Xtra Time Web Desk: Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by five runs in IPL 2021 clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday to climb to fifth spot in points table. Chasing 126 runs to win Sunrisers Hyderabad could only manage 120/7 despite a fighting knock from Jason Holder who remained not out on 47 from 29 balls. The loss saw Kane Williamson and his team crash out of the IPL 2021 playoffs with only 2 points from 9 matches. Punjab Kings on the other hands are once again in the race for playoffs with 8 points from 10 games.
After being sent to bat, PBKS had a slow start, losing both their openers KL Rahul (21) and Mayank Agarwal (5) in quick fashion. The middle order failed to do much as Chris Gayle, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran were stifled by a disciplined SRH bowling effort. PBKS ended their innings on 125/7 at the end of 20 overs.
Sunrisers too had a torrid start, losing David Warner (2) and Kane Williamson (1) inside three overs. Jason Holder put up a late fight with a brilliant 29-ball 47* but it didn’t prove to be enough in the end. Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi picked three wickets (3/24) while Mohammed Shami accounted for two (2/14).