Rajasthan Royals were on the prowl right from the toss, striking early by dismissing Punjab opener Atharva Taida in the fourth over. Punjab faced further woes as Prabhsimran Singh continued his season-long struggle, departing in the seventh over with the scoreboard reading 42/2.
PBKS faced a continued struggle, losing two more wickets – Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran – by the 10th over, leaving them at 53/4.
However, a partnership between Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone, contributing 33 runs, followed by Ashutosh Sharma and Harpreet Brar’s 25-run stand in the latter half, helped Punjab post a total of 147/8. In a remarkable turn of events towards the end of Punjab’s batting, Sanju Samson displayed extraordinary skill to dismiss Sharma.
During the fifth ball of the 18th over, Chahal delivered a fuller one aimed at the middle and leg, which substitute Ashutosh Sharma struck towards deep mid-wicket. Tanush Kotian, stationed deep, swiftly threw the ball to the keeper’s end, prompting Liam Livingstone to retreat following a run.
As Livingstone attempted to return to safety, Samson seized the opportunity, transforming a wayward throw into a sensational runout by deflecting the ball onto the stumps. After referral to the TV umpire, the all-rounder was found to be marginally short of reaching the crease.
This is Something Special from Sanju Samson 🤯🫡🤩
— Khabri_Prasang (@Prasang_) April 13, 2024
Some People Says Thala For A Reason…!!!#RRvPBKS #RRvsPBKSpic.twitter.com/Js8cgzgNZW
Samson’s remarkable feat drew widespread praise on Twitter, with many likening his skill to that of MS Dhoni’s wicketkeeping prowess.
