Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab, Indian Premier League 2020 Match 9: As it happened

Steve Smith-led Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first against KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab in the ninth match of the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Image Credits: Twitter/@IPL

Kings XI Punjab opener Mayank Agarwal's fabulous maiden century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) went in vain as the batting efforts by the players of the Rajasthan Royals collectively saw them clinch a four-wicket win in their third clash of the ongoing 2020 season at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, Agarwal not only brought up his maiden IPL hundred off just 45 deliveries but also stitched a mammoth partnership of 189 runs with skipper KL Rahul for the opening wicket to help the Punjab side post a huge total of 223/2--which is the highest total of this season so far.

In reply, third drop Sanju Samson notched up a quick-fire knock of 85 runs off just 42 balls besides stitching crucial stands of 81 and 61 runs with skipper Steve Smith (50) and Rahul Tewatia (53) to help Rajasthan Royals cross the mark with three balls to spare.

Rajasthan Royals will next lock horns with Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday, while Kings XI Punjab will face defending champions Mumbai Indians in their next IPL 2020 tie a day later.

Here are the highlights:

27 September 2020

23:08 IST

WICKET!! Robin Uthappa fell cheaply for nine after being taken by Nicholas Pooran at long-off on the first ball of the 19th over from Mohammad Shami.RR 203/4 (18.1 overs)

22:55 IST

WICKET!! Sanju Samson's impressive knock of 85 runs has come to an end as he is caught by KL Rahul behind the wicket on the first ball from Mohammed Shami in the 16th over. The Steve Smith-led side now need 51 runs from 18 balls. RR 173/3 (17 overs)