IPL: Hetmyer (46 off 28) keeps Royals in the hunt for playoff spot
SUMMARY: Punjab Kings 187-5 from 20 overs (Sam Curran 49*, Jitesh Sharma 44, Shahrukh Khan 41*; Navdeep Saini 3-40) vs Rajasthan Royals 189-6 from 19.4 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 51, Yashasvi Jaiswal 50, Shimron Hetmyer 46; Kagiso Rabada 2-40)
Shimron Hetmyer was back in the runs on Friday as Rajasthan Royals ended the league phase of their IPL campaign with a four-wicket win over already eliminated Punjab Kings.
The Guyanese left-hander struck 46 off 28 as Royals knocked off a target of 188 with two balls to spare.
Devdutt Padikkal made 51 and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an even fifty, becoming the first uncapped Indian player to cross 600 runs in a season.
Kagiso Rabada took 2-40 for Punjab Kings, who earlier recovered from 50-4 to post 187-5 from 20 overs.
Sam Curran led the resurgence with an unbeaten 49 off 31, Jitesh Sharma made 44 off 28 and Shahrukh Khan scored 41 not out off 23.
Navdeep Saini picked up 3-40.
The win has moved Royals to fifth position, level on 14 points with Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are down to play the final game of the league phase on Sunday.
The result of that game could potentially determine the final playoff spot.
IPL action continues this weekend with double-header matches.
On Saturday, Delhi Capitals will play Chennai Super Kings, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders against Lucknow Super Giants. On Sunday, Mumbai Indians are up against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans play Royal Challengers Bangalore.
