Punjab Kings outscored Rajasthan Royals in a 438-run thriller, but it was Sanju Samson’s heroic hundred that stole hearts—even in defeat
Under the glow of Mumbai’s floodlights, the 2021 IPL ignited with an intense clash that felt more like a final. It was April 12, and the Punjab Kings, often known for heartbreak and chaos, found themselves in unfamiliar territory—winning a game that slipped through their fingers like sand.
On the other side, Rajasthan Royals nearly wrote the perfect chase, riding on one man’s magic. Sanju Samson’s dazzling 119 off 63 balls was not just a century—it was a statement, a warning, and a heartbreaker rolled into one.
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As the night wore on, the boundaries piled up, the catches dropped, and the runs flowed like water from a broken tap. By the end of 40 overs, 438 runs had been scored, 24 sixes had been smashed, yet it came down to five from one. That’s where the Kings pulled it off—by the thinnest of margins.
Batting first, Punjab Kings’ innings faced ups and downs—it was controlled initially, explosive in the middle, and nearly faltering at the end. KL Rahul, under scrutiny for his strike rate last season, displayed raw intent and abandoned caution.
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After Mayank Agarwal fell for 14, Rahul and Chris Gayle added 67 runs in 6.4 overs, reaching 89 by the 10th. Gayle’s 40 off 28 was classic ‘Universe Boss’ with 2 sixes and 4 boundaries. Rahul set the tone, scoring 91 off 50 balls with 7 fours and 5 sixes.
Then enter Deepak Hooda, sent in ahead of Nicholas Pooran, eyebrows were raised—but not for long. In 28 balls, he silenced the critics and stunned the Royals with 64 quick runs. His innings included 4 fours and 6 sixes, three of which came in a single over off Shreyas Gopal.
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From overs 13 to 17, Punjab raced from 120 to 194. Hooda reached his fifty in just 20 balls, and by the time he fell to Chris Morris, the scoreboard showed 194 for 3. Rahul continued the assault, while Pooran was dismissed for a golden duck. Punjab finished on a formidable 221 for 6, despite Chetan Sakariya’s impressive debut figures of 3 for 31.
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Rajasthan started poorly as Ben Stokes was out for a duck, caught and bowled by Mohammed Shami, followed by Manan Vohra for 12. Buttler fell for a brisk 25, leaving the Royals at 70 for 3. Then, the Samson show began. He played fiercely, flicking and driving with ease. The 100 came in the 11th over.
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Despite wickets falling, Samson remained strong. He forged crucial partnerships with Riyan Parag (25 off 11) and Shivam Dube (23 off 15). From needing 152 off 75 balls to 48 from 24, then 13 off the last over—he pushed the team ahead. His 54-ball hundred featured 12 fours and 7 sixes, yet the Royals still chased the game.
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In a tense moment, Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh maintained his composure while bowling the final over with 13 runs needed. He conceded only two runs from the first three deliveries, but Samson hit a six over cover on the fourth. Opting for a hard single on the fifth ball, he misjudged and sent Morris back.
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With five runs needed off the last ball, Samson aimed for glory, but his shot found Hooda at deep cover. The catch sealed the thrilling victory for Punjab by 4 runs.
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It was a night filled with exciting moments—big scores, missed opportunities (two lives for Samson), unexpected heroes, and heartbreaks. Rajasthan posted the highest losing score ever while chasing in IPL history at that time. Samson became the first IPL centurion on his captaincy debut and was named the Player of the Match.
