Punjab Kings WON
T20
Punjab Kings beat RR by 4 runs
Man of the Match - Sanju Samson
Punjab Kings
221-6
20.0/20 Ovrs
 
217-7
20.0/20 Ovrs
RR
Indian Premier League, 2021 |Match 4 |4/12/2021
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Commentary
  • That is it from this game! KL Rahul's Punjab get off to a winning start albeit in a nail-biting manner. Sanju Samson's captaincy career starts with a heartbreaking loss but they will take a lot of heart from this game and look to bounce back in their next game. On Tuesday, 13th April, 2-time champions, Kolkata take on 5-time champions and defending champions Mumbai. That promises to be a great game. That match begins at 1930 local (1400 GMT). Make sure you join us for that one. Till then, goodbye and take care!
  • For his brilliant century, Sanju Samson is named the Player of the Match. Samson says that he was struggling in the first half to get going. Tells he accepted they were bowling well and slowly got into their rhythm. Sanju says he really enjoyed his shots but came back to reality soon. Tells when he is in the zone, things naturally happen for him and he is very happy to play in that manner. Samson says it is about trusting oneself and he just believed in himself. Samson says his mind was playing not his body.
  • Punjab skipper, KL Rahul, says that the heart rate was high but says he never stopped believing as they knew a couple of wickets would get them back in the game. Tells the game went so deep as they dropped a few sitters. Tells he was happy with the bowlers. Rahul says they are used to this and feels a game like this brings the team together. Admits they made some mistakes. Feels they bowled well in patches but is hopeful that they learn from their mistake as this is a young team and they need to give chances. Tells Hooda's innings was amazing and says that is the kind of batting they want to see this season. Tells it is important for them to go and play fearlessly. Adds Gayle looked good. Rahul says he has always gone to Arshdeep for crucial overs and he does not mind bowling those overs as he has delivered in the past for them. Rahul says he is happy with Arshdeep's performance.
  • Earlier in the evening, Punjab were asked to bat and bat they did. KL Rahul led from the front and his 91 along with 40 from Gayle put Punjab in a strong position. But Hooda's 64 off just 28 balls proved to be the main difference as Punjab finished with a massive total of 221. A score that was massive and just about enough to win the game for Punjab. It was a tough evening for the Rajasthan bowlers but debutant, Chetan Sakariya showed his skills and talent and his final over in the first innings and overall display denied Punjab from crossing 225!
  • Punjab's hero of the final over, Arshdeep Singh is now caught for a chat! Arshdeep says that his heart was beating a bit. Adds that he tried to execute his plans and it paid off. Mentions that the captain has been supportive and the staff have also supported him well. Further says that his form was good in the 20-over format and that helped him. Arshdeep also says that it is good to get the 2 points.
  • Rajasthan skipper, Sanju Samson is up for a chat. Sanju Samson, says he is disappointed with the loss as it was a close one. Adds that he could not time the last ball properly and that is why he got out. Mentions that they played well and gave a good fight. Further says that it is all about timing and if you get that you can hit the ball properly.
  • Take a bow, Arshdeep Singh! In only his second season, the youngster showed nerves of steel, calmness of a veteran, and execution of a superstar! His superb final over has seen Punjab start the season with a fantastic win. Shami and Arshdeep were the star with the ball picking up 2 and 3 wickets respectively and also going for just 68 from their 8 overs. Murugan Ashwin bowled well but his final over spoilt his figures. The Australian duo of Riley Meredith and Jhye Richardson had a tough outing especially Richardson who went for 55 in his 4. But the Punjab boys have managed to hold their nerves and get the win.
  • Chasing a massive total of 222, Rajasthan got off to a terrible start as they lost Stokes in the very first over and Manan Vohra not too long after. Buttler and Samson though kept things going with a 45-run stand before Buttler departed. Samson, the skipper, held one end like glue. His blistering century along with vital contributions from Dube and Parag kept the Rajasthan side in the game. Samson's 119 though was not good enough as they fell just short, right in front of the finishing line.
  • What a fantastic game! Wow! What a fantastic chase! This game promised to beat the Monday blues and hasn't it lived up to the expectation! A majestic ton from the new Rajasthan skipper, Sanju Samson cannot see his side over the line as Arshdeep Singh has bowled a fabulous final over and won the game for Punjab! New name, new players, and the Punjab franchise have started the campaign with a thrilling win. 
  • 19.6
    W
    Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, OUT! CAUGHT! Arshdeep Singh gets his third wicket! Full delivery on off, Samson lofts it over covers but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards the fielder where Deepak Hooda takes a good catch. PUNJAB WIN BY 4 RUNS!
  • 19.5
    0
    Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, What has Sanju Samson done here? He has refused to take the run and now Rajasthan need a biggie to win the game while a boundary will take it to a Super Over! Full around off, Samson hits it to long off. Morris comes for a run but he is sent back. 
  • 19.4
    6
    Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, SIX! That is clobbered! Full and outside off, Samson lofts it over covers for a biggie.
  • 19.3
    1
    Arshdeep Singh to Chris Morris, Full toss outside off, Morris drives it towards covers for a single.
  • 19.2
    1
    Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, Full delivery outside off, Samson lofts it over point for a single.
  • 19.1
    0
    Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Samson looks to swing at it but misses it.
  • END OF OVER 19 | 8 Runs & 0 Wkt | RR 209/6
  • Who will bowl the final over? It will be Arshdeep Singh! 
  • 18.6
    0
    Riley Meredith to Chris Morris, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Morris looks to go big but misses it. Rajasthan need 13 runs in 6 balls!
  • 18.5
    1
    Riley Meredith to Sanju Samson, Back of a length on off, Samson punches it through covers for a run.
  • 18.4
    6
    Riley Meredith to Sanju Samson, SIX! That is hammered! Short delivery on middle, Samson pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
  • 18.3
    1
    Riley Meredith to Chris Morris, Short delivery outside off, Morris punches it through point for a single.
  • 18.2
    0
    Riley Meredith to Chris Morris, Length delivery on off, Morris looks to punch but gets a bottom edge to the off side.
  • The most expensive buy in the history of the league, Chris Morris is out to bat.
  • 18.1
    W
    Riley Meredith to Rahul Tewatia, OUT! CAUGHT! Meredith gets his first wicket! Full and outside off, Tewatia looks to go big but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the keeper where Rahul takes a comfortable catch.
  • END OF OVER 18 | 19 Runs & 1 Wkt | RR 201/5