RR vs. PBKS: Captain Sam Curran makes his team win with his all-rounder performance

Summary: Sam Curran's all-round effort ensured that RR lost their fourth consecutive game in the IPL 2024.

Sam Curran's all-round performance drove RR to their fourth recurrent loss before the playoffs, as PBKS won by five wickets in Guwahati on Wednesday, May 15. Curran took two wickets and scored 63 off 41 balls as the Royals' second-half slump remained, putting them in fear of losing their place in the top two. The loss meant KKR finished first in the IPL points chart.

Chasing a modest target of 145 on a tough wicket at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, PBKS won in 18.5 overs due to Curran's unbeaten 63 off 41. Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal both took two wickets but were unable to help their team win the game. 

Earlier, Riyan Parag's bold knock of 48 off 34 helped RR reach 144 for 9 in 20 overs after deciding to bat first. For PBKS, Sam Curran, Rahul Chahar, and Harshal Patel each took two wickets. R. Ashwin and Riyan Parag's 50-run stand helped to restore the innings, but Ashwin's wicket caused another collapse in the batting order. 

The Rajasthan Royals won the toss and decided to bat first. Both sides made a few changes, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore replacing Jos Buttler and Donovan Ferreira coming in as an impact substitute. For Punjab, Nathan Ellis replaces Kagiso Rabada, while Harpreet Brar comes back.

Once the playoff phase was completed, it appeared like RR would be the first team to qualify for the playoffs and finish first in the table. However, they had lost three consecutive matches before the PBKS outcome, and they fell behind as KKR overcame them and were the first team to qualify.