Shimron Hetmyer helped Rajasthan Royals secure a thrilling last-over victory against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Punjab required 10 runs from the final over, but Hetmyer (27 not out off 10 balls) remained composed against death-bowling specialist Arshdeep Singh. Despite facing two dot deliveries, Hetmyer hit 6-2-6 to guide Rajasthan to victory with one ball remaining.
Rajasthan ended their innings on 152-7 in response to Punjab's 147-8.
The Royals secured first place in the league with their third consecutive victory, while the struggling Kings suffered their fourth loss in six games.
Punjab batted first but missed the presence of Shikhar Dhawan, resulting in English all-rounder Sam Curran taking over as captain.
The home team faced frequent setbacks due to the loss of wickets.
Rajasthan's spinners restricted the scoring rate, with Yuzvendra Chahal taking 1-31 in four overs and Keshav Maharaj picking up 2-23. Maharaj dismissed Jonny Bairstow (15) and Curran (6), helping to reduce Punjab to 52-4 in 9.3 overs.
Jitesh Sharma anchored Punjab with a 24-ball 29, including two sixes, but impact player Ashutosh Sharma scored 31 off 16 balls before he was dismissed by Trent Boult (1-22) off the last ball to leave Punjab all out for 147.
Tanush Kotian replaced Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler and together they scored 56 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal, who has been struggling, scored 39 off 28 balls with four fours.
While Rajasthan relied on spin, Punjab's pace bowlers took the important wickets. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Jaiswal and in-form skipper Sanju Samson for 18.
Liam Livingstone bowled Kotian as Rajasthan's chase faltered at 89-3 in the 14th over.
At 115-5, Hetmyer and fellow West Indian batter Rovman Powell took charge. Powell's 11-run cameo off five balls gave Rajasthan the impetus that Hetmyer used to finish with a flourish of three sixes.