'Men of moments' - Scintillating win over Punjab takes Rajasthan closer to playoffs

After losing two consecutive games, Rajasthan have finally got back to the groove. The 52nd match of the Indian T20 league 2022 saw the Sanju Samson-led side beat Punjab by six wickets. This is their seventh win in 11 games. As for the Mayank Agarwal-led side, they have now lost six out of their 11 games.

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After winning the toss, Punjab decided to bat first. Owing to the humid conditions in Mumbai, it wasn't surprising. While Jonny Bairstow looked positive, Shikhar Dhawan was seemingly struggling. He was dismissed after scoring 12, and took 16 balls for the same.

Punjab scored 48 runs in the first six overs. Bairstow finally came to his own, and played a superb knock. He scored 56 runs from 40 balls. While his knock came at a strike rate of 140, it consisted of eight fours and a six. It was Yuzvendra Chahal who managed to get the better of him in the 15th over. It is to be noted that the leggie had also dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa earlier as well. Chahal had a day to remember as he managed to pick three wickets in his full quota of four overs, and gave just 28 runs.

However, Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone hit some lusty blows towards the end. The English all-rounder had to depart after scoring a 14-ball 22. However, Sharma was absolutely superb as he scored an unbeaten 38 from just 18 balls. He struck four fours and two sixes. This enabled the Punjab-based franchise to score 189-5 in the first innings.

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After which, Rajasthan's openers took the aggressive route early on, and got their side to an explosive start. Jos Buttler scored 30 runs from 16 balls, which included 20 runs in Kagiso Rabada's second over. However, the Proteas pacer had the last laugh as he managed to pick his wicket in the last ball of that over. Sanju Samson then hit some eye-catching shots before Rishi Dhawan got the better of him.

Thus, Samson had to return to the pavilion after scoring a 12-ball 23. Nevertheless, Yashasvi Jaiswal carried on, and played an impressive innings. He went on to score 68 off 41 balls. Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal struggled to get going and just couldn't play the big shots. He ended up scoring 31 runs in 32 balls before being dismissed in the 19th over. However, Shimron Hetmyer ensured that Rajasthan end up on the winning side as he scored 31 off just 16 deliveries. At the end, the Sanju Samson-led side chased their target with two balls to spare. Several fans took to Twitter to speak about the game.

Here are some of the Tweets from today's game between Punjab and Rajasthan:

Jitesh Sharma is doing what Shahrukh Khan was presumed to do for Punjab Kings.

— Shivani Shukla 🏏 (@iShivani_Shukla) May 7, 2022

A well made half-century for Yashasvi Jaiswal!👏#PBKSvRR #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/05xzp8TyvJ

— CricTelegraph (@CricTelegraph) May 7, 2022

These wide calls have been so inconsistent.#IPL2022 #PBKSvRR

— Farzan Patel (@TheTipsyParsi) May 7, 2022

Jaiswal in this innings is making the RR management look both smart & foolish at the same time.



Smart, for retaining him, and foolish, for playing Paddikal over him.

— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) May 7, 2022

Ek PBKS opener ko dheere khelna mandatory hain. #IPL

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 7, 2022

Yuzvendra Chahal, who was picked for 6.25 CR during auctions



22 wickets

Economy rate 7.25



Also took a Hat trick v KKR



Devdutt Padikkal, who got 7.75 Cr in the auction



247 runs

207 deliveries

119 SR



7 out of his 11 innings have come at less than 105 SR #IPL2022 #RRvsPBKS

— Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) May 7, 2022

What did we do to deserve you @arshdeepsinghh

Never gives up this man!

— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) May 7, 2022

Rabada is not trusting his yorkers at all in death overs is not a good sign for PBKS for future. Has been going for runs at death since last 2 years .

— Slog Sweep-189 (@SloggSweep) May 7, 2022

Jaiswal slapping the #RR management who decided to drop him by playing like Sachin Tendulkar, wearing similar pads. #IPL2022

— Abhinandan Nahata (@khelgyani_abhi) May 7, 2022

Jaiswal not getting picked in the 11 was an absolutely shocking move from RR after he had shown so much promise last year. Some horrible calls from franchises this year.

— Rajdeep Singh (@CricRajdeep) May 7, 2022

#IPL2022 #RRvsPBKS



Jaiswal and Butler at the top!.



Hetmeyer for finish !.14b 31*



Men of Moments!.

— Cric Analyst (@analyst_cric) May 7, 2022

What a finish by Shimron Hetmyer - 31* in just 16 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes. He's been outstanding for Royals this season, doing a fantastic job as a finisher. pic.twitter.com/lbCC12XIex

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 7, 2022