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Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased a remarkable turnaround from their previous game, dominating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on their home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Saturday (April 13). Sanju Samson‘s impressive run-out during the final stages of the first innings proved pivotal, dismissing the dangerous Liam Livingstone, who was batting on 21 runs off 14 balls, including two boundaries and a maximum. With just over two overs remaining, Rajasthan were eager to halt the Punjab’s momentum, and their captain rose to the occasion at a crucial juncture.
Sanju Samson’s pivotal run-out of Liam Livingstone
In the 18th over, Yuzvendra Chahal delivered a tantalizingly flighted ball to Ashutosh Sharma, who struck it towards deep mid-wicket. As the batters set off for a run, Liam Livingstone contemplated a second but was wisely sent back by his partner. However, before Livingstone could safely return to his crease, Samson executed a remarkable run-out reminiscent of MS Dhoni‘s finesse. In a fluid motion, Samson collected the ball and swiftly dislodged the bails with a flat throw to his left side. Showing agility and precision, Samson’s throw found Livingstone inches short of the crease upon review by the third umpire, earning Rajasthan a crucial breakthrough.
Here’s the video:
Excellent piece of fielding! 🙌
It's none other than the @rajasthanroyals skipper @IamSanjuSamson with a superb run-out to dismiss Livingstone 🎯
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱 #TATAIPL | #PBKSvRR pic.twitter.com/iCsTjauQqV
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2024
Also READ: IPL 2024: Here is why PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan not playing today’s game against RR
Rajasthan Royals’ strong bowling performance
Meanwhile, Royals displayed a strong performance after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. They restricted the Punjab to 147 /8 in 20 overs. Avesh Khan and Keshav Maharaj impressed with two wickets each, while the absence of regular captain Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order was felt by Punjab. Avesh struck early to dismiss opener Atharva Taide, setting the tone for the Royals.
Ashutosh Sharma’s impactful innings for Punjab Kings
Chahal continued the momentum by claiming Prabhsimran Singh‘s wicket in the batting powerplay, while Maharaj accounted for the dismissals of Jonny Bairstow and stand-in skipper Sam Curran. Jitesh Sharma and the returning Livingstone contributed with useful cameos, scoring 29 and 21 runs respectively. In the death overs, it was Ashutosh Sharma who propelled Punjab’ innings, scoring a quickfire 31 runs off 15 balls, which included three sixes and a boundary.
