end to help Punjab Kings reach 197 runs. Jason Holder was the best bowler for Rajasthan as he picked two wickets and didn't give away cheap runs, while Chahal got slaughtered in his 4-over spell but ended with a single wicket. Ashwin was brilliant with only giving 25 runs in four overs and also scalped 1 wicket.

RR vs PBKS:

Rajasthan lost early wickets in the chase

Rajasthan had a poor start while chasing and Punjab completely took over for the first few overs. Jaiswal & Ashwin started the chase and RR lost their both openers under 26 runs. Arshdeep Singh picked the openers' wickets and that brought Sanju Samson & Buttler onto the pitch. Jos Buttler started well but Nathan Ellis sent him back to the dugout for 19 runs. Sanju Samson scored 42 runs and dealt with some brilliant shots all around the ground. His inning stabled the situation for some time but it was Nathan Ellis' day. He sent the skipper home and Rajasthan lost their fourth wicket at the score of 91. Paddikal hasn't been at his best and once again it was seen during his time in the crease. He struggled and eventually, Nathan Ellis gave the sucker punch to Rajasthan. He also picked the wicket of Riyan Parag who was looking better but it was all he could contribute today.

Jurel & Hetmyer's efforts went in vain

Dhruv Jurel came in as an impact player. Shimron Hetmyer smashed 3 sixes and kept the hopes alive for Rajasthan while Jurel made an instant impact with big shots in the 19th over. Sam Curran bowled the last over and he proved his worth by defending the total. The World T20 winner bowled brilliantly in the last over and helped Punjab Kings to register their second consecutive victory by 5 runs. Hetmyer scored 36 runs in 18 deliveries while Dhruv Jurel stole the show by scoring an unbeaten 32 runs in 15 deliveries. Although they fell short by 5 runs after a brilliant comeback as Sam Curran made the difference in the last over.