Anchoring Rajasthan Royals’ chase of 176 magnificently, opener Jos Buttler (95 n.o., 60b, 11x4, 2x6) turned the team’s fortunes around to fashion a thrilling four-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in the Vivo IPL at a packed Sawai Mansingh Stadium here.
K. Goutham lashed two sixes in the 19th over before being dismissed, as the home team won with one ball to spare.
Super Kings, banking on death-over specialist Dwayne Bravo in the 20th over, tried to defend with all resources at M.S. Dhoni’s disposal. But, Buttler scored 12 runs off five balls to seal the victory.
Royals now have 10 points after five wins. Denied victory at the end, Super Kings remain in the second place with 14 points.
Surprise move
Ben Stokes opened the batting in a surprise move which backfired, with the all-rounder missing a straight ball from Harbhajan Singh after sweeping a six over mid-wicket. Ajinkya Rahane guided a teaser from Ravindra Jadeja to first slip.
Super Kings accepted the two gifted wickets with glee and gradually regained control. Sanju Samson got run out, sacrificing his wicket to save Buttler.
When the visitors batted, Dhoni walked out to the crease as a roar went around the stands, but he struggled to get the ball off the square and walked off somewhat disappointed on 33 not out.
Suresh Raina top-scored with 52 off 35 balls for Super Kings, with fours and sixes being at a premium including in the slog overs which produced only 49 runs. Ish Sodhi stood up to be counted, doing the containment task effectively.
Keeping in check
He was the only spinner among the three employed to keep the strokeplayers in check for one for 29 in four overs. Jofra Archer (4-0-42-2) tested batsmen with pace, while Jaydev Unadkat (4-0-34-0) brought in subtle changes in pace and angle. Ben Stokes (4-0-31-0) did his bit as an array of ferocious hitters were left frustrated.
Super Kings, choosing to bat, motored to 50 runs in 5.1 overs. Ambati Rayudu dragging the first ball from Archer onto the stumps was the only spot of cheer for the home team.
Rahane shuffled the bowlers to inject a tinge of surprise and remained in control after 10 overs at 90 for one. Shane Watson’s 39 and Raina’s brisk batting set the stage for an expected assault which didn’t materialise fully.
