IPL 2023: Punjab Kings edge out Rajasthan Royals by five runs as the sides produce another thriller

A close finish seems to be the norm these days when the Punjab and Rajasthan franchises meet in the Indian Premier League. On IPL’s arrival to Guwahati for the first time, Punjab Kings edged out Rajasthan Royals by five runs to go two wins from two matches to start their season.

Skipper Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 86 and four wickets by Nathan Ellis helped Punjab in their cause.

He took his time to get going but Punjab rode on the left-handed Dhawan’s 56-ball knock and his 90-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 60, to post 197-4 after being invited to bat first in Guwahati.

Australia’s Ellis then showed why he is highly rated, as he stepped u in his second game of his IPL debut season to return figures of 4-30 and keep down Rajasthan to 192-7 but not after a scare.

Shimron Hetmyer (36) and impact player Dhruv Jurel (32 not out) put on a dangerous stand of 61 off 26 balls to lift Rajasthan from a precarious 124-6 and raise hopes of a turnaround.

But the asking rate proved too much and Hetmyer run out in the final over, which started with Rajasthan needing 16, sealed the deal for Punjab with Sam Curran keeping calm in the...

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