In an exhilarating encounter on April 12, 2021, the IPL 2021 battle witnessed the Punjab Kings narrowly edging out the Rajasthan Royals by a mere 4 runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Punjab Kings, after being set to bat, delivered a formidable performance, scoring a remarkable 221 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The sensational innings was spearheaded by their captain KL Rahul, who showcased an outstanding display of batting skills, scoring 91 runs off just 50 balls, embellished with 7 fours and 5 sixes at a striking strike rate of 182. Deepak Hooda also played a notable innings, scoring 64 runs off 28 balls, while the explosive Chris Gayle chipped in with a brisk 40 runs from 28 deliveries. However, Rajasthan bowlers, particularly Chetan Sakariya, stood out, claiming 3 wickets for 31 runs in his 4 overs.

In response, the Rajasthan Royals put up a valiant fight, amassing 217 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. The highlight of their innings was a sensational century by the captain Sanju Samson, who scored a dazzling 119 runs off just 63 balls with 12 fours and 7 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 188.88. Despite his heroic innings, Rajasthan fell just short of the target. Other notable contributions came from Jos Buttler and Shivam Dube, each scoring 25 and 23 runs respectively.

Ultimately, Punjab Kings' bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, who took 3 wickets for 35 runs, efficiently restricted Rajasthan in the latter half of the innings, ensuring they emerged victorious in a gripping contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

This nail-biting encounter not only showcased the prowess of both teams but also highlighted the inspiring performances of individual players, making it a memorable match in the IPL 2021 season.