Rajasthan beat Punjab by 6 wickets in low-scoring affair

This was the encounter between two of the most gentle men seen on a cricket field. Rahul Dravid and Adam Gilchrist, both above 40 years of age, came into the match leading their young and energetic sides. Dravid won the toss and invited Gilchrist's Punjab in to bat. (Image courtesy: BCCI)

This was the encounter between two of the most gentle men seen on a cricket field. Rahul Dravid and Adam Gilchrist, both above 40 years of age, came into the match leading their young and energetic sides. Dravid won the toss and invited Gilchrist's Punjab in to bat. (BCCI image)

Gilly did not look at ease in the middle, and was out lobbing a good length ball of Sreesanth to mid-off. He knew his side lost out on a quick start. (BCCI image)

David Hussey was by far Kings XI's best batsman on Sunday (April 14, 2013). He scored an enterprising 41 from 31 balls, not allowing the Rajasthan bowlers to settle down. But his stay was ended by Siddharth Trivedi, leaving him dejected as his wicket turned the tide in Rajasthan's favour. (BCCI image)

James Faulkner, picked up his first IPL man-of-the-match award for his two wickets and excellent fielding in the outfield. Faulker's direct hit resulted in talented Punjab youngster Manan Vohra's run out. (BCCI image)

Rajasthan bowlers made the best of the home conditions. All of the their medium pacers Kevon Cooper, Siddharth Trivedi, Sreesanth and James Faulker took two wickets each on a lively deck at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. (BCCI image)

Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane started the paltry 125-run chase in fine fashion. More so Watson, who smashed 32 from just 19 balls, including 7 fours. The two giving a perfect platform to make the target an easy one for the Rajasthan batters. (BCCI image)

When Watson was going ballistic, Rajasthan owners Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty thought the match could end much quicker than expected. But that was not to be. (BCCI image)

Praveen Kumar brought the Kings XI back into the game after dislodging Rahul Dravid (9) and Stuart Binny (0) in quick succession. With Watson out early, Rajasthan were three down for 58, giving Punjab the license to tighten the screws. (BCCI image)

Three wickets down and the emotions of the Rajasthan Royals owners changed dramatically. Things were tense as Rahane and Brad Hodge were far from convincing in the scratchy partnership. (BCCI image)

Brad Hodge was out for 15 and Punjab sniffed more blood. Skipper Gilchrist, who took two sharp catches earlier, got busy setting an attacking field for the cautious Rajasthan batters. (BCCI image)

Ajinkya Rahane played the perfect sheet anchor's role for his side, making sure he was there till the end. He scored a responsible knock of 34 not out from 42 balls, hitting just three fours in all. (BCCI image)

Ryan Harris, had a horrible day on the park, first he was hit for many by Shane Watson in his first spell, then to make things worse, he dropped Sanju Samson at slip. (BCCI image)

18-year-old Samson, though, kept a cool head and his three nonchalant fours relieved the pressure off Rahane. The two shared a responsible 47-run stand to take Rajasthan home and clinch a third win in the IPL 2013 in four games. The win also meant that the home team kept intact their record of staying unbeaten at home against Punjab in the tournament history. (BCCI image)