IPL 2021: Punjab Kings edge Rajasthan Royals in thriller

Sanju Samson’s century in vain as Royals come up short in Mumbai chase

Published: April 13, 2021 11:22 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

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Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson struck a blistering century in his first match as captain but was unable to prevent Punjab Kings from recording a four-run victory in a high-scoring Indian Premier League (IPL) thriller at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Image Credit: PTI

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Samson, who was named captain before the start of the season, struck 119 off just 63 balls but was dismissed off the final delivery of the innings with his side five runs short of the target. Image Credit: ANI

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“I don’t have words, it was very close, but unfortunately.. I don’t think I could have done anything more,” Samson said. Image Credit: PTI

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“I timed it well, but unfortunately couldn’t clear the man in the deep. It’s all part of the game, we thought the wicket was getting better and we could chase the target down. Despite the loss, I think the team played really well.” Image Credit: PTI

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Earlier, Punjab posted a mammoth 221-6 thanks to quickfire half-centuries from captain KL Rahul (91) and all-rounder Deepak Hooda (64). Image Credit: PTI

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Rajasthan’s chase got off to a poor start, losing England all-rounder Ben Stokes and Manan Vohra early. Image Credit: PTI

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But Samson turned the game on its head after being dropped on 12, striking 12 boundaries and seven sixes to register the first century of this season’s IPL. Image Credit: PTI

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But needing five off the final two deliveries, Samson turned down a single off the penultimate ball before holing out to deep extra cover off the bowling of Arshdeep Singh as Rajasthan fell agonisingly short. Image Credit: ANI

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