PBKS vs RR, 27th Match at Mohali, IPL, Apr 13 2024 - Match Result

11:45pm And...that brings us to the end of another Punjab Kings-Rajasthan Royals classic. This did not rattle along at breakneck speed throughout, but when push came to shove, it was quite a spectacle. Such finishes in the IPL seem commonplace this season, and tomorrow, we have two possible humdingers in store.

KKR host LSG in the afternoon, before the Mumbai Indians take on the Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Do join us for both of those matches. Until then, this is goodbye from all of us here at ESPNcricinfo. Goodnight and take care!

Shimron Hetmyer, Player of the Match: (On his mindset) It is just practice really, I try as much as possible to bat properly in the nets first. Then I go back after everyone has finished to try and hit sixes. (On being so effective as a finisher) It is a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. Happy I could help my team win tonight. (On if thoughts of failure ever come in) They creep in, but afterwards, I just try to keep it as clear as possible. After the first few balls, he (Boult) came up to me and calmed me down. I would have taken it (the single in the final over). I spoke to Boulty and even if I don't get the other one, I will try my best to get the single and at least tie it. I was just tyring to get a single or a double and then I got the full toss, and tried to hit it for six. (On being such an effervescent character) Being away from family, it is the only way you can keep yourself upbeat, by just enjoying every moment and doing every thing you need to. (On dying his hair pink) Waiting for my wife to come, she will do it (laughs).

Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals captain: (On two or more fielders going for high catches) We had a few funny instances but I am happy everyone is eager to go and catch it. Gets a bit tough, because the stadium is full of noise. I need to tell my fast bowlers that it is easier to catch with gloves. (On if they were tensed during the chase) We all were. Games against Punjab in the last few overs, I don't know what it is, they are always close. It was a very funny game. (On Hetmyer) He has been doing it for years and years. He has confidence about his skills. Rovman and Hettie, having them, was good. He (Kotian) is a very interesting youngster. He came in as an all-rounder. Had a fabulous Ranji Trophy season. He has been impressing everyone in the nets. We had a proper settled batting order, so we did not want to unsettle it. Jos is almost ready for the next game and we wanted to try him (Kotian) up the order. Happy to see him (Jaiswal) spend time and get 30-40, hopefully he can have a big game next match. (On having five wins in six) You can never take it for granted. Last game, we did some really good things but ended up losing. Tonight, we made more mistakes and won. Cricket is a funny game, so you have to put your head down and just focus on the process.

Sam Curran, Punjab Kings captain: The wicket was slightly slow. We did not start very well with the bat and then finished off well, much like it was with them. It was a really good effort to get to what we did. Any time you get to 150, you are in the game. Unfortunately, another close one for us, but positive signs. We want to improve and get a few more runs. We bowled really well as a unit and fielded well. A little disappointed and we will bounce back in the next game. (On playing in Mullanpur) The conditions are new to everyone and we are adapting really well. Lost this in the final over and the other by two runs. Proud of the boys for staying in the game that long.

Rovman Powell: It is important for us to get two points, especially on the road. The other teams are creeping up (getting points), we just wanted to get a bit of separation. (Chat with Hetmyer) The good thing is we know each other, we are calm. All we needed to do was hit proper cricketing shots, and play along the ground. We are West Indians, we hit boundaries. In the previous games, the lower and middle order have not batted a lot of balls, and I told Hettie that there might be a day soon when they will have that opportunity. When I went out to bat, he just reminded me of that (smiles). (On when Buttler might be back) They are doing some good work with him. I think he is maybe out for a day or two. I think he will be back, the medical team is doing a fantastic job. (On Buttler's return possibly leading to his exclusion) I believe I am a decent player, and if I am not getting a game, the team is doing well. I try to stay patient and when I get my opportunity, I will try to contribute.

11:15pm This game seemed a slow-burn, until about five overs were left in the chase. But then, it exploded and it sparked into life. A flurry of wickets threw RR's chase into turmoil. Their West Indian batting pair, though, held their nerve. Hetmyer was there at the end, but do not discount the cameo Powell played, given PBKS were beginning to turn the screw at that point.

Jaiswal was also among the runs at the top of the order, and his innings sort of offset Kotian's struggles at the other end. The rest could not get going as much as they would have liked, but RR, having almost fallen into a hole they dug for themselves, will pleased that they ultimately emerged from the trenches unscathed.

The Punjab Kings will be gutted, having lost another game. But they will be proud of the effort their bowlers put in. 147 was not a massive score, and the only reason this game stretched into the final over was because of how disciplined most of their bowling attack was.

Rabada was at the forefront and his two-wicket salvo in the middle overs brought Punjab back. Curran and Livingstone were not bad either, and fulfilled their roles to perfection. Arshdeep and Harshal were not quite at the races, though, and the latter's 18th over, which went for 14 runs, definitively turned the game in RR's favour.

Plenty of positives, no doubt. But Punjab, having now lost four out of six, would want to translate these into tangible results soon. We will have the presentation in a bit.

2 off 2. Pressure on everyone

4 needed off 3. RR back in control of this? If PBKS can get rid of Hetmyer, that will change the dynamics considerably

10 off 4. RR need a boundary soon

Arshdeep to bowl the final over. RR need 10 off 6. Hetmyer on strike, which is an important detail for the visitors. Where will this game end up? Fine leg, third man, backward point and extra cover in the ring

10 needed off 7. This is pretty much a free hit for Maharaj. He has to play in even numbers to ensure Hetmyer is on strike for the 20th

Maharaj, playing just his second IPL game, walks in, with RR needing 12 off 9. Mid off, extra cover, point and mid wicket in the circle

Vinod Rajpal: "2 wickets and 4 boundaries in last 12 deliveries has changed the whole game !" -- Has Powell's wicket changed the game again?

Curran to bowl the 19th. RR need 20 off 12. Momentum back with RR after those last two balls. Long on, deep mid wicket, long off, deep point and deep backward point on the fence

huge ball coming up. Another boundary, and RR will be back in front

S Kishore: "Ashutosh's cameo is proving to be the difference here... " -- Could well be the case...

30 off 14. RR could do with a boundary, right about now

Powell joins Hetmyer. It is these two or bust, you'd reckon

Harshal is back. RR need 34 off 18. Hetmyer on strike

Hetmyer in now. RR need 35 off 20. This is getting edgy