Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by two runs in a last-over thriller in the IPL, thanks to a Kartik Tyagi masterclass.
The Royals batted first, and posted a total of 185 all out, which was a decent total for Punjab to chase. However, they could have scored more were it not for the bowling masterclass from Punjab. The Kings took seven wickets in the last six overs, with Arshdeep Singh starring with a figure of 5-32.
However, what followed was one of the most calamitous collapses, and it took 19 overs for it to take shape. Punjab got off to a flying start, with K. L. Rahul (49) and Mayank Agarwal (67) causing the 2008 IPL winners all sorts of problems. Rajasthan even dropped Rahul three times, and they were made to pay for it by the Punjab captain.
However, the Royals regrouped and dismissed the pair in successive overs before finding themselves in trouble again. Nicholas Pooran (32) and Aiden Markram (26*) got Punjab to a position where they needed four runs in six balls. It was projected as an easy win for Preity Zinta’s team. Then, disaster struck.
Clutch performance
Fast bowler Kartik Tyagi was given the ball to snatch a near-impossible win for the Royals. He stepped up to the plate, grabbing both his wickets of the match in that over itself, dismissing Pooran and Deepak Hooda (0). Suddenly, Punjab needed three runs in one ball. A dot ball yorker later, Rajasthan had done it, and Punjab lost at 183-4.
After the match, Rahul said, “Tough one to swallow. We need to see how we can handle pressure better. It’s happened to the best in the game.”
The result saw the Royals go up the table to take fourth place, which means they are tied with defending champions Mumbai Indians. Punjab, meanwhile, are in danger of missing the playoffs, having accumulated a paltry six points after nine matches.
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