IPL 2024: Victorious Exit, Curran Salvages Season Positivity After PBKS Downs RR in Guwahati

Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday at the Barsaparas Stadium in Guwahati, Assam in the ongoing Indian Premier League season. PBKS restricted RR to 144 for 9 in 20 overs with 7 balls to spare before chasing down the target. Punjab skipper Sam Curran played an important role in the win, taking two wickets with the ball before hitting an unbeaten half-century against the Royals at Assam. The PBKS bowlers did an outstanding job of restricting RR to less than 150 total as Curran, Rahul Chahar and Harshal Patel took two wickets each. Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who added a wicket, was also instrumental in stemming the flow of runs for the team from Jaipur as Curran praised his side's bowlers.

“We bowled really well as a group. The message was that we are very proud to play,” said the Englishman. “Ellis was absolutely fantastic in his first game of the season. Probably should have played it earlier,” he added. He touched on the nature of the pitch that day and revealed a chat he had with compatriot Jonny Bairstow when he came out to bat. “When I went in, Johnny said it was very tough. He was holding on a bit. I didn't need to take too much risk. I knew on a ground like this we only needed two sixes,” said Curran. Curran and Bairstow will leave to join their English teammates ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Curran added that he enjoyed the atmosphere around the camp.

“Johnny and I are leaving tomorrow. It's obviously cool. We have thoroughly enjoyed the season, and I have enjoyed the captaincy."

“The atmosphere around the group has been really good. Excited about the World Cup,” he added.

He was also pleased with the Indians' performance for the team throughout the season and opined that despite being knocked out of the playoff race this season, the team was close to something big thanks to some gilt-edged fixtures that didn't break. their manner. "Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We had a lot of close games. I think the team is close to something. Who knows what the future holds?" "Positive loads though. Chase in Kolkata. Amazing the way Shashank Singh has come into the team. Ashutosh too. Harshal and Arshdeep have bowled well too," he signed off.