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Sanju-Samson-KL-Rahul
Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul praised wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson for his explosive batting in the first encounter. Despite scoring a mammoth total of 221 runs, the KL Rahul-led team had to escape with a narrow 4-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in their opening game of IPL 2021. KL Rahul stated that he did not stop believing in his team and knew that a couple of wickets would bring Punjab back into the competition.
Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson became the first player to hit a century on IPL captaincy debut. The 26-year-old single-handedly took the Royals close to the finish line despite their big players Ben Stokes (0) and Jos Buttler (25) failing to get going in the massive chase. Samson smashed a 63-ball 119, but it was not enough as Punjab Kings sealed a 4-run win in the last-over thriller. Sanju Samson's brilliant knock included seven sixes and 12 boundaries. He also brought the equation down to 22 runs from the last two overs. With just five runs required off the last ball, Samson failed to clear the fielder at deep extra cover, handing PBKS their first win of the season.
Deepak Hooda's 28-ball 64 gave the late boost to Punjab Kings
Earlier in the day, it was Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul who proved his critics wrong. The wicket-keeper batsman scored 91 runs in 50 deliveries. However, Rahul missed his third IPL century by nine runs, but he showed a lot of intent, striking it big from the word go. KL Rahul went for a big hit in his 90s before getting dismissed by Chetan Sakariya in the 20th over.
Rahul formed a crucial 67-run stand with Chris Gayle for the second wicket. After the Caribbean star departed for 40, Deepak Hooda took over and hit a staggering 28-ball 64. The all-rounder from Baroda was sent to bat to No. 4 ahead of Nicholas Pooran. Hooda proved his captain right by smashing six sixes and four boundaries. Despite Sanju Samson's heroics, Punjab Kings won the last-ball thriller in Wankhede to get their campaign off to a winning start. While the Kings would like to carry the winning momentum forward, the Royals would look to get their first victory of the season. Punjab Kings will next play against Chennai Super Kings on April 16. RR, on the other end, will face Delhi Capitals next on April 15.