Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced an all-round performance to secure a 5-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Despite a challenging target of 145, the Royals displayed aggressive bowling. Avesh Khan’s early breakthroughs set the tone for RR, backed by Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin, putting Punjab under pressure with four wickets down for under 50 runs.

However, PBKS captain Sam Curran played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 63 to take his side home. Curran received good support from Jitesh Sharma, who played a crucial knock-22. Earlier, Rilee Rossouw (22) rained boundaries to keep the chase alive. Ashutosh Sharma chipped in with an unbeaten 17. Curran received the Player of the Match award for his brilliance with both bat and ball.

Sanju Samson’s decision to bat first backfired as RR was off to a shaky start with Curran bowling out Yashasvi Jaiswal. Looking to steady RR’s innings, Tom Kohler Cadmore and Samson added 36 runs before Nathan Ellis dismissed the Royals’ Captain. Rahul Chahar got the better of Cadmore for 18. However, Riyan Parag and Ravichandran Ashwin rose to the occasion, stitching a 50-run partnership for three fourth wickets.

Arshdeep Singh broke the crucial partnership by removing Ashwin for 28. The in-form Parag departed after playing a handy knock of 48. Trent Boult chipped in with 12 runs, helping RR reach a decent total of 144/9 in 20 overs. Curran, Chahar, and Harshal Patel starred with two-wicket hauls for PBKS.