What Happened Last Time When Sanju Samson's RR Faced PBKS In IPL

PBKS set. to take on RR [IPLT20] PBKS set. to take on RR [IPLT20]

Even though they'll play at their home ground, the pressure will be on the struggling Punjab Kings (PBKS) team as they take on the high-flying Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday. A quietly intense rivalry, steeped in captivating clashes in recent memory, promises yet another enthralling spectacle as they converge at Punjab's newly minted home ground.

Despite losing their last game, RR will arrive with a significant boost in confidence, backed by their current form and favorable head-to-head record against the hosts. Out of the 26 matches played between the two sides, RR has emerged victorious in 15. In the last encounter in 2023, RR secured a win over PBKS in Dharamsala.

When RR Faced PBKS in 2023

The Royals secured a crucial four-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings to keep their slim hopes of reaching the playoffs alive.

In a must-win encounter for both teams, PBKS posted a competitive total of 187 for five after being put into bat. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals and slipping to 50 for 4 in the seventh over, Sam Curran (49*) and Jitesh Sharma (44) combined for a vital 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket, providing impetus to the innings. 

Towards the end, Shahrukh Khan contributed a valuable 41 off 23 balls. RR's Navdeep Saini was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Adam Zampa and Trent Boult chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing a challenging target of 188, Rajasthan Royals' left-handed duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal (50) and Devdutt Padikkal (51) played aggressive innings, each scoring quick-fire fifties. Shimron Hetmyer also made a brisk 46, while Dhruv Jurel, as an impact substitute, clinched a last-over victory for RR with a six, securing the win with two balls to spare. This win kept the Royals in contention for a playoff spot, while the Punjab based franchise was officially eliminated from the race.