IPL 2021, PBKS Vs RR: Kartik Tayagi Defends 4 Runs In Last Over As Rajasthan Shock Punjab To Seal A Thrilling 2-Run Win

Rajasthan shocked Punjab in the last over to seal a thrilling two-run win over KL Rahul-led side at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

New Delhi: Rajasthan were just a hit away from win with 4 runs needed off the final over and two hard-hitters on the crease to get the job done, however, Kartik Tayagi bowled some brilliant deliveries to defend 4 runs off final 6 balls and snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat. Rajasthan stunned Punjab in the last over to seal a thrilling two-run win over KL Rahul-led side at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

The chase was set up by KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal who stitched a record-breaking 120-run opening partnership following a solid five-wicket haul from Arshdeep. This was the 5th 100-plus partnership between Rahul and Mayank in IPL. Royals have none but to blame their poor fielding for heartbreaking loss as they missed to dismiss the Punjab skipper three times. Markram and Pooran seemed to have gotten the job done but Rajasthan pulled themselves back into the game by taking quick wickets and stun Punjab.

Earlier, KL Rahul won the toss and invited Rajasthan to bat first. Punjab were off to a dream start as both openers Evin Lewis and Jaiswal had gone great guns to get some quick runs in initial overs. After this, Lomror (43 runs off 17 balls) came in and took Punjab bowlers to the cleaners to completely push them on the backfoot.

A 200-plus run target looked a way too easy for Rajasthan at one point in the match but Punjab came up with some sensational stuff, bowled some on-point yorkers and variations to concede just 21 runs and pick as many as 6 wickets in the last 4 overs. Arshdeep was the pick of Punjab bowlers as he walked back to the pavilion with a five-wicket haul. Senior speedster Shami was the other star bowler as he bagged three wickets for Punjab. Harpreet Brar and Ishan Porel took one wicket apiece. 

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Evin Lewis, Sanju Samson(w/c), Liam Livingstone, Mahipal Lomror, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): KL Rahul(w/c), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Fabian Allen, Adil Rashid, Harpreet Brar, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Porel