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Rajasthan Royals thrash Kings XI Punjab by 78 runs

Kings XI Punjab ‘s captain won the toss and opted to field against Rajasthan Royals. Cracking knocks by Naman Ojha (68, 51balls, 5x6, 5x4) and Graeme Smith (77, 41b, 1x6, 12x4) and their 135-run opening stand saw Rajasthan Royals posting the highest score of the Indian Premier League II -- 211 for four wickets. In all, there were eight sixes and 25 fours hit in the innings. Finally Rajasthan Royals won by 78 runs

Graeme Smith is the Man of the Match

Rajasthan now jump to No.2. They are tied on points with Chennai but behind on Net Run Rate.

It was always very difficult for the Kings XI Punjab to win this match after giving away those many runs. Rajasthan bowlers did the perfect job by hitting the deck hard and creating opportunities. Punjab didn’t have the stomach for a target of 212. Rajasthan have the habit of unearthing two heroes and today they had two - Ojha and Amit Singh. The Punjab batsmen never looked comfortable and ended up throwing wickets away.

This has been a thrilling match so far. Royals has made kingly impact. Smith and Ojha took the side off to a rollicking start and both these openers helped themselves with brilliant fifties. But soon after Smith's fall, wickets started tumbling and the reachable 200 started looking distant at that point in time. Jadeja kept the hopes alive and his cameo has now enabled his side post the highest total of this season. Bowling was totally lacklustre. It's a great batting wicket any thing can happen.

Kings XI Punjab are riding high with four wins in their last five games which has helped them jump to the second spot in the points table, but the tournament, which through its halfway stage, has been far more competitive than last year's version, could assume a more interesting turn if Rajasthan Royals seal a win today