An unbeaten knock from Shimron Hetmyer proved the difference in the end as Rajasthan Royals prevailed by three runs over Lucknow Super Giants in Match 20 of the IPL on Sunday.
The Royals’ third win in four matches has taken them top of the points table, level with four other teams on points, but ahead on net run rate.
Hetmyer’s six-filled 59 not out off 36 balls, his highest score this season, lifted Royals to 165-6, before the bowlers kept Super Giants to 162-8.
Hetmyer struck six sixes and one four to follow up scores of 42*, 35 and 32 in the previous three games.
Devdutt Padikkal made a run-a-ball 29 and Ravichandran Ashwin scored 28 off 23 for Royals, as Krishnappa Gowtham (2-30) and Jason Holder (2-50) led the wickets column for Super Giants.
Trent Boult dented the run-chase removing opener KL Rahul and Gowtham with the first two legal deliveries of the innings.
Quinton de Kock topscored with 39 and though Marcus Stoinis made an unbeaten 38 off 17 in his first game this IPL, debutant Kuldeep Sen bowled managed to defend the 15 required off the final over.
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 4-41 and Boult 2-30.
On Monday, Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Gujarat Titans from 10:00h.
