LUCKNOW (AP) — Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 7 wickets to book their place in the playoffs. With 8 wins and 16 points from nine matches, RR became the first franchise to reach the playoffs. Chasing 197, Yashasvi Jaiswal (24), Jos Buttler (34) and Riyan Parag (14) departed in quick succession.
However, captain Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel hit fifties to complete the victory.
Samson’s fourth half-century of the season led Rajasthan to 199-3.
Dhruv Jurel contributed an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls.
Samson anchored the innings intelligently, and with Jurel for company they powered the chase towards victory.
They combined for 121 runs off 62 balls, hitting six sixes and 12 boundaries. Four of those sixes were Samson’s, sending a reminder to the India selectors ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.
Earlier, Lucknow skipper Lokesh Rahul scored 76 off 48 balls to rescue them from 11-2 in two overs. They put up a par-plus 196-5 total.
Deepak Hooda chipped in 50 off 31 balls, adding 115 off 62 balls with Rahul.