IPL Results 2018: Scores, Points Table and Schedule After April 15

Rajasthan Royals (217/4) became the first team to successfully defend a score in a full match in the 2018 Indian Premier League, beating Royal Challengers Bangalore (198/6) by 19 runs.

Just a few hours later, Kings XI Punjab (197/7) repeated that feat against Chennai Super Kings (193/5), courtesy of a half-century from Chris Gayle and despite some late heroics from MS Dhoni. Punjab won by four runs.

Current IPL Standings (Team, Played, Net Run Rate, Points)

Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3, +0.772, 6

Kings XI Punjab, 3, +0.116, 4

Chennai Super Kings, 3, +0.103, 4

Rajasthan Royals, 3, -0.247, 4

Kolkata Knight Riders, 3, -0.051, 2

Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3, -0.373, 2

Delhi Daredevils, 3, -0.461, 2

Mumbai Indians, 3, -0.174, 0

Upcoming Schedule (for the full schedule, visit the IPL's official website)

Monday, April 16, 3:30 p.m. BST/8 p.m. IST: Kolkata vs. Delhi

Tuesday, April 17, 3:30 p.m. BST/8 p.m. IST: Mumbai vs. Bangalore

Wednesday, April 18, 3:30 p.m. BST/8 p.m. IST: Rajasthan vs. Kolkata

Recap

Sanju Samson was the hero for Royals on Sunday, as his unbeaten 92 powered the team to a total of 217, and Royal Challengers were unable to catch up.

The team drew a lot of praise for their great showing, including from former cricketer Michael Vaughan:

Their win was notable because Rajasthan lost the toss and had to bat first, a position many teams dread these days.

A total of 217 was always going to be a challenge to chase down, even for an explosive attack like Bangalore's. Brendon McCullum scored just four from four, and Quinton de Kock was gone after scoring 26 from 19, further complicating matters. Virat Kohli did bag a half-century, but it wasn't enough.

It's the second time Royals defended a score, but their win over Delhi was rain-shortened―Sunday's performance was even more impressive.

Not to be outdone, Kings XI powered their way to a total of 197 and held off a furious late rally from Chennai, led by Dhoni. The 36-year-old finished with an unbeaten 79 and put up a lot of runs in the final overs, but the chase fell just short.

Despite the loss, the veteran was still praised on social media:

Gayle scored 63 from 33 to lead the Punjab batsmen.

The win took Kings XI up to second place behind the only unbeaten team left, Sunrisers Hyderabad.