Picture : Twitter / IPL
Rajaasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and decided to bat first. Keen to get back into winning ways after first match loss to the Kings XI Punjab, the Royals took time to get going.
Skipper Rahane took time to get used to the conditions and opened up later to score a fine 49 ball 70. Jos Buttler fell for 5. But the innings was given the push by a brilliant unbeaten hundred by Sanju Samson 102 off mere 55 balls. Along with Rahane Samson put 119 for the second wicket. Samson’s ton was the first hundred of season 12. It was stunning innings by Samson who played shots all-round the wicket, leaving commentators wondering why he produces his best in the IPL only.
later Ben Stokes ( 16 off 9 balls) hit some lusty blows and remained unbeaten as the Royals finished at an impressive 198 / 2. That too after getting off to a very poor start in the power play overs where the Royals could score only 35 runs in first six overs.
Samson blasted Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 24 runs in the 18th over. And Kumar had a forgettable outing conceding 21 runs in the final over. His figures read a dismal 0/ 55 in ( 4 overs) , Rashid Khan was economical as always with 1 / 24 ( 4 overs) Shahbaz Nadeem 1/ 36 ( 3 overs) were the other wicket- taker.
Chasing a big target SRH need a quick start. And David warner provided that . Warner who his 85 in his first match was in devastating mood right from the word go. It was superb counter- attack that rattled the Royals bowlers. Target of 198 was now gettable given Warner’s mood . Warner blazed his was to a blistering 37 ball 69 with 9 fours and two sixes. he was supported ably by Jonny Bairstow, who too played very well. Striking the ball well to score 45 off 28 balls with 6 fours and 1 six. The opening stand of 110 was made at quick pace. This was in sharp contrast to the Royals innings and this made the difference at the end.
Skipper Kane Williamson (14) and Vijay Shankar (35 off 15) played aggressively to bring the equation within reach but three quick wickets, that too off consecutive deliveries from Shreyas Gopal (3/27) in the 16th over, changed the complexion of the game. But Yusuf Pathan (16 not out) and Rashid Khan (15 not out) who hit the winning shot a six of Jofra Archer saw the SRH home by 5 wickets. SRH chased down the target in 19 overs. Finishing at 201 / 5 and winning a a thriller .
For the Royals Ben Stokes 1/ 40 ( 3 overs) Jaidev Unadkat 1 / 26 ( 3 overs) took the other wickets that fell. It was the second straight loss for the Royals
