17 May,2024 06:28 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
RR pacer Trent Boult congratulates PBKS captain Sam Curran (second from right) after their win. Pic/AFP
Following Rajasthan Royals' (RR) fourth consecutive defeat, a five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2024, former Australian captain Shane Watson expressed surprise at the team's late-season slump in momentum ahead of the Playoffs, especially after their scintillating start to the campaign.
RR had a glittering start with four consecutive wins and continued their impressive run with eight wins in nine games and remained in the top four throughout the season. But, their performance in the next four games took a nose dive as they registered their fourth loss on the trot on Wednesday. Rajasthan opted to bat first and failed to overcome their batting struggle as PBKS' excellent bowling effort restricted them to a score of 144-9. In response, Punjab chased down the target with seven balls to spare, picking up their fifth win of the IPL 2024.
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However, despite suffering defeats in the last four consecutive games, RR remain in second place in the points table with 16 points in 13 games and is already qualified for the Playoffs alongside Kolkata Knight Riders. "I have been very surprised with how the Rajasthan Royals have taken off. They were flying high with no weaknesses in their team. They were able to just mix and match when they really needed to. They have certainly lost momentum and tonight [Wednesday], it seemed no one was up for the fight. Sanju Samson is the captain, he's willing everyone to be up for the fight. Avesh Khan, Riyan Parag did a job, but outside of them, everyone looked flat. This is not the time to be flat.
"They must get a few good performances and build their confidence to hit the Playoffs flying," Watson said on JioCinema.
Meanwhile, the Sunrisers Hyderabad v Gujarat Titans match at Hyderabad last night was called off due to rain.
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