Rajasthan Royals took a massive step towards securing their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs with a comprehensive victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. Sanju Samson continued his brilliant run of form with an unbeaten 71 and Dhruv Jurel scored a much-needed half-century to guide their side to victory. As a result, RR have 16 points from 9 games and another win will guarantee their spot in the Top 4. On the other hand, LSG remain fourth with 10 points from 9 matches.
While Rahul still is favourite to become Rishabh Pant's understudy as the second wicket-keeper at the T20 World Cup, Samson did hit four classy sixes, including the winning one in a chase of 197, to keep himself in the discussion for that US bound flight. Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals had stumbled from a brisk start to hand the advantage to the home side, putting on a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls stand for the unconquered fourth wicket to take their side over the line.
Chasing a tricky 197 with LSG deploying seven bowlers including two leg-spinners, Rajasthan finished at 199 for three to win with an over to spare.
On his part, the young Jurel finally discovered his to put behind a barren run, smacking five fours and two sixes to make a sturdy 52 not out off 34 balls.
The win took top-placed Rajasthan to 16 points — six clear from the second-best Kolkata Knight Riders — and a step closer to become the first team to reach the playoffs in the 17th edition. The play-offs cut-off this year is likely to be 18 points if one goes by the current mid-table muddle.
LSG remained on fourth spot with 10 points in bag.
(With PTI inputs)