IPL 2024: Curran's Captain's Knock Steals the Show, Royals' Party Spoiled in Guwahati
Rajasthan Royals' second home, Guwahati, did not treat them well on their arrival this season as they lost by 5 wickets to the already eliminated Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday. A scintillating half-century from skipper Sam Curran, along with cameos from Riley Rosso and Jitesh Sharma, led Punjab home in a 145-run chase, handing Rajasthan their fourth straight defeat. Despite the loss, RR managed to maintain their second position on the table with 16 points. However, if the Pat Cummins-led side beat Gujarat Titans on Thursday, they could lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Punjab did not get off to the best start in the minor chase. Trent Boult, with his knack for taking wickets in the opening overs, was right on the money by dismissing Prabhasimran Singh. Before the end of the powerplay, Avesh Khan added to the visitors' pledge, removing set-batter Riley Rossov (22) and power-hitter Shashank Singh (0) on consecutive deliveries. A frantic fuller while trying to flick Shashank, fails to connect the straighter and the 141 kmph delivery thumps onto his bat. Shashank didn't even bother to use DRS as he got away. Despite the low score at their disposal the momentum definitely swung towards the Royals. PBKS saw them back to the hut with most of their big smashers at 48/4 in 8 overs. But Captain Curran had other plans for the night.
The English all-rounder can take the team into the playoffs but ensure a pride-saving win away from home. Curran scored an unbeaten 63 off 41 balls and also put on a game-changing 63-run partnership with Jitesh Sharma to knock out table-toppers Royals. Curran also inflicted a dose of punishment on Ravichandran Ashwin, hitting him for a wonderful six over extra cover. But the blossoming stand was snuffed out by Yuzvendra Chahal (2/31), who left PBKS at 111 for five in the 16th over. However, Curran and Ashutosh Sharma (17 not out, 11 balls) knocked off the remaining runs without much drama. On that day, Punjab Kings restricted Rajasthan Royals to 144 runs for nine wickets. For the Royals, local hero Ryan Parag scored 48 off 34 balls on a difficult track while Curran (2/24 in 3 overs), Harshal Patel (2/28 in 4 overs), Nathan Ellis (1/24 in 4 overs) and Rahul Chahar (4 overs) 2/26) were all on target.
Ashwin showcased his batting prowess, smashing Chahar for 17 runs in the 12th over that included a sequence of 6, 4, 4 and a stunning reverse scoop over the first four backward points. But he couldn't build on his innings, taking Arshdeep to Shashank. Parag, normally a free-flowing batsman, had to control his temper in front of a very respectable home crowd as wickets fell regularly at the other end. But a late cut off Curran that went to third man stood as a testament to his ability and timing as he also crossed the 500-run mark for the season before being trapped in front of the wicket by Harshal Patel.