Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024© AFP
Rajasthan Royals took a huge step towards securing their spot in the IPL 2024 play-offs with a comprehensive win over Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. Sanju Samson continued his brilliant form with an unbeaten 71 and Dhruv Jurel scored a much-needed half-century to guide their side to victory. As a result, RR have 16 points from 9 games and another win will guarantee their place in the Top 4. On the other hand, LSG remain fourth with 10 points from 9 matches.
Sanju Samson scored five runs fewer than his counterpart KL Rahul, but his unbeaten 71 off 33 balls had five times more impact compared to Rahul's relatively sedate 48-ball 76 as Rajasthan Royals made a giant leap towards IPL play-offs by comfortably beating Lucknow beat Super Giants by 7 wickets.
While Rahul is still favorite to replace Rishabh Pant as second wicketkeeper at the T20 World Cup, Samson hit four classy sixes, including the match-winning one in a chase of 197, to keep himself in the discussion for that run to the USA . Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals stumbled from a fast start to hand the advantage to the home side, putting together a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls to allow the unconquered fourth wicket to get their side over the line to take.
Chasing a tricky 197 with LSG deploying seven bowlers, including two leg-spinners, Rajasthan finished at 199 for three to win with an over to spare.
For his part, young Jurel finally discovered he could put a barren run behind him, hitting five fours and two sixes to make a solid 52 not coming off 34 balls.
The win took top-placed Rajasthan to 16 points – six clear over second-best Kolkata Knight Riders – and a step closer to becoming the first team to reach the play-offs in the 17th edition. This year's play-offs are likely to end at 18 points considering the current mess in the middle of the table.
LSG remained in fourth place with 10 points in their pocket.
(With PTI inputs)
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