END OF OVER:20 | 5 Runs 1 Wkt | PBKS: 155/9 (51 runs required, RR: 7.75)
- Lockie Ferguson4 (1b)
- Shashank Singh10 (13b)
- Jofra Archer4-0-25-3
- Sandeep Sharma4-0-21-2
11:41pm That brings us to the end of our coverage on this double-header Saturday. Just the one game in store tomorrow, but it is a big one, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad returning home to host the Gujarat Titans, currently on a two-match winning streak. Do join us for that game too, and until then, this is goodbye from all of us here at ESPNcricinfo!
Jofra Archer, Player of the Match: Beginning of the tournament, games like that happen. Most importantly, happy to contribute to the team (now). When there are days like this, you got to make sure you cash in. Enjoy the good ones, take the bad ones (in your stride). You got to understand that you will be lucky in some circumstances; in others, the batters might because everyone is working just as hard (to be better). Everyday is not going to be a great day, but on the good days, you have to enjoy because the bad day could be around the corner.
Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals captain: The way we started in the powerplay, I felt we were running a bit short. But with the quality of batsmanship we had, and because we were struggling, thought they will also. It was a good score. Young batting line-up, but they have played a lot of games as well, and they can assess the conditions really well. Felt we were managing and playing the game really well. (On Archer and Sandeep) That is a very deadly combo - one guy bowling around 150 and another bowling around 115. (On being told that Sandeep clocked 130kph tonight) I think we should cut a cake on that maybe (smiles). I can trust them with pressure overs. We all love it when he (Archer) bowls those quick overs. Sandy has been doing it for me for the past few overs. He is one of the best guys in India (bowling in the powerplay and at the death). We had a small meeting in the time-out where I suggested that they have a quality line-up. Have played enough games to know that you cannot guarantee a win. We focused on the processes, the result took care of itself. We took some time to understand to the right batting order, the right entry points. We have found good rhythm, good patterns and need to take good care of the boys.
Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings captain: I thought that we would be conceding around 180-185 - that would have been a great total to chase. We gave away a few extra runs, were not able to execute according to our plans. Glad that it (the defeat) happened at the start of the season. It was a decent pitch to bat on, it was holding a bit. Were trying to hit the deck and not give them much pace. We could have built a few partnerships and taken it a little slow, rather than over-attacking. Many things to learn from this game. Today there was no dew. We cannot be blaming that. we need to go back to the drawing board and see the videos of where we were not able to execute with the bowling. In the batting, we could be focusing on building partnerships. We also lost back-to-back wickets. It is not easy for a new batter to get going. (On Nehal Wadhera) Phenomenal batting under pressure. He took some time, he was able to analyze and was able to charge on the loose balls. This is just the third match, you need a slight hiccup at the start to wake you up and glad that it happened right now. We need to go back to the drawing board and come back strong next game.
Riyan Parag: (On his innings) That was the plan - getting runs in the powerplay was key, Jaiswal was excellent. It was sticking on the practice wickets. My plan was to take it easy till the 15-16th over and then take it on. Could not do it to the best of my abilities but that was the plan. He (Samson) has been a leader for a lot of years now. Even when he was not the captain, he was the leader figure. Having him back is a great plus. If he needs anything from us, he is always there and that is a great combination for us. Today, it was (a plan to have left-right batting combination throughout), it was not (a plan) in the earlier games. (On why there was a delay after the last ball) I saw Lockie, and I wanted to come up to mid on. Just a few seconds here and there (in getting inside the ring) but we can probably confirm with the replay.
11:16pm And...that will be that. Finally. It was a bit of an anti-climax at the end, with all the waiting around. But prior to that, RR were just exceptional. They stuck to their guns, planned well and executed even better to stifle a powerplay PBKS batting unit. Archer led the way at the top, removing Arya and captain Shreyas in the first over. The rest then followed it up with tidy bowling displays throughout. Sandeep and Theekshana, bowling through different phases, were just as impressive as Archer.
A first jolt of the season for the Kings, meanwhile. They never really got going at the start and it was only when Maxwell and Wadhera were together that they harboured hopes of a stunning turnaround. Both fell off successive balls, though, and that hammered the final few nails into their coffin.
Ferguson to face the last ball
Arshdeep Singh c Hasaranga b Archer 1 (11m 5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 20