Xtra Time Web Desk: Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 5 runs in Wednesday night’s IPL 2023 fixture at the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati. Shikhar Dhawan led side now has secured wins in their first two opening games of the IPL season for the first time in the team’s history. Shikhar Dhawan (86 off 56), Prabhsimran Singh Gill (60 off 34), and Nathan Ellis (4/30) were the standout performers for Punjab in the match against the Rajasthan Royals.
Despite a good start, the Rajasthan Royals struggled to maintain the momentum, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing both Ravichandran Ashwin and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sanju Samson tried to keep their hopes alive with a 42 off 25 balls, but his efforts were not enough to secure a victory.
Punjab Kings’ Prabhsimran Singh Gill gave the team a flying start, scoring a quick 60 before being dismissed by Jason Holder. Shikhar Dhawan then took charge and continued to score runs, even after Bhanuka Rajapaksa was forced to retire hurt. Dhawan brought up his 50th half-century in the IPL and remained unbeaten on 86 off 56 balls, leading the team to a total of 197/4.
The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams giving their all, but ultimately, it was Punjab Kings who emerged victorious, securing their second consecutive win of the season.