In a nail-biting last-over showdown on Saturday (April 13), Rajasthan Royals (RR) displayed remarkable composure to edge past the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and secure their fifth victory of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match unfolded as a tense low-scoring encounter, with PBKS setting a target of 148 runs for RR, who clinched the win in the penultimate delivery of the game. In the gripping final over, Shimron Hetmyer, exhibiting nerves of steel, capitalized on loose deliveries to smash two crucial sixes, sealing a dramatic victory for RR.
Punjab Kings’ struggles
The contest began with PBKS batting first in their home ground. However, the absence of Shikhar Dhawan dealt a blow to the hosts, who found themselves struggling at 52/4 within the initial ten overs. Despite the slower pitch conditions, the lower-order resilience was tested, compounded by exceptional fielding efforts. Yet, amidst the battle, a peculiar incident unfolded involving RR’s captain Sanju Samson and the bowler Avesh Khan.
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Ashutosh Sharma’s capitalization on a dropped chance
In the 19th over, Avesh delivered a fuller ball outside off, tempting PBKS’s Ashutosh Sharma to go for a big shot. Nevertheless, Ashutosh’s attempt resulted in a top edge, sending the ball skywards towards the short mid-wicket region. Both Avesh and Samson sprinted towards the descending ball, but a miscommunication led to a fumbled catch, evoking frustration between the two RR players. The momentary lapse saw Ashutosh capitalizing on the opportunity, rallying to score two sixes and a four in his unbeaten 16-ball 31, as Punjab concluded their innings at 147 for eight in 20 overs.
Sanju Samson’s perspective on the accidental clash with Avesh Khan
After RR managed to pull off a thrilling run chase, Samson found humor in Rajasthan’s repeated encounters with high-catching instances. Samson acknowledged the challenge posed by the crowd noise, conceding that it’s nearly impossible for players to hear each other’s calls during high-pressure moments like catching. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of fast bowlers stepping up in such situations, noting that wicketkeepers generally have an easier time with these catches compared to fielders.
“We had few funny instances from last year and this year. But I am really happy that everyone is eager to go and catch. I would be very sad if people are just staying away and not catching it,” Samson said in a post-match presentation.
“It gets a bit tough actually – the stadium is full of noise and when people call, we are looking at the ball, we can’t look who is coming. I need to tell my fast bowlers that it’s a bit easier to catch with the gloves instead of hands,” the 29-year-old concluded.