Rajasthan Royals have confirmed their place at the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 points table thanks to an unbeaten 121-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday. While skipper Samson led the charge and scored a 33-ball 71 against Lucknow, Jurel proved why he is also a capable T20 batsman with a fine half-century. While Samson received the most praise, Jurel was given the title 'Jewel' by former India coach Ravi Shastri.
“This Jurel is a jewel for Indian cricket. Right now and in the future. Serious guy,” Jurel wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
This Jurel is a jewel for Indian cricket. Right now and into the future. Serious guy. @dhruvjurel21 @IPL #LSGvsRR #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/s5wtonE88L
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 28, 2024
RR captain Samson top-scored for RR with an unbeaten 71 off 33, while Jurel played a blistering knock of 52 runs in 34 deliveries. LSG bowlers missed their target and were further scattered due to multiple dropped catches.
Chasing a target of 197, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler ensured Rajasthan Royals made a flying start in the powerplay.
LSG captain KL Rahul opted to maintain the pace as he brought on Yash Thakur for the last over of powerplay and the bowler gave his team a big breakthrough, dismissing the in-form Jos Buttler in his very first over .
In the seventh over, RR lost both openers as Marcus Stoinis dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal on his very first ball of the evening. KL Rahul eventually opted to switch to spin as he brought Krunal Pandya into the attack and the bowler delivered an economical over conceding seven runs.
41-year-old Amit Mishra announced his arrival in style as he dismissed Ryan Parag and put further pressure on RR's chase. Showing some much-needed explosiveness at the crease, Dhruv Jurel charged Mohsin Khan and slammed three boundaries and one six.
Samson hit a half-century in 28 balls while Jurel continued his impressive form as he notched his maiden IPL fifty in 31 balls. In the 19th over of the match, Samson and Jurel hit a four and six to guide their team home with a 7-wicket win against the home side.
With ANI inputs
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