Stats: Rajasthan Royals did the unthinkable in IPL history
It was an amazing night of cricket as Rajasthan Royals
stunned everyone to successfully chase down the highest total in IPL history
against Kings XI Punjab at Sharjah Cricket Ground, Sharjah played yesterday.
RR captain Steve Smith won the toss and decided to field
first. The decision did not pay off as Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul smashed the
Rajasthan Royals bowlers to all parts of the ground. Mayank looked in cracking
form and completed his fifty off just 26 balls. On the other end, Rahul gave
good support to him. It was an amazing opening partnership as they added 183
runs in just 16.1 overs.
Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for a brilliant 106 off 45
balls. Rajasthan Royals made a decent comeback in the last 4 overs. Nicolas
Pooran quickfire 25 off 8 and Maxwell cameo helped Kings XI Punjab score 223
for 2.
Chasing 224 runs to win, Jos Buttler coming into the playing
XI fell cheaply to Sheldon Cottrell for 4. Sanju Samson and Steve Smith looked
in sensational touch putting pressure on Kings XI Punjab bowlers. Samson showed the great form that he displayed in the opening match against Chennai Super Kings. After
completing his half-century Smith was dismissed by Shami. Smith and Samson
added 81 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Rahul Tewaita coming at number 4 struggled with his timing.
Samson took on Kings XI Punjab bowlers and completed his fifty in quick time. With
the required climbing, Samson hit 3 sixes off Maxwell to keep RR hopes alive. Shami
struck to get rid of dangerous Samson for a superb 85.
With 51 runs required off 3 overs, Tewaita took an aggressive route
hitting Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in the 18th over to completely
shift the match in favor of Rajasthan Royals. Tewaita completed his fifty with
a six. Jofra Archer joined in with fun hitting 2 sixes and remained not out.
Tom Curran hit the winning run to help Rajasthan Royals win the match by 4
wickets with 3 balls to spare.
Rajasthan Royals broke their own record of the highest
successful run chase in IPL history. They achieved the feat against Deccan
Chargers in 2008. So far in IPL 2020, RR has played 2 matches and won 2
matches.
For his superb knock of 85 from 42 balls, Sanju Samson was named
the man of the match award. With the likes of Sanju Samson and Smith in great
form, RR could be a major threat to other teams. The main challenge for RR is
to clear big boundaries in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Rajasthan Royals successfully chase down highest run chase in IPL history
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