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LSG Vs MI HIGHLIGHTS: Akash Madhwal’s 5/5 Helps Mumbai Indians Fix Gujarat Titans Date In Qualifier 2

HIGHLIGHTS | LSG Vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2023 Eliminator

Opting to bat, Mumbai Indians scored 182/8 against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2023 Eliminator on Wednesday. Cameron Green top-scored for MI with a 23-ball 41 while Suryakumar Yadav made 33 off 20 balls. For LSG, Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 38 runs while Yash Thakur took three wickets.

Playing XIs:

Lucknow Super Giants: Prerak Mankad, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya (captain), Ayush Badoni, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur and Mohsin Khan

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Tilak Varma, Cameron Green, Chris Jordan, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff and Akash Madhwal

from Sports – Latest News, Breaking News, LIVE News, Top News Headlines, Viral Video, Cricket LIVE, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Health, Lifestyle and Utility News | India.Com https://ift.tt/y785wHk

Junior Asia Cup Hockey: Araijeet Singh Hundal, Amandeep Star As India Maul Chinese Taipei 18-0

Salalah (Oman): Defending champions India started their Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey campaign on a rousing note with a thumping 18-0 win over minnows Chinese Taipei at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex on Wednesday. The Indians toyed with the Chinese Taipei defence, scoring goals at will.

Araijeet Singh Hundal (19th, 19th, 30th, 59th minutes) and Amandeep (38th, 39th, 41st) scored a hat-trick each, while Boby Singh Dhami (10th, 46th) and Aditya Arjun Lalage (37th, 37th) and skipper Uttam Singh (10th, 59th) found the back of the net twice.

Sharda Nand Tiwari (11th), Angad Bir Singh (37th), Amir Ali (51st), Boby Poovanna Chandura (54th) and Yogember Rawat (60th) were the other goal-getters for India in the lop-sided Pool A contest. India will next play Japan on Thursday before taking on arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday and Thailand on Sunday.

India will aim to qualify for this year’s Junior World Cup by winning this tournament. The tournament, while being a platform for young players in the continent to showcase their skills, is also important as the top-three finishers will qualify for the Junior World Cup, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in December this year.

IPL 2023: MS Dhoni BREAKS Silence On His Retirement After CSK Reach 10th Final; Says ‘I Have 8-9 Months To Decide, Why Take That Headache Now?’

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has finally broken his silence on his retirement rumours after CSK Beat Gujarat Titans on Tuesday to reach their 10th IPL Final.

Dhoni feels he has at least 8-9 months to decide about his future with Chennai Super Kings as he is not willing to take that headache now. He added that he will be always there for Chennai, be it as a player or something else.

Comes The Living Legend
Harsha bhogle : Will they see you over here again?
Mahi Sir :#ChennaiSuperKings #CSKvsGT #cskfinal #MSDhoni #GujratTitans #ViniciusJr #Cannes2023 #JENNIE #imranKhanPTI #Belgorod #ม็อบ23พฤษภา66 #王様に捧ぐ薬指 #Qualifier1 #IPLPlayOffs #BGMI #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/PauMzQmsxE

— Zeet Basnet (@ZeetBasnet14) May 23, 2023

”I don’t know (back next year?) – I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I’ll always be there for CSK, where it’s playing or something outside”, Dhoni responded to retirements plans at the post-match presentation.

Dhoni was quite happy with his team’s performance and said that everybody’s hard work of 2 months have paid of well.

”IPL is too big to say it’s just another final. Used to be 8 top teams, now it’s 10. I won’t say it’s just another final. It’s hard work of 2 months. Everybody has contributed”, he told.

”GT are a fantastic team and they’ve chased very well, so the thought was to get them in. But it was a good toss to lose. If Jaddu gets conditions that help him. he’s very difficult to hit. His bowling changed the game. Not to forget his partnership with Moeen. We try to create an environment and work out what is the strength of a fast bowler. We try to give them confidence and tell them ‘please try to explore your bowling’. We try to motivate them as much as possible”, the ex India captain added.

”Support staff is there, Bravo and Eric are there. You see the wicket and according to that you keep adjusting the field. I can be a very annoying captain, I keep shifting fielders 2-3 feet. Only request I ask from the fielders is, keep an eye on me. If there’s a dropped catch there will be no reaction (from me), just keep an eye on me”, he further added.

Highlights CSK vs GT, IPL 2023 Score: Chennai Beat Gujarat By 15 Runs To Qualify For FINAL

AS IT HAPPENED | Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2023, Qualifier 1

Chennai: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 60 off 44 followed by a commanding display by the bowlers guided Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their 10th final with a 15-run win over defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 Qualifier 1 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, here on Tuesday.

Opener Devon Conway was struggling for rhythm but his partner Gaikwad was fluent as usual and stroked to his fourth fifty of the season. GT pulled things back nicely during the middle overs and seemed to have control of the proceedings. Towards the end, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali chipped in with cameos as CSK managed to reach 172/7 in their 20 overs.

In reply, GT couldn’t manage to build up any significant partnerships as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Rashid Khan’s 30-run cameo did give GT a glimmer of hope but CSK bowlers were at their best and bowled out the Titans for 157 in 20 overs to book the ticket to finale.

Chasing 173, the Titans had a shaky start, losing two wickets in the Power-play. Deepak Chahar drew the first blood by dismissing Wriddhiman Saha. Then Maheesh Theekshana struck in the sixth over and got the big wicket of skipper Hardik Pandya. Shubman Gill’s couple of lovely shots took GT to 41 for the loss of two wickets at the end of Power-Play.

The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Theekshana kept things tight in the next three overs before Shanaka hit a back-to-back boundary and a maximum in the 10th over, taking GT to 72/2.

In the next over, Jadeja removed Dasun Shanaka, who looked to reverse sweep over the point fielder but didn’t get it off the middle of the bat. Theekshana at short third man moved to his right and took a fine catch.

After Matheesha Pathirana’s 10-ball over, Jadeja struck again in the 13th over and cleaned up David Miller, finishing his spell with 2-18. In the next over, Deepak Chahar got the big fish Gill for 42, making the chase tougher as Titans were reduced GT to 88/5 and the asking run rate was over 12 runs per over.

Theekshana bowled the carrom ball and Rahul Tewatia was caught flat-footed deep inside the crease and was unable to tuck it away. The ball beat the bat and crashed into the stumps and, Gujarat lost their sixth wicket and 71 was needed in the next 30 balls.

Then, Rashid Khan and Vijay Shankar went for a few big hits and collected 19 runs in the 17th over to shift some momentum. But momentum again turned in CSK’s favour with two successive wickets. First Pathirana dismissed Shankar on the third ball of the 18th over, then Subhranshu Senapati’s direct hit sent Darshan Nalkande back to the hut.

With 35 needing in 12 balls, Rashid Khan smashed a boundary on the first ball of the penultimate over but, a moment later, Tushar Deshpande dismissed GT’s only hope, Rashid.

When 27 needed off 6, Pathirana conceded a boundary and picked up a wicket of Shami as GT was bowled out for 157 and CSK walked away with 15 runs.

Earlier, batting first, Chennai had a steady yet dramatic start as Gaikwad got caught at mid-wicket in the second over but was lucky to survive as Darshan Nalkande overstepped and the hooter went up. He then smoked over long-on for a six on a free hit and hit a boundary on the next ball.

With some cracking shots from Gaikwad and Conway, CSK reached 49 for no loss at the end of the Power-play. Soon, Gaikwad completed his fifty off 36 balls as CSK reached 85 for no loss at the halfway mark.

When the Titans were looking for a breakthrough, Mohit Sharma struck gold for Gujarat the next over and sent Gaikwad back, ending the 87-run opening stand.

After Gaikwad’s dismissal, the boundaries dried up for Chennai but Conway broke the shackles as he got an outside edge for a four. Then, Ajinkya Rahane whipped one over deep mid-wicket for a six but fell on the next ball.

Piling further miseries, Shami came back on and picked up a wicket right away, dismissing the set batter Conway for 40. Then, Rayudu used the depth of the crease and pulled it a long way over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum before falling on the last ball of the 18th over.

M.S. Dhoni came on to bat to a huge roar from the Chennai crowd. Ravindra Jadeja lofted it over cover for a boundary on the fourth ball of the penultimate over. The next delivery there was a deafening silence inside the ground as Dhoni walked back to the hut.

Jadeja got a boundary in the final before falling on the penultimate ball of the innings as Chennai racked up 172/7 in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings 172/7 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 60, Devon Conway 40; Mohd Shami 2-28, Mohit Sharma 2-31) beat Gujarat Titans (Shubman Gill 42, Rashid Khan 30; Ravindra Jadeja 2-18, Maheesh Theekshana 2-28) by 15 runs

IPL 2023: Robin Uthappa Reacts To Hate Comments From Twitter Users While Watching CSK vs GT Qualifier 1 Match At Chepauk

Chennai: Robin Uthappa has been receiving a lot of hate comments from Twitter users after he posted a picture with his son from the stands of Chepauk, where he is watching the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.

Just few minutes before the match, Uthappa posted a happy picture with his son from the Chepauk stands, where he is clearly seen supporting the Chennai franchise as he played with them for two seasons and even lifted the IPL trophy in 2021.

Let’s go @ChennaiIPL!! #yellove pic.twitter.com/v2jEsQSmOg

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 23, 2023

Soon after posting the picture, he has been receiving a lot of hate comments from the users, questioning his loyalty with his past franchises. One of the user slammed him for not showing the same support for his former side Kolkata Knight Riders, whom he played for 6 seasons and even won the title in 2014 with them.

Bro played one-two seasons with Chennai and sold his soul
I have never seen him supporting Kkr like this

— Rajasthani Bateman (@rohit_san13) May 23, 2023

In reply to the comment, the 2007 T20 World Cup winner with India had a fitting answer. According to him, loyalty and respect is a give and take process.

Loyalty and respect is a give and take my friend!!

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 23, 2023

The hate slurs kept on flooding his comment section and after a few hours, it prompted him to have a say about it.

”I’m not surprised by the hate I’m receiving here for what has been MY experience. Peace and love to you all!!”, Robin tweeted.

I’m not surprised by the hate I’m receiving here for what has been MY experience. Peace and love to you all!!

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 23, 2023

Irfan Pathan, his former India teammate came to his support and said, ”Hate ko hata mere bhai. Bas pyaar ko dekh (Forgot about hatred. Just embrace the love)”.

In reply, Uthappa said, ”Zindagi toh pyaar se bara pada hai mere bhai! (Life is stuffed with love and affection my brother!) and only Love can overcome hate!”.

Zindagi toh pyaar se bara pada hai mere bhai!! and only Love can overcome hate!! https://t.co/2956dqkOrG

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 23, 2023

The Chennai fans and cricket fans in general have also come in support of the retired cricketer and advised him to ignore the haters.

IPL 2023: ‘Jersey Dene Tak Thik Tha’, Lucknow Super Giants’ EPIC Reply To Twitter Trend ‘Bring GG To KKR’ Goes VIRAL

New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants have come up with an epic reply on social media after a Twitter trend ‘Bring GG To KKR’ took over the social space on Monday.

GG of course refers to LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir and we all know what the former India international means for Kolkata Knight Riders. Gambhir led KKR to two IPL triumphs in 2012 and 2014 and even led them to the final of the now defunct Champions League T20.

This season, KKR finished 7th and for the second consecutive season missed out on a playoff spot. Their present woes prompted the Kolkata fans to start a Twitter trend to bring back their former captain back to the City of Joy, obviously as part of the coaching staff.

LSG admin took it personally and posted the screenshot of the Twitter trend from their account with the caption, ‘Jersey Dene Tak Thik Tha (It was fine till giving the jersey)’.

Jersey dene tak thik tha pic.twitter.com/7RJOUgz94N

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 22, 2023

After the KKR-LSG match at the Eden Gardens on 20th May, the Kolkata franchise presented their traditional purple and gold jersey to Gambhir with GG written on the back. This surely have brought back many sweet memories for the KKR fans and it’s quite obvious that they would want to see him one last time. But LSG feel KKR is asking for too much.

| … pic.twitter.com/ePBem5tZbz

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 21, 2023

Lucknow Super Giants qualified for the playoffs for the second time in a row and would be looking to better their previous record, when they take on Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on Wednesday.

French Tennis Federation Adopts Smart Solution to Protect Players From Online Harassment at Roland Garros

Paris, May 22: The French Tennis Federation (FFT) is making an anti-online harassment and hate speech tool available to all the players at this years Roland Garros to protect players from online abuse, threats and insults, the clay court major said on its website on Monday.

The social media accounts of tennis players attract insults, death threats, and hateful and sometimes racist and homophobic comments made by trolls.

In response, the FFT, which set up a support unit in 2018 for French players, has decided to step up its fight against online harassment using Bodyguard.ai technology, adopting a smart solution to moderate the players’ social media content during Roland Garros, according to the French Open release.

“By connecting to this new system, they will be protected from all types of harassment (discrimination, insults, mockery, threats, etc) and be able to engage with their fans in complete safety and focus on their performance on the court,” it said in a statement.

To make use of the technology, which regulates public comments made on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in particular, all players need to do is scan a QR Code before connecting to their social media accounts. For GDPR reasons, private messages will not be moderat’d.

“It’s great for the mental well-being of the players. It clears the mind and will help everyone have a little more freedom on the co’rt. I can’t wait to see how the players react to it,” said tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.

The technology safeguards the accounts of all players in the main draw and the official FFT and Roland-Garros accounts, with protection available in the lead-up to the tournament and for a few days after it.

The technology regulates public comments made on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in particular, all players need to do is scan a QR Code before connecting to their social media accounts.

For General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) reasons, private messages will not be moderated.

Bodyguard.ai will provide the organisers with daily reports (number of messages received, number of messages deleted, etc), alert them in real-time in the event of an identified attack, and can even — at the request of the FFT — provide extracts of messages and the identities of the culprits in the event of legal action.

IPL 2023: Anushka Sharma Gives Flying KISS To Hubby Virat Kohli After RCB Batter Slams 7th IPL Hundred Against GT- WATCH Viral Video

Bengaluru: Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma was a happy wife on Sunday as his husband Virat Kohli smashed a 60-ball century against Gujarat Titans in a do-or-die situation match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After Virat completed his second successive hundred, Anushka was seen cheering his hubby from the stands and also gave him a flying kiss for his hard-fought innings.

Back to back s
Flying kiss from Anushka Sharma
Appreciation from Hardik Pandya

Virat Kohli – what a player …consistent….#viratkohli #RCBvsGT pic.twitter.com/xEiX5JOKD8

— Coverdrive/CSK (@coverdrive04) May 21, 2023

Right from the word go, Kohli hit ground running after a long wait of 55 minutes for the game to start due to rain and unleashed a masterclass in front of a hugely supportive home crowd through his unbeaten 101 off 61 balls, also his seventh IPL hundred.

He mesmerised everyone with his magical bottom-handed shots, controlled footwork and usage of wrists to hit 13 fours and a six at a strike-rate of 165.6, taking the side to a big total despite wickets falling around him, and went off the field to a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.

Kohli led Bangalore’s recovery by cutting wide of cover and square-driving with perfection off Mohit for a brace of fours in the 16th over. He welcomed Dayal by swivelling hard over deep mid-wicket for six, before clipping him for four.

Kohli flicked sweetly and pulled off Shami for a brace of fours, before reaching his century off 60 balls in the final over, where Anuj Rawat flicked Mohit for six and got a four off a mis-field.

IPL 2023, RCB vs GT: Virat Kohli Slams 7th IPL Hundred In Do-Or-Die Game Against Gujarat Titans

Bengaluru: Virat Kohli stepped for RCB, when it mattered the most as the former India captain smashed a 60-ball 100 against Gujarat Titans in a do-or-die game against Gujarat Titans on Sunday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Things were looking tricky for Royal Challengers Bangalore, when the home side lost captain Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Mahipal Lomror. But Kohli, a true legend of the game as well as in the cash-rich league of India, pulled the rabbit out of the hat yet again as his 7th IPL hundred powered Bangalore to a very good total of 197/5 after 20 overs of play. He finished the innings with 101 runs.

This was Kohli’s second successive hundred of the ongoing season and today’s innings saw him whack 13 boundaries and a solitary six. The whole of social media was all in praise for the legendary batter and just couldn’t stop drooling over him.

Virat Kohli is doing what he is known for, scoring a century in every game .#RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/lMCZYHvDmE

— Sir BoiesX (@BoiesX45) May 21, 2023

HISTORY – VIRAT KOHLI HAS NOW MOST HUNDREDS IN IPL HISTORY – 7* HUNDREDS.

THE GOAT OF WORLD CRICKET. pic.twitter.com/ah5trQPyqC

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 21, 2023

Only Virat Kohli fans are allowed to like thispic.twitter.com/Mg9uQt1Ew4

— leisha (@katyxkohli17) May 21, 2023

When the lights are dimmest,
The pressure is highest,
The Greatest will survive,
King Kohli will thrive.

Two back to back centuries for Virat Kohli in must win matches for RCB pic.twitter.com/EmcNL9KLTJ

— Aarav (@sigma__male_) May 21, 2023

Virat Kohli becomes the leading run-getter by an Indian in IPL 2023.

He is ruling IPL. pic.twitter.com/Wv4dVVbvgd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 21, 2023

Virat completed 600 runs for the 3rd season in IPL and he is also the all-time leading run-getter and also has the most hundreds in the history of the league.

HIGHLIGHTS | KKR Vs LSG, IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants Survive Rinku Scare To Qualify For Playoffs

As It Happened | KKR vs LSG, IPL 2023 Match 68

Lucknow Super Giants defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by one run in their final league game to qualify for the IPL 2023 play-offs on Saturday. Nicholas Pooran smashed a 30-ball 58 to take Lucknow Super Giants to a competitive 176 for eight after being sent in to bat. LSG lost wickets at regular intervals to reel at 73 for five in 10.1 overs before Pooran and Ayush Badoni shared 74 runs for the sixth wicket to lay the base for the total. But then LSG witnessed another batting collapse to be restricted before Krishnappa Gowtham played a short little unbeaten 4-ball 11-run cameo to give LSG bowlers something to defend. For KKR, Shardul Thakur (2/27), Sunil Narine (2/28) and Vaibhav Arora (2/30) scalped two wickets apiece.
Chasing, Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 67 off 33 balls while Jason Roy made 28-ball 45 up the order but it was not enough as KKR could manage 175 for seven. Ravi Bishnoi (2/23) and Yash Thakur (2/31) picked up two wickets each for LSG.

IPL 2023: Fans Chant ‘Kohli, Kohli’ At Naveen-Ul-Haq’s Bowling At Eden Gardens During KKR Vs LSG Tie | WATCH

Kolkata: Virat Kohli ugly spat with Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq made huge headlines in the ongoing Indian Premier League. The tussle between the two didn’t just end on the field but the Lucknow Super Giants pacer went on to post cryptic messages on his Instagram stories to mock the former India skipper.

However, during LSG’s final league game against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, fans went an extra mile to chant ‘Kohli, Kohli’ at times when Naveen bowled at the Mecca of Cricket, the video of which had gone viral on social media.

Eden Gardens crowd chanting ‘Kohli, Kohli’ on Naveen Ul Haq bowling. pic.twitter.com/WjibEQbiNr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 20, 2023

The incident happened during the second over of the KKR innings when Jason Roy was batting. The Englishman hit the Afghan pacer for two fours and a six on that over.

Kohli Kohli Chants in Eden Garden and Jason Roy smashed Six to Naveen Ul haq..

Jason Roy You beauty ,Eden Garden owned by King Kohli Without playing there..#naveenulhaq #KingKohli #viratkholi #ViratKohli #Kohli #LSGvsKKR #KKRvLSG #KKR #Naveen pic.twitter.com/5RT9eJfcjg

— विराट कोहली (@VKianForever) May 20, 2023

Meanwhile, Naveen too had something for the fans at the stands. Once he showed a shut up sign to the fans while another time he gestured that he doesn’t care at all to what the outsiders say.

IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals defeat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets

IPL Rajasthan Royal's players celebrate the dismissal of Punjab Kings' Liam Livingstone during the Indian Premier League cricket match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Dharamshala, India, Friday, May 19, 2023. (AP Photo /Ashwini Bhatia)

Array

from The Indian Express https://ift.tt/4VqQJmx

Highlights PBKS vs RR, IPL 2023 Score: Rajasthan Beat Punjab By 4 Wickets

AS IT HAPPENED | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2023 Match 66

Dharamshala: Half-centuries from Yashwasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal followed by Shimron Hetmyers’ stunning 46-run knock powered Rajasthan Royals to a 4-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a do-or-die match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, here on Friday.

The Royals thus put themselves in contention for the Playoffs spots as they moved to fifth on the table with this four-wicket win while Punjab Kings are officially out of the race.

After a shaky start, Sam Curran’s unbeaten 49 off 31 and Shahrukh Khan’s quickfire 41 not out off 28 balls along with Jitesh Sharma’s 31-ball 44 guided Punjab Kings to 187/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, half-centuries from Padikkal (51 off 30) and Jaiswal (50 off 36) and Hetmyer’s remarkable knock of 46 in just 28 deliveries and got them close to the finish line. Then Dhruv Jurel sealed the deal with a six helping his side to seal a win with two remaining.

Chasing 188, after an expensive opening over, the Royals lost Jos Buttler in the next over. Then, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal hit the paddle to take the Power-play to 57-1 with eight boundaries and two maximums.

PBKS managed to keep the duo quiet in three overs before Padikkal pulled over deep mid-wicket for a six and completed his fifty with a single. But Arshdeep Singh was quick to dismiss him on the next ball, ending a 73-run second wicket stand and Royals were reeling at 86/2 in 10 overs.

In the next over, Rahul Chahar trapped the big fish, skipper Sanju Samson, who looked to flick over the ropes on the leg side but did not get much elevation. The ball flew straight down the throat of Rishi Dhawan at deep square leg who took an easy catch.

Afterwards, Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer started punishing PBKS bowlers with their well-timed hits. Soon the former brought up his fifty in 35 balls but fell to Nathan Ellis on the next ball.

With 47 needed in 30 balls, the Royals managed to get just two fours in the next two overs. Sam Curran almost got Hetmyer in the next over but the batter immediately reviewed the decision. A flat-line on the ultra edge and Hetmyer stayed on with 33 needing in 18 balls.

Kagiso Rabada started the 18th over with a no-ball and Riyan Parag smacked it over deep mid-wicket for a six on free-hit and followed that up with another maximum. Rabada avenged it quickly he dismissed Parag on the last ball of the over.

Hetmyer smashed two boundaries off Curran but departed on the next ball after playing a brilliant knock and 9 was needed in the final over to win.

After three singles came in the first three balls, Dhruv Jurel smoked it down the ground over long-on for a maximum to seal the win for the Royals.

Earlier, batting first, Prabhsimran Singh fell to Kagiso Rabada on the second ball of the innings. But Punjab regrouped quickly with the help of Shikhar Dhawan and Atharva Taide’s strokeplay before Saini sent back Taide for a quickfire 19.

An over later, Adam Zampa came into the attack and removed PBKS skipper Dhawan, trapping him lbw as they were reduced to 48/3 at the end of the Power-play.

Soon, Saini claimed his second as he cleaned up the dangerous batter Liam Livingstone in the seventh over to get the Royals right on top in the innings.

The Royals continued to dominate the innings as no boundary came in the last four overs but Jitesh Sharma broke the shackles hitting Sandeep Sharma with two massive sixes as PBKS reached 78/4 in 10 overs.

Jitesh Sharma took Saini to the cleaners, hitting four, six and four on three successive deliveries but the pacer has the last laugh as he removed the dangerous-looking batter on the next ball. Half of the PBKS line-up was back in the pavilion as Punjab were reeling at 117/5 in 15 overs.

Then, the duo of Shahrukh and Curran took the bowlers to the cleaners as he added 46 runs off the last two overs to take Punjab to 187/5 in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Punjab Kings 187/5 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 49, Shahrukh Khan 41 not out; Navdeep Saini 3-40) lost to Rajasthan Royals 189/6 in 19.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 50, Devdutt Padikkal 51, Shimron Hetmyer 46; Kagiso Rabada 2-40) by four wickets.