3rd match of 2015 IPL season 8 will be played between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals at MCA International Stadium, Pune. Having won the toss Punjab put Rajasthan into bat first. Rajasthan managed to put 162 runs with J Faulkner's quick 46 runs. Rajasthan defend well with Faulkner's 3 important wickets and won by 26 runs over Punjab and open an account in points tally of IPL season 8. James Faulkner declared man of the match for his all round performance with 46 runs and 3 wickets.
Earlier, Punjab won the toss and decided to field first. Rajasthan could not made batter start and lost both openers early. SPD Smith came in middle and took charge in hand. Other middle orders KK Nair and STR Binny also departed early. Lower orders DJ Hooda contributed well 30 runs and skipper made 33 runs before left the field. In later overs James Faulkner played quick innings of 46 runs of just 33 balls and put Rajasthan on respected totals of 162 runs at the end of 20 overs.
Following target of 163 runs, Punjab lost V Sehwag on very first ball of the inning. WP Saha (7) and GJ Maxwell (7) also departed early. AR Patel promoted in order and he made 24 runs. DA Miller started well but fall scoring 24 runs. Skipper GJ Bailey also made 24 runs. No partnership were built-up and at last Punjab managed to score 136 runs and lost the match by 26 runs.
Points : Rajasthan 2, Punjab 0.
Man of the Match : JP Faulkner (Rajasthan)
